Friends, my vision will not be returning. The Iris Bombe has progressed to a “critical stage,” and my eye will need to be removed. I am scheduled for enucleation surgery on Thursday, April 30th.
In the meantime, I am receiving extra doses of eyedrops to manage the building pressure in my eye. As of now, although the eye pressure is high, I’m not exhibiting any signs of pain or discomfort, and for that we are grateful. However, as we know from my left eye, things can escalate quickly. We are hoping to keep it stable so that I go into Thursday’s surgery while I’m still comfortable, rather than needing to do it as an emergency procedure. For those who would like the medical explanation, “Complete peripheral anterior synechia had not yet occurred. Full posterior synechia was appreciated however which increases his risk of rapid onset pressure elevations in the near future.” Hence why my ophthalmologist recommended being proactive with the surgery. A decision neither he nor my family takes lightly.
Yes, the surgery is concerning, due to my Aspergillosis. But it is inevitable. My team of veterinarian specialists will be working together. The Iris Bombe and Aspergillosis are unrelated, and I will continue my current treatment for the nasal fungus.
Please don’t feel bad for me! My vision has been slowly going away for quite some time now. In fact, I’ve beaten the odds in so many ways by keeping my vision as long as I have. But on Thursday this chapter of my health journey with Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis will be coming to a close. However, a new chapter will begin! I will be seeing with my heart, and continuing to embrace each day with my positive outlook! In fact, I’m already adjusting! Despite my blindness in recent days, I happily continue with my daily routine, navigating with increasing confidence, and even through sounds and smell, have manage to play fetch! However, I could really use your positive energy, prayers, and love in the days ahead. Thank you!
My apologies for not responding to all of your kind comments from Wednesday’s update, and in advance for this post. We are reading them, and thank you for surrounding me in love. It truly means the world to us. Thank You! We’ll be taking some time off to be together as a family, but promise to keep you updated. To quote the Bon Jovi song, Story of My Life, “I know that no, I’m not alright, But I’ll be okay ’cause anything can, everything can happen, That’s the story of my life!” Love you all!
