Return to Rochester

Those of you who have read my blog for awhile, are familiar with the above photograph.

I originally posted it here, when I first learned of serious problems with my vision, and later in several follow-up posts.

Well, here it is again.

My husband and I will be returning to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota this week.

Recently, periods of double vision have been creeping back.

While not as severe as previously, it is enough to be bothersome.

Before it worsens, we are visiting my wonderful surgeon to seek his opinion and advice.

We were relieved that Minnesota was experiencing a mild winter this year.

As usual, just as we are to arrive, winter storms and winds are beginning to howl!

Coats, sweaters, gloves and boots are now packed.

Once again, my prayer is to gracefully accept any limitations and the path my life follows. 

Even with wonky eyes, I will be OK!

I truly believe that.

The Better to See With

I recently received my new glasses from the Mayo Optical Shop!

My prescription changed drastically following the recent eye muscle surgeries, and I can really tell a difference with these.  They do not help with the dark blobs and spots I still experience with my left eye, but overall my vision is greatly improved!

I am also relieved the lenses are not nearly as thick as I feared.  It is amazing what can be accomplished with today's technology and resources.

They are made in France by Dilem.  Around the lenses, they are brushed copper. 

The really cool part are the temples which are interchangeable.

My first choices are rather subdued, except for one pair.

The pair on the glasses, in the photo above, is burgundy.

The second pair is black, with cross hatching in shades of camel and brown.

The third pair is bright turquoise with brown swirls.

The temples are very easy to snap on and off.  The first time was a little frightening.  I had visions of everything snapping into pieces.

I already have plans to select a few more patterns and colors.

Earlier this week, a reader left a comment inquiring about my eye problems.  Since I had no way to contact her directly, I will answer here and hope she reads it.

Approximately seven years ago, I was first diagnosed as hypothyroid.  My thyroid did not produce enough thyroid hormone, and I was placed on Synthroid.  For almost five years, I had absolutely no problems and my levels remained constant.  I was seen on a regular basis for check-ups and blood labs.

At some point between check-ups, my thyroid reverted and began producing too much hormone.  It happened gradually, and was not noticeable until the symptoms became quite severe.  I experienced heart palpitations, chest and jaw pain, tremors of the hands, feet and legs, shortness of breath and great fatigue.  At approximately the same time, my eyes began to ache and became very sensitive to light.

I was diagnosed with Graves Disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.  There is no history of it in my family.  It is often caused by a viral infection or external factor.  In my case, they believe it could well have been stress.  My thyroid became enlarged and fibrous.  It was surgically removed, due to its size and concern over suspicious spots on the gland.

Following surgery, my eyes seemed to ache less, and my physicians were quite optimistic that I had escaped any severe vision problems.  The outward symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease are swelling and bulging of the eyes.  I exhibited none of that. 

Approximately six months after the removal of my thyroid, I was diagnosed with Thyroid Eye Disease.

It is my understanding not all persons with Graves Disease will experience vision or eye problems.

Not all Thyroid Eye Disease patients experience the type of thyroid problems I did.

My best advise is to be seen by a competent endocrinologist and ophthamologist if you ever have any concerns.  I discounted some of my earliest symptoms as age or stress related, and did not seek medical care between scheduled check-ups as quickly as I should have.  None of us like to visit doctors -- and in particular specialists -- but sometimes it may be what saves your life or your vision.

On a sweeter note, have you heard about the banana pudding milkshakes at Chick Fil A?

Many of you already know I was a huge fan of the chocolate peppermint shakes.  Sadly, they are no longer served.  These are good, but I really miss the chocolate peppermint variety.  Perhaps it is for the best.  With the quickly approaching season for shorts and swimsuits, milkshakes may not be my figure's best friend!

Have a great Friday and weekend! 

A reader asked if I had prisms in my glasses.  I do not.  The type of double vision I have could not be corrected with prisms.  The muscle eye surgery that I underwent in December corrected the majority of the double vision.  I still have double vision when looking certain directions, or if I am tired.

Rochester Report

Artwork honoring nursing professionals at Mayo Clinic, Rochester

Our recent trip to Rochester was timed perfectly!

A few days with highs above freezing had melted some of the snow.  Temperatures during our stay were not  nearly as numbing as during our last visit.

The day we left, a winter storm warning was issued.  The following day set records for snow accumulation in a 24-hour period.

By that time, we were well on our way South toward family and friends!

Once again, I was touched as I walked the halls of the clinic.  Being the Friday before a holiday weekend, the whole complex seemed a little more quiet -- except for the carillon bells in the Plummer Building tower. We arrived in downtown Rochester just in time to catch the end of Friday's regularly scheduled concert.

