Rebecca's Eye Surgery Fund
Donation protected
I was just recently diagnosed with a spontaneous macular hole in my right eye. Without almost immediate surgical intervention, I could lose the central vision in my right eye. I am scheduled for Vitrectomy surgery on September 18th, 2017.
The vitreous (the jelly-like substance that fills the middle of the eye) is removed in this surgery. A saline solution may take its place and a gas bubble will be inserted to help seal the hole until as the eye heals. As the bubble dissipates the normal fluid can flow back in. The surgeon will be using miniature instruments, not laser, through tiny incisions in the sclera.
Recovery will take several weeks to over a month. Recovery position the first three days is face down, getting up only to eat or go to the bathroom. The next several weeks I will have to be positioned "head-down", as if I am reading a book, and can lie on my side, but not my back. Other restrictions on travel and exercise apply, to make sure my eye does not "explode", due to the gas bubble in it.
According to medical sources, macular holes affect women at a higher rate then men, occurring closer to the age of 60, and barring any major illnesses (such as diabetes) may be in relation to hormonal changes. Trauma to the eye may also be responsible.
As an acupuncturist and an artist, my eyes are very important to me to continue my work. Loss of central vision in my right eye would leave me with deficiencies in vision that will impact the ability to see details, read with my right eye, and perform finite tasks required of my professions.
Any donated funds will help pay medical costs before my high medical deductible is met, and provide income while I am not working, as I will not have income for several weeks up to a month to pay my normal bills.
The surgery is only a few weeks away. I have not ever previously experienced any medical emergencies in my life and this seems a bit daunting. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little scared, by both the surgery and the outcome. That is why it is so important to have this done quickly, before the macular hole enlarges and my vision is permanently effected.
The vitreous (the jelly-like substance that fills the middle of the eye) is removed in this surgery. A saline solution may take its place and a gas bubble will be inserted to help seal the hole until as the eye heals. As the bubble dissipates the normal fluid can flow back in. The surgeon will be using miniature instruments, not laser, through tiny incisions in the sclera.
Recovery will take several weeks to over a month. Recovery position the first three days is face down, getting up only to eat or go to the bathroom. The next several weeks I will have to be positioned "head-down", as if I am reading a book, and can lie on my side, but not my back. Other restrictions on travel and exercise apply, to make sure my eye does not "explode", due to the gas bubble in it.
According to medical sources, macular holes affect women at a higher rate then men, occurring closer to the age of 60, and barring any major illnesses (such as diabetes) may be in relation to hormonal changes. Trauma to the eye may also be responsible.
As an acupuncturist and an artist, my eyes are very important to me to continue my work. Loss of central vision in my right eye would leave me with deficiencies in vision that will impact the ability to see details, read with my right eye, and perform finite tasks required of my professions.
Any donated funds will help pay medical costs before my high medical deductible is met, and provide income while I am not working, as I will not have income for several weeks up to a month to pay my normal bills.
The surgery is only a few weeks away. I have not ever previously experienced any medical emergencies in my life and this seems a bit daunting. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little scared, by both the surgery and the outcome. That is why it is so important to have this done quickly, before the macular hole enlarges and my vision is permanently effected.
Organizer
Rebecca Sobin
Organizer
Missoula, MT
