Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014
Update # 159
7 Years
Happy New Year,
Did everyone enjoy the “polar vortex” last week? We sincerely hope it does not dip down into our area again for decades. Our continuing large snow amounts had us upgrade our 23-year old snow thrower to a much bigger snow blower. I figure that will scare off the snow for the rest of the season. It seems to have worked since today’s amount was a measly 1.5 inches.
I returned late this afternoon from a quick trip to Iowa. The drive home was in all sorts of weather – snow, blowing snow, sleet, rain, sunshine, with strong wind the constant companion.
Yesterday I drove to Iowa City to meet Jeff and Meridith. Jeff had 2 early eye appointments this morning so spending the night near the hospital made the most sense. Last September, Dr. Wagner had suggested Jeff meet with an ocular plastic surgeon in regards to the possibility of lifting his eyelids. Dr. Keith Carter agreed that there is laxity in Jeff’s eyelids but feels that surgery right now is not necessary. Lifting the top eyelids and tightening the lower lids can possibly create more dryness for Jeff’s eyes. Jeff’s concern about his upper eyelashes coming straight down is something that Dr. Carter says can be fixed with an outpatient procedure. He can lift that tiny line and have the lashes turn up again. Before Dr. Carter does anything, he likes his patients to have a sleep study. GVHD is the culprit in all of this but the doctor wants to be sure Jeff is free of sleep apnea. Jeff can have the sleep study done in Waterloo and take the result to Iowa City.
Dr. Wagner’s appointment went very well. Even with all the eye dryness, Jeff’s corneas are still pristine and vision continues at 20/20. In trying to keep moisture in the eyes, Jeff is going to again try Restasis. He used it for a short time a few years ago but the drops seemed to bother rather than help. Dr. Wagner feels the eyes have been stable for quite a while so hopefully the drops will work better this go round. A nighttime ointment was also recommended. A small amount will help keep Jeff’s eyes moist during the night and therefore not begin his day with dry eyes.
July 17th is Jeff’s next appointments with these 2 doctors. Plenty of time for the sleep study, Restasis drops, and nighttime ointment to work. We pray these drops and ointment will alleviate the nagging dryness.
We also pray for all of you who continue to remember Jeff all these years. Your love and support are immeasurable. I’ll update after Jeff’s June 16th StL yearly appointment.
love,
Marcia