Although I arrived at Mayo 7 West early, I was quickly ushered back to the treatment rooms.  One of the medical students from my previous visit is still on rotation within the Ophthamology Department.  I enjoyed hearing of his current studies and plans.  It is encouraging to know the future will provide physicians to treat conditions such as mine.

My surgeon is pleased with my progress.

Most likely, I will always have some double vision when looking certain directions, or when shifting my gaze too quickly..

I need to channel some of this wise one's traits,

and remember to turn my head, more than quickly moving my eyes.

Unfortunately, my neck does not operate quite the same!

The water soluable sutures in my eyes have finally disappeared after two months.

Permanent sutures remain hidden beneath my lower eyelids.  They will add stability to the optic muscles.

During this visit, those sutures were adjusted and trimmed.

One of the biggest problems I now experience is dry eyes.

Thyroid disease alters the composition of natural tears.  They become less viscous, and do not lubricate the eys as well.  Artifical tears have become my best friend and constant companion.

In an attempt to help my eyes retain more moisture, plugs were inserted into my tear ducts.  I can discern a slight improvement in the moisture of my eyes, but still need to supplement with eye drops.

Should the problem continue, and cause additional damage to the corneas, I may need to consider eyelid retraction surgery.  We will revisit that possibility when I return to the Mayo next November.

My depth perception is improving, and could continue to improve over the next few months.

Dark blobs and floaters will most likely remain, but I am slowly learning to ignore them most of the time.

My vision acuity and peripheral vision have decreased significantly.

My life has changed.

Many things are no longer a part of it.

A few weeks ago, I forced myself to clean out my bathroom cabinet and drawers.

The contacts and contact solutions were pitched, along with the eyelash curler and other eye makeup.

Due to last summer's orbital decompression surgeries, I can no longer use an eyelash curler.  My eyes are now more deeply set, and no curler "fits".  It was a strange, and somewhat sad, realization.  We take so many of our daily routines for granted.  I must now treat my eyes more gently.  There can still be makeup, but just in different forms and methods.

I figure the amount of money I now save on cosmetics can be spent on favorite flavor milkshakes or cute new glasses.

Thank goodness for today's fashionable eyeglasses.  I can hardly wait for my new cool specs to arrive in a few weeks! 

I will not miss what I saw with wonky eyes:  the mishmash of shapes and objects, the inability to walk a straight line or drive a car.

I pray I never forget how I saw with wonky eyes.

I viewed life very differently during that time, and it was a great blessing.

I have always considered myself a compassionate person.  I am trying to be even moreso now.

I have always believed that we must suffer loss in order to appreciate abundance.

We must experience pain to recognize the gift of good health.

We must overcome sadness to feel joy.

We never fully understand faith until it is the only thing to which we cling.

The last two years held all those feelings, and so much more.

For one year, I dealt with a thyroid gone crazy, heart palpitations, decreased liver function, loss of my voice and difficulty in swallowing.

Just when I thought I had endured it all, my vision was threatened and my eyes crossed.

Now, I stand on the brink of renewed health and restored vision.

I never want to forget.   Yet I do not want to keep longing back.

While waiting for doctor appointments, lying in hospital beds or recovering at home, this song has been played nonstop on my iPod.

It is a new day.

For the first time, in a long time, I know I will be OK.

Even if wonky eyes return, I will be OK.

My prayer has always been to accept my path and any limitations with grace.  God has granted so much more, and now I pray to remain forever grace-filled and grateful.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for every prayer, message of hope, and word of encouragement.



Time for a Check-up!

We are headed to Minnesota and Mayo Clinic again,

and there is no snow in the forecast this time!

Actually, the daytime temperatures should be above freezing while we are there!

This is my first post-surgery check up.

I am eager to hear my surgeon's thoughts about my current condition and future treatment.

I have the little bishop* from yesterday's entry packed, and plan to do some smocking as we drive.

Or, I may just enjoy gazing out the window and not thinking about a thing!

If all goes according to plan, we will take a few detours on the way home and visit with family and friends.

I think both my husband and I are ready for a little vacation.

I might check in and maybe share an adventure or two from the road.

Otherwise, see you back here soon!

* I referred to the bishop as "tiny" in my entry yesterday, and a dear reader wondered if I was using a special pattern for small sizes.  It is a size 0-3 months from Ellen McCarn's regular Baby Bishops pattern.  It is just much smaller than anything I have stitched recently!  I usually make a larger size for baby gifts, so the baby will have something to wear later.  This time, I wanted to give something that she might be able to wear home or for Easter.

