The question, the moment of truth, the blunt response.

I have a macular pucker and it’s been stable for several years now, with me coming in every six months to get it checked.

The retina specialist came in the room today after the routine pictures had been taken, concerned before I even said anything. He asked how I was doing.

I’m fed up with it, I told him. My husband was just in the hospital for five days and I found I couldn’t see well enough to drive home safely later than 5:00 because the late sun created blinding reflections. I needed to be with him and I couldn’t be. And I can’t read labels in the grocery store anymore.

He asked how my husband was doing, and I said no amputation so far and so far okay but the infection was not gone.

He made a decision on the spot. He told me, Don’t ask the front desk–they’ll tell you four months. Dr. M will do the cataract and then I’ll do the retina and we do joint surgeries on Mondays, sometimes Fridays. Maybe we could get you in Monday, would that be okay? Or even this Friday, let me see what I can do.The second cataract is typically done two weeks later.

Me, surprised: Sure!

I realized afterwards that Monday’s a holiday and this weekend is King’s Mountain Art Fair and I’ve already said I would pick up something my potter friends Mel and Kris were making for me.

I dearly want to see them but I do have friends who go to that. And there’s certainly always the mail.

One way or other, this is all going to work out. Finally. I know that macular pucker surgery can take 3-12 months to show improvement from–so let’s get started. It’s time. Taking out the cataracts will give me some instant gratification on seeing colors clearly again in the meantime.