hELLO, AND, ER, gOODBYE!

john8pies · Post by **john8pies** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 4:03 am

Dear Friends,

Well as you know I went back to work on Monday and this, coupled with my elder daughter now being back home and living in the "spare" bedroom (formerly known as my computer room!!!) has curtailed my participation in the last few days.

Now the traumatic stuff...I had to go to the eye hospital yesterday and it was found that I had iritis in my left eye and a cataract in my right eye. They`ve got to treat the iritis first, then refer me to an optician to look at the cataract, which will probably have to be removed. They did warn me that tjhere was the `possibility` that I could go blind; bummer, eh? (As I pointed out to somebody in a private letter, I feel 80 years old telling you all this stuff!)

Long and short of it. I`m not supposed to drive. I find it hard to see properly. And too much computer time is not clever. So I`m going to say `au revoir` for now (so not EXACTLY goodbye, I know!) and just dip in and out of this wonderful forum (a) when I have time to do so and (b) when my eyes feel up to it.

Take care and all those just below me on the list, don`t worry, you`ll eaily overtake me now!!!

love and best wishes,

John

PS: Don`t know if anybody else heard but that couple I told you about last week who had been married for 80 years (he was 105 and she was 100); well, sorry to have to tell you, but he died on Wednesday....what with this, and the deaths of my auntie, my uncle and a very close friend and now my eyes....seeems like everything is coming to `closure`. Still, must keep things in perspective and realise how LUCKY I am compared to those poor souls with major illnessess, or no homes, or no water, or in war or famine zones, etc.[/FONT]

:-6 :-6 :-6

Post by **spot** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 4:31 am

Get over it, John.

Once you're fit, perhaps you'd like to come back and give us the good news?

Health first, socializing second. Well, in the short term, anyway. If anyone does that for too long, they run out of road, they might as well have socialized ill, but in your case, where socializing actually has the potential to keep you unhealthy, there's lots of reasons for you to stay away.

I'll be pleased, though, when you announce that you're back the way you were. Take care.

mominiowa · Post by **mominiowa** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 6:39 am

John

- Take care of yourself.....be safe - and do what the doctor says...They really do know what they are saying..LOL - Enjoy your time off - and look at is a "much needed rest"........Good Luck to you! :-6

Philadelphia Eagle · Post by **Philadelphia Eagle** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 6:44 am

I hope everything work out well for you and wish you good luck.

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 6:55 am

John:

Not good with words but it saddened me to hear your story.

I hope you overcome these in time. I for one will miss your humour and slant on things............ Hang in there and keep us informed.

Can I ask? Is it anterior?

Robert

Peg · Post by **Peg** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 7:24 am

Best of luck to you, John. Take care of yourself and come back when you can. You will be missed.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 7:34 am

We are all pulling for you John! Get better, and let us know how you're doing. :yh_peace

anastrophe · Post by **anastrophe** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 10:13 am

i hope all goes well for you.

babygirl · Post by **babygirl** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 10:24 am

Hi john i hope you get well soon my thaughts are with you always make sure you do as the doc tells you take care babe lots of love Emma xxx :-4

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 10:24 am

JOHN8PIES,

I will miss your great outlook on life, and your sense of humor. I hope all goes well for your. The key to both Iritis and Cataracts is early detection. Drops unsually take care of Iritis, and Cataract surgery is so advanced these days it's a piece of cake, and restores your vision in that eye. :-4 Keep us posted if you can on your progress.

I know what you mean about the kids comeing back home. My daughter and granddaughter took over my office as well..

IRITIS / UVEITIS

IRITIS, a form of Anterior Uveitis is a term for an inflammatory disorder of the colored part of the eye (iris). In the majority of cases there is no specific cause. Occasionally, iritis is just one symptom of a disease that affects other organ systems. These are called connective tissue diseases and include: rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoid , lupus , scleroderma , Behcet's disease , anklylosing spondylitis, Reiter's disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and B-27 disease. Sometimes, it is necessary to establish whether iritis/uveitis is a manifestation of one of these or some other underlying systemic disease. Your eye care provider may ask a detailed medical history, and may order a battery of tests including several possible blood tests, a chest x-ray, x-rays of the lower back, and a skin test for tuberculosis.

The symptoms of iritis include light sensitivity, red eye, blurred vision, tearing, pain, and sometimes floaters. The pupil may appear small in the affected eye when compared to the normal pupil. Frequently iritis is a recurrent problem; after a few episodes patients become very astute at early diagnosis. Iritis is sometimes confused with conjunctivitis, a much less serious disorder of the clear outer lining of the eye.

