“I certainly don't regret my experiences because without them, I couldn't imagine who or where I would be today. Life is an amazing gift to those who have overcome great obstacles, and attitude is everything."

I wanted to post an update on my situation and share with you something I am very excited about. For those who have not heard yet..‎.

I am meeting with CTV Edmonton's Carmen Liebel soon to create a story for Graves Disease awareness. My mission since day 1 has always been to educate people on this mysterious illness and through my blog, print & tv ... I will get there; so the patients of the future will be more accepted in society than I had been at times. (If you miss it when it airs, don't worry; I will be posting the video on my blog!)





 I am a few days away from my 1 month post Orbital Decompression Surgery date. After many uncomfortable weeks, most of the healing is complete.

Is my double vision gone?

Mostly but not completely. I can see distance easily but when I need to see something close up I still get bad double vision. This has left me with some clownish make up and interesting hairstyles on some days. It is impossible for me to look any direction other than forward without straining my eyes and getting blurry double vision. I feel frustrated and trapped in my own body loosing the perfect vision I used to have. I also find it overwhelmingly stressful to be in crowded areas because I can't get a full visual of my surroundings.

Do my eyes still hurt?

Yes. My eyes bled multiple times up until about 2 weeks after surgery. I can't rub them and wiping off makeup is a time consuming project because I need to do it so slow and gentle so as to not irritate my already sore eyes. I also noticed my inner rim lower lash lines and tear ducts are completely numb. I have zero feeling to the touch which is a very awkward feeling.

Am I 100% happy with the results?

No. I wish I didn't have double vision which I am worried will stay that way permanently since it still continues after the swelling is gone. I constantly tilt my head upwards a bit because somehow it is the easiest way to get the clearest vision although that creates the "staring" appearance I had pre-surgery. It will stay like that until I get the second part of the surgery to lower my eyelids to accommodate the new position of my eyeballs. Is it an improvement cosmetically looking? 

Yes... But was it worth it? I am still deciding.

Do I look exactly how I used to?

No, and it's difficult to accept that I never will again. However;

“I do believe that when we face challenges in life that are far beyond our own power, it's an opportunity to build on our faith, inner strength, and courage. I've learned that how we face challenges plays a big role in the outcome of them.”

So, I debut to you, my new "peepers"
As of 23 days post surgery...




 


I have a follow up booked with my surgeon on June 16th where I will most likely get a general time frame for the date of my next surgery called "Blepharoplasty". It is a surgery to remove and lower part the eyelids and is preformed while the patient is awake. <--- (Why?!!)

It produces the same type of swelling and needs the same recovery time/after care as my last surgery. I will post more information about this super-creepy operation when the time gets closer or feel free to click the link below for some fantastic information with some before and after surgery pictures.

http://www.eyelidsurgery.co.uk/treatments/blb-eyelid.htm





I would like to extend a great big THANK-YOU to all my wonderful Facebook friends and Twitter followers for sending me so much love and encouragement while I was bed ridden. You were the sunshine in my recovery days and thank you for thinking of me! Throughout this terrible time in my life the highlight has been making 'many' new friends for which I am very grateful.  Your support has meant everything to me and I greatly value my new friendships!





I'm a big believer that the day is wasted if you don't utilize it to learn at least one new thing.

Therefore; I present to you;

Did you know? Graves Disease Edition...

-Graves’ disease was first discovered by Robert Graves in 1835, who linked a pattern between a patient’s goiter with other physical manifestations.


-Graves’ disease affects women 10 times more commonly than men.


-An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system becomes misdirected and attacks the very organs, cells, or tissues that it was designed to protect. About 75% of autoimmune diseases occur in women, most frequently during their childbearing years.


-Graves' disease occurs in less than 1/4 of 1% of the U.S. population.


-Some things we're told are good for us -- like fluoride and soy -- are not good for thyroid health.


-People with Graves disease must avoid food items that contain iodine. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormone, so too much iodine exacerbate's Graves symptoms.


-Only 5% of all patients diagnosed with Graves disease will have eye symptoms severe enough to warrant an orbital decompression surgery.


-Did you know this blog was purposely created with a dark background because it is the easiest to view on sensitive Graves Disease eyes?

Now you do!






Thanks for stopping by; I will update again soon!

-Rayanne