From “I, Writer” to iritis
Part 2 of 5
Just a quick update about my latent eye condition, which affects both of my eyes: I have iritis, which is an inflammation of the iris. Both eyes are rather swollen, too, which has caused each iris to “stick to” the cornea, the symptoms being what I can best describe as a heavy white blur. In other words, I have become partially blind in both eyes. And I’m going on one week now.
I can see for the most part, but it’s like looking out from a snow cave during a blizzard. I can barely read nor can I see long distances; driving is out of the question. For a hiker and an avid reader, that’s damn hard. I’m also very acutely light-sensitive and it hurts to look at a computer screen, especially since I must do it with magnifying reading glasses. Yes, I know I’ve got a lot of emails piling up. No, I am not yet ready to respond to them all.
Apparently iritis is a fairly common occurence. I’d never heard of it previously. But I’m going to have to be patient and endure this iritis Hell for the next two weeks or more as I visit the ophthalmologist and take atropine and prednisolone in the form of a heavy regimen of eye drops. Meanwhile I take comfort in knowing that some of you have been emailing. I’m grateful that you’re thinking of me.
I’m thinking of you, too. And I’m going to come back. There are plenty of far-off vistas that I still intend to lead you to.
~winehiker
« Part 1: The eyes have it. And they hurt. Winehiker out of commission. | Part 3: Things are beginning to look up »
February 27th, 2007 22:07
Wow! Whatever causes that, make sure you never do it again!! Get well quick!
(You filed this under “grape squeezins”, there’s something humorous about that [pun intended])
February 28th, 2007 09:05
That sounds scary, and the waiting must be hard. Hope you have a speedy & full recovery!
February 28th, 2007 10:44
Get well soon!
February 28th, 2007 12:46
Hi Winehiker
I feel for you. I hope you heal quickly. Patience is the hardest skill to learn I’ve found, but I wish you comfort in your healing time. Don’t force it too soon - we’ll still be here. Keep telling yourself the wines are aging while you heal and they’ll be better when you get there!
I look forward to your return!
WW
February 28th, 2007 20:05
Russ - iritis, now, I hope you’re not sight challenged for much longer! I’ll light some sage and say a prayer for you! Seriously! Tom
March 2nd, 2007 11:48
It’s really good to hear from you folks. Yesterday was a transition day; I’m finally beginning to regain some of my clarity of vision. I’m not out of the snowcave yet, but I hope to resume my blogging activities this weekend. Thank you all very much for your comments and well wishes!
March 3rd, 2007 17:27
Since your eyes are already inflamed, maybe it would be a good idea to allow them some rest, away from the computer screen. I mean, like, how can one hike around sampling wine this spring with iritis?
Take care of your eyes. Only one pair per customer is allotted, y’know.
*Hugs*
April 3rd, 2007 08:18
I have Iritis too - not so often and not so severe these days, I thought you might be interested in reading my story as it may help you. I’m in the middle of writing it, but it should be finished in a few days. I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me.
http://freespace.virgin.net/sue.kerrigan1/Index3/Iritis_Uveitis.html