The Coplin Family

2.28.2011

Eyeballs

I like the word eyeballs...always have, but when I think of eyeballs now I think of my mom's and how they are hurting her, so I don't so much like the word right now.


Please be praying for her (Diane) recovery period.  She has to follow doctor’s orders to rest for the next two weeks.  That will require her to lie on her side for the two week recovery period.  That is hard for her since she is never still unless she is asleep - always 90 miles per hour serving someone else.  I know it's hard for her to hurt as well.

Last Monday night, Diane felt something happen to her eye as she was working on her computer.  She went to the eye doctor as it got worse the next day and he diagnosed her with a tear and a detached retina.  It’s a fairly serious condition that requires surgery or it could affect her vision permanently.  It’s probable that she has had a tear in her eye for a few months (floaters are a symptom of a tear), but she had it looked at about 6 months ago and nothing was found.  So, as time progressed, it must have gotten worse and finally, it detached.   

The doctor was able to perform surgery at 8:00 am Friday morning at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville.  The procedure went well and she was in a cheerful spirit.   She went back the next day at 10:30 am for a follow-up with the surgeon.  As she was waiting there were other patients there that had had the same surgery that weren't hurting as bad, which wasn't encouraging.  The doctor said that the procedure went well and that everything looked as normal, but that since she had a lasik procedure a long time ago before it was a fully developed procedure that it will be more difficult for her to heal - leading to more pain.  It’s a procedure that takes time to “heal” – so her vision may not come back 100% for a while.  Even 2 days after the surgery she still cannot open her eye.  She said it feels like it's trying to rip open right now...slowly cracking open.  Her right eye is trying now suffering vision issues - she can barely see out of it now. It's watery and puffy.  I think it's because it has overcompensated for the other eye for almost a week and it could be sympathy pain for the other eye?  Everyone’s recovery is different…so, she has to be careful the next few weeks to follow doctor’s orders and then each day should see an improvement in her vision.  They put a gas bubble behind her retina to hold it in place until the laser procedure heals and can securely keep the retina attached.  

Ken, my stepfather pictured, will be on vacation all this week and possibly the next week so he will be able to help care for my mommy.  I'm also very thankful for my family members and friends that are supporting her by bringing meals.  I know she would never ask for help, but because her love language is serving others I know that it means so much to her!

Additional prayers for Diane and Ken:  Please pray that all of their family members will stay well.  For Ken’s mom to continue to do well in her new home/assisted living apartment in Madison, that Charity’s (my sister's) sweet baby girl (Marley Grace :) will deliver close to her April delivery date and that Charity will continue to progress well in her pregnancy (she went into pre-term labor at 28 weeks, but they got it under control).  Also, that the Coplin Commune (us) and Adele Claire will all continue to do well and no “emergencies” will occur. 

Your prayers for my mom's, Diane’s, peace of mind and her body to rest is very much appreciated.
“Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about and watching everything that concerns you.” 1 Peter  5:7

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