The secrets to the successful treatment of iritis is early detection and proper choice of medicines. Therapy consists of anti-inflammatory and dilating drops. These medicines decrease the inflammation and reduce the scarring that can occur. Persistent cases may require more intensive treatment. Successful treatment of iritis depends on careful and consistent compliance by the patient.

In serious cases, complications may arise. Cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal changes are possible consequences of both the disease and the medicines used to treat it. Careful observation is needed in the resolving phase to monitor potential problems. If the medicines are withdrawn too rapidly, a recurrence is very possible.

What are the symptoms of iritis?

The symptoms of iritis usually appear suddenly and develop rapidly over a few hours or days. Iritis commonly causes pain, tearing, light sensitivity and blurred vision. A red eye often occurs as a result of iritis. Some patients may experience floaters, small specks or dots moving in the field of vision. In addition, the pupil may become smaller in the eye affected by iritis.

How is iritis diagnosed?

A careful eye exam is extremely important when the symptoms of iritis occur, as inflammation inside the eye can affect sight and could lead to blindness. A slit lamp, which illuminates and magnifies the structures of the eye, is commonly used to detect any signs of inflammation. A diagnosis is often made on the basis of an eye examination from an eye care provider.

Since iritis can be associated with another disease, an evaluation of the patientÃ‚Â¹s overall health is sometimes necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, blood tests, skin tests, and x-rays may be conducted and other specialists may be consulted to determine the cause of the inflammation.

How is iritis treated?

Treatment of iritis is often directed at finding and removing the cause of the inflammation. In addition, eye drops and ointments are used to relieve pain, quiet the inflammation, dilate the pupil, and reduce any scarring which may occur. Both steroids and antibiotics may be used. The application of hot packs may also provide relief from the symptoms of iritis. In severe cases, oral medications and injections may be necessary to treat the condition.

A case of iritis usually lasts 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, the patient must be observed carefully to monitor potential side effects from medications and any complications which may occur. Cataracts, glaucoma, corneal changes, and secondary inflammation of the retina may occur as a result of iritis and the medications used to treat the disorder.

Loss of sight can be prevented:

Since iritis is an inflammation inside the eye, the condition is potentially sight threatening. Proper diagnosis and prompt treatment of iritis are essential. To minimize any loss of vision, the patient should have a complete eye examination as soon as symptoms occur. If diagnosed in the early stages, iritis can usually be controlled with the use of eye drops before vision loss occurs.

capt_buzzard · Post by **capt_buzzard** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 2:49 pm

Keep up the spirit old chap. And hurry back:-6

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 5:09 pm

John old mate. my kisses are winging their way to you as i type, not very well due to the fact i'm p****d not angry you understand but drunk!!

Hopefully things will go well at the hospital and you'll be posting like a good un.

Miss ya john...........its taken me all of 15 minutes to do this post:wah:

i reallyy should get my nais cut & maybe not drink as many budweisers!! xxxxxxxxxxx

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 6:06 pm

abbey wrote: John old mate. my kisses are winging their way to you as i type, not very well due to the fact i'm p****d not angry you understand but drunk!!

Hopefully things will go well at the hospital and you'll be posting like a good un.

Miss ya john...........its taken me all of 15 minutes to do this post:wah:

i reallyy should get my nais cut & maybe not drink as many budweisers!! xxxxxxxxxxxThey have Bud in bloody ol England?....KOOL

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 3:58 am

All the best.

posted by BTS

They have Bud in bloody ol England?....KOOL

We also get the czech original. pilsner from the original pilsner, genuine scotch whisky, real ale......

john8pies · Post by **john8pies** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 5:51 am

Many thanks to all of you who have sent me their best wishes. I have taken the opportunity of my daughter being in Oxford (brainy, but costs me a fortune!) this weekend to try and send all of you personal letters; but please excuse any spelling mistakes or similar as the writing still looks a bit `hazy` to me and I`m just going by the places of letters on the keyboards.

-John

thomas40 · Post by **thomas40** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 8:19 am

will miss you thomas 40 come abck again soon.

Jives · Post by **Jives** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 9:27 am

Ouch! I'd hate to lose my vision! That's tough, John, but you have a great attitude towards life. I'll see you around and we'll make it a big party every time you show up!

pink princess · Post by **pink princess** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 1:50 am

john

i really really do wish you all the best luck and everythign else good and fluffy in the world!!

my gran had cataracts done when she was about 80 and got on fine so you shouldnt have too much of a problem there..... the other one im not so sure about - i dont know enough about it tbh

but i really am sending you all my 'good vibes' ive missed your posts round here, if theres anything i can do let me know

your princess

:-4 x

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 9:30 am

You are in all out thoughs J8P. I wish you good health and good luck. You will be missed.