Surgery at Saint Marys

Mayo 7 West is where I reported for all vision tests, appointments and meetings with my surgeon.

Surgery was performed at Saint Marys Hospital, located a few miles down the street from the Mayo Clinic.

 I do not have any photographs of the hospital, and really wish I did.  One end of the lobby was filled with a towering Christmas tree comprised only of fresh red poinsettias.  A life size creche was at its base.

Saint Marys Hospital serves only Mayo patients and is staffed exclusively by Mayo Clinic physicians.  After Rochester suffered a devastating tornado in 1883, Mother Alfred Moes and the Sisters of Saint Francis wished to build a hospital for the sick and injured residents of Southern Minnesota.  Their one condition was that William Mayo and his sons provide the medical services.  An agreement was reached and the hospital opened with 27 beds in 1889.  It now has 1265 beds.

The morning of surgery would be one of the coldest of our visit.  With temperatures at -10, and wind chill factor closer to -20, we were a pair of icicles as we headed to our car.

When I first began speaking with representatives from the clinic and city hotels, they often referred to the parking "ramps".  It all sounded a little strange to me.  In Dallas, almost every professional building, hospital, shopping mall, convention center, hotel and even churches have parking "garages".  I was informed by a Minnesota friend that a garage is an enclosed structure, and a ramp is not.  Well, the public parking garages in Texas are not normally enclosed, but we also do not receive three feet of snow and experience sub-zero temperatures on a regular basis!

Much of the 2nd Street Parking Ramp, attached to our hotel, was inaccessible due to piles and drifts of snow, but I digress.

Through an icy parking ramp and streets, we crunched our way to Saint Marys.  The hour of our arrival and departure was outside the normal operating times of the hospital shuttle.

We were quickly met in the lobby by an escort and taken to my room.  I was given a hospital gown in a shade of blue that coordinated nicely with my frozen nose and lips. 

A nurse with a great sense of humor wheeled me toward the pre-op waiting room.  Christmas carols were softly playing, and I was issued one more item-- the ever fetching papery shower-cap-looking-thingy.  They really know how to make a girl feel lovely!  Dr. H, suddenly appeared at my side and inked his initials onto my forehead above each eye.  He promised that when it was all over, I would be left only with aligned eyes and not his monogram.

I believed him.

During surgery, the thickened and tight muscles preventing my eyes from focusing properly would be detached.  They would then be reattached farther back on the eye, allowing proper muscle coordination and focusing.  The incisions were made in the conjunctiva, the thin covering over the white of the eye.  

Dr. H determined measurements for relocation through earlier vision tests and examinations.  Surgery lasted three hours.  I woke in Recovery to the all-too-familiar question of rating pain on a scale of 1 to 10.

At that point, 10 might not have been high enough -- especially after I was informed that Dr. H preferred no additional pain medication.  The procedure used is called adjustable suture surgery.  I would need to be awake and coherent for the second part of the procedure which would take place a few hours later.

 I considered requesting being wheeled outside and allowed to bury my head in one of the many piles of snow to ease the pain.  However, I feared that might be frowned upon.

Instead, I asked one of the nurses to describe the appearance of my eyes.

Let's just say she lied.  She was very kind, but not at all truthful!

These are my lovely sci-fi horror movie eyes about two or three days after surgery.

They were so red they glowed.  Quite apppropriate for the season!

In the photograph, at the tip of each arrow, is a black blob.  Those are sutures at the site of the incisions.  There is one more incision, in each eye, beneath the lower lid.

About three hours after returning to my room, Dr. H arrived to evaluate eye alignment.

The suture threads were several inches long, trailing out of my eyes, and taped to my cheeks.  He could adjust the tension on the muscles through the temporary suture knots, if necessary.

He told me it would tickle. 

A word of caution:  if a doctor tells you it will tickle, do not believe him.

The surface of my eyes were anesthetized with drops.

The sutures were tied with permanent knots and still remain in my eyes today.  Those in the above photograph should dissolve in time.

The ones beneath the lower lids were made with permanent suture thread for added stability.  They will be removed during my follow-up visit in February.

My eyes are now slightly less red.  They usually feel gritty and dry.  After surgery, I was placed on a regimen of steroid, antibiotic and lubricant eye drops.  The antibiotics have now ceased, but steroid and lubricant eye drops continue.  I will most likely always require the use of artificial tears or lubricant eye drops.

Once Dr. H and the nurses were confident that I was able to walk down the hall, eat, drink and use the restroom, I was discharged.  We spent about 12 hours at Saint Marys.  We crunched our way back through the icy streets to our hotel, where I would spend the next three days recuperating.

