Saving My Eyes

To My Family

To My Friends

To People Who Care About People

I began by telling you that it has taken me some time to swallow a good amount of pride before doing this. My family’s idea and their encouragement helped.

Some know about what has been happening, some do not. My name is Denise and I am 52 years young. I have always believed in taking good care of myself, but sometimes the things that are out of my hands just happen.

The doctors told me that it just happens. In my case, I have been included in a "1% chance no explanations medical situation." When I was told this, I was beside myself and angry that there was no explanation for why this happens.

I have pre-mature retinal detachment. Here is my story:

June 2023 : I thought that I had got something stuck in my right eye, but it wouldn't go away. My work mates strongly encouraged me to go and see a doctor. I went to the optometrist, figured whatever it was they could get it out. After examination, the doctor told me that I will need emergency surgery and sent me to a surgeon that day. They recommended not to move, or I could lose the eye site in my right eye. They did surgery the next morning and found 2 major retinal tears and did their best to save my eye. The cost of the surgery was shocking, and I begged for better pricing, as I didn't have insurance. They gave me a price that I figured I could pay off in time. The healing process was hard and long. I missed several weeks of work with no PTO left. I thought to myself, I can recover eventually.

SURGERY #1

August 2023 : Just as I was finishing up my medication and the gas bubble that they put in my eye had just finally dissolved (this is a method they use to hold the eye in place while healing). It physically feels like I am looking through a fishbowl. But I had my left eye (good eye).

I was excited to finally be able to enjoy what was left of summer. But I noticed another dark shadow starting to cover my site in my right again.

My right eye began to detach again. This time scar tissue developed and pushed my eye out. Another emergency surgery. I agreed to another discounted amount, without any idea of how I was going to pay for this and more missing work without PTO or insurance. This time they lasered my eye 360 degrees and filled it with oil. This will have to be removed surgically in about 3 to 4 months. It keeps continuous pressure for healing, but it is like looking through a muddy dirty window until it is removed.

SURGERY #2

November 2023 : I am still on medication for my right eye and awaiting for the doctor to tell me when I can get the oil drained out of my eye.

My Left Eye : About a week ago on Halloween, I had another surgery SURFERY #3 I noticed a shadow in my left eye, and I knew exactly what it was. This time they lasered 360 degrees and some small wholes they found. They did this to be safe from the possibilities of anymore tears. This is not a guarantee, I have been labeled high risk now. The idea that I might develop scar tissue and it would push my eye out is very high. Another surgery that I can't afford. My medical bills have tripled, and I am no longer financially broke, I am ruined. I paid my rent this month, with no idea if I will be able to do it next month.

I currently am unable to drive or see clearly out of either eye. My right eye is still filled with oil and my left eye has a gas bubble in it. I cannot work and I cannot see clearly. I have several surgeries and doctor bills ahead of me, without any way of paying for them.

The goal amount would help pay the current medical bills and help keep the roof over my head. Future medical bills are uncertain but inevitable. I appreciate any help that I can get and am forever grateful.