Bright and cheerful flowers from a dear friend would brighten our room.

Emails, texts and phone calls would lessen the pain, provide encouragement and remind us that we were constantly held in prayer.

At the end of the week, Dr. H informed us that I had surpassed even his expectations.  I informed him it was obviously the result of so many prayers on my and his behalf.  I honestly believe that.

Prior to surgery, distant vision was worse and near vision was better.  After surgery, it is the opposite.  It will take time for my eyes, muscles and brain to adjust to the changes and learn to work together again.

Ideally, my vision should continue to improve over the next 6-8 weeks as healing continues.

There is also a chance that it could begin to deteriorate.

I will always have Graves Disease.  I will always have thyroid eye disease.  There will probably always be slight double vision when I turn my head too quickly, or look in certain directions.  I may never again be able to wear my contact lens.  However, many prayers have been answered.  Many things once again bring great joy, instead of frustration and anger.  Life will return to normal, or a new normal.

As we bid Dr. H farewell, I had to inquire why he would leave his homeland of England and travel to one of the coldest regions of our country.  His first response was "romance". That made me smile!  Somewhere along the way, he met and married an American.

He went on to inform us that he would never have as many opportunities in England to research, teach and practice his chosen field of medicine.

No doubt, there is room for improvement in the way health care is managed in our country.  Yet, we are also fortunate to be a country where many are eager to come, learn, treat and teach others.

Throughout my time at Mayo, I was struck how many times staff members told me how much they love what they do, and it is obvious they are being sincere.

I am fortunate to have the resources and knowledge to seek the finest care.  I realize that is not always true for others.  It is my hope and prayer that someday it will be.

I am forever grateful for a doctor willing to take a chance on a difficult case such as mine.

I am also forever grateful for each of you, your prayers, your support and your encouragement.

I believe God's timing is perfect.

It is almost a new year.

It is time to begin stitching, creating and celebrating life again.

It is time to have fun again!

   

 

Mayo in Minnesota Mini-Tour

Many of you have been so kind to inquire about my healing progress and prognosis.  I continue to be overwhelmed by your kindness and prayers.

Many have also inquired as to what exactly was done.  So, I will attempt to share a little about our recent trip, the Mayo Clinic, and my surgery.

The Mayo Clinic has long been a part of our family's history.
I just never expected to be a patient!

My mother-in-law, Dorothye, was raised in Janesville, Minnesota.  After graduating from University of Minnesota, she moved to Rochester and began working as a medical secretary at Mayo.  Through her experience there, she would begin a career with the American Urology Association.  My father-in-law trained in urology at the Mayo.  Years later, through their connections with the American Urology Assocation, they would meet and marry.  However, they both always retained strong ties professionally and personally with Mayo and members of its staff.

At one time, it was evidently quite the thing for medical doctors to gift each other with autographed portraits.  These photographs of the Mayo brothers, bearing inscriptions to my father-in-law, normally reside in our attic, along with boxes of similar photographs which once graced the walls of his Memphis medical office.  While in Rochester, we discovered the Mayo brothers also had an extensive collection of autographed photographs.  At least their families have the many Mayo campus buildings in which to display their collection, and the many clinic visitors with which to share!  Our attic does not normally receive many visitors.

This was the view from our hotel window during both of our recent visits.

Pardon the poor image caused by the window screen.

Buildings comprising the Mayo Clinic campus are those farthest away.

The tallest buildings are the Gonda and Mayo Buildings.  Directly in front of them, the tall beige building with the tower is Plummer Building.  The tower is ornately decorated with stone carvings of griffins, gargoyles, dragons and owls.  A pair of nurses adorns each corner of the tower.

The tower houses the Rochester Carillon comprised of 56 bells, making it one of the largest instruments of its kind in North America.  Carillon concerts, lasting 20-30 minutes, are performed three times weekly.  In order to hear the music, it is best to be outside.  Unfortunately, at the time of concerts, I was either in my hotel room, undergoing tests, or at appointments.  Hopefully, on our next trip, schedule and weather will allow more time to enjoy the carillon.

This photograph, which I shared in a previous post, shows the main entrance of the clinic into the Gonda Building.

Immediately inside is Admissions and Business Services, where most patients first report.

I must say that we hardly ever stood in line, or waited more than a few minutes for appointments or scheduled meetings.  Regardless of where we went, we were greeted quickly and warmly.  Even when we arrived early for appointments, they were often prepared for us.  Truly amazing, compared to the time we have spent waiting in other doctor offices and hospitals the past two years.

Across the lobby from Admissions is the Slaggie Family Cancer Education Center.

Just outside its doors is a very large installation by Dale Chihuly.  Thirteen "chandeliers" of blown glass weighing 6,000 pounds comprise this incredible creation.  Chihuly decided not to title this piece.  He wanted to create something that makes people feel good, and did not want them influenced by any title or other association.

 It especially seemed fitting for our visit -- its many shimmering glass spheres and tendrils resembled Christmas tree ornaments and tinsel.

The piece was a gift from Serena Fleischhaker in honor of her husband and grandparents.

The Mayo is actually home to many beautiful pieces of art by well known artists.

These are the towering windows on the front of the Gonda Building, and immediately left of the main entrance doors.  When I took the photograph, I was standing in front of Admissions.

Looking outside the windows, you may spy one of the snow laden tables which appeared in this post.

Wide marble steps lead down from the Gonda lobby to the Nathan Landow Atrium.

The large windows from the previous photograph flood this area with light.

In the center of the photograph, is a grand piano.  You can click on the photograph to enlarge, and will see patients gathered round the piano in their wheelchairs.

Throughout the day, someone would be playing.  Sometimes it was a volunteer, filling the space with holiday music or other tunes.  Other times, it might be a patient sharing their talent and temporarily forgetting their pain or problems.  Anyone is welcome to play.

It was always the intent of the Mayo brothers to serve all needs of a patient's body and soul. 

On the wall is Man and Freedom, a cast bronze (1954) by Ivan Mestrovic.  It once hung on the exterior of Mayo, but has been relocated to this spot.  It is described as a powerful depiction of the human desire for independence and self-realization.

The entrance to the subway, linking our hotel to the clinic, is directly to the left and bottom of the statue.  To reach the elevators to my surgeon's office, we always exited the subway and walked beneath the feet of this great statue. 

This photograph also holds special meaning to me.  As I snapped it, I just happened to catch the young medical student who took a great interest in my case.  Since my condition was different from many, there were often medical students and other observers gathered in my surgeon's office during appointments and examinations.  This time, I did not mind being a source of interest.  If this young man is able to go forth and help others with this condition, it is a blessing.

The subways are a series of corridors linking many hotels, restaurants, retail shops and other businesses with the Mayo.  It is strictly pedestrian traffic -- no vehicles of any type.  There are many wheelchairs, but that is the only other means of transportation seen within the subways and skywalks.

In one portion of the subway, we would also pass this display.  Throughout the buildings, there are displays of  items linked to the Mayo family or medical practice.

This is a display of  Mayo family china.  One day, prior to surgery, I especially had some time to study it.  In the crowds and unfamiliar territory, I became separated from my husband.  With my helter-skelter vision, I could only wait patiently for him to retrace his steps and find me.

The linen lace-trimmed napkin especially caught my attention.

 Its folds are held with a silver napkin clip, engraved with Charles Mayo's initials.  I collect antique silver napkin rings, but was not familiar with antique silver napkin clips.

The Mayo is a learning place for more than just medical information!

Within this same display, but not photographed, are also pieces of  presidential china sets.  Many US presidents and vice-presidents have been treated at the Mayo over the years.  Some of them have also shared pieces of china and other items with the Mayo.

When I saw the vintage marble water fountain and decorative elevator doors, I was immediately taken back in time to the downtown office building of my childhood doctor. 

Mostly, I realized how rare it is to see drinking water fountains! 

Unfortunately, this fountain has met modern times.  The bubbling mouthpiece no longer offers its cool refreshment.  A spigot has been added above for the filling of water bottles or cups.

This fountain and these elevators are located in the Plummer Building.

I will be back soon with more photographs and details!

Update from Rochester

Courtyard of Gonda Building at Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN

We slipped and slid into Rochester on icy roads last night.

Temperatures are frigid!

We are now very good at winding our way through subways and skywalks, without ever setting foot outside.

Piles of snow are everywhere.  The photograph above, taken in a fairly well protected area, does not begin to depict the abundance of  frozen white stuff!

I flew through my pre-op labs and tests.

Surgery is scheduled for 10 am tomorrow.  The operation will take three to four hours.  Four muscles on each eye will be surgically repositioned, in hopes of lessening my current double vision.  Additional adjustments to the muscles will be made over the next few days, to obtain optimum success with this surgery.

I have great faith in my surgeon and his team, but realize this is truly in the hands of someone even greater.

In the meantime, I am in a winter wonderland during the season of  magic, hope and joy!

Your prayers and messages have touched my heart.

I am truly blessed, and thank each of you.

I will see you here again, soon!