I haven't been around for a while

[Jerrilyn]

Hi, everyone. I haven't been around for a while. At the beginning of summer, I suffered a stroke to my optic nerve and lost the vision in my right eye. After three of months of treatment and convalescing, I am trying to resume my normal activities. Extremely strong intraveneous steroids could not save my vision and caused some short term memory issues. At first it was thought that the stroke caused the memory loss, but because my memory started coming back, they feel it was the steroids. But we had to use them. A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was suggested three times before the team of a neurologist, neuro-opthamologist, and neuro-radiologist finally concluded that it was an optic nerve stroke. Ater two months the swelling was almost gone and they could see the dying optic nerve which led to this diagnosis. Because I am a school system accountant, small type on paper and computer screen was tedious and a large computer screen was brought in. There is a 30-45% chance that it could happen to my left eye; and the chances are most likely in the first year. I do not fit the profile for this injury: I am not elderly, obese, diabetic or hypertensive. Nor is there a family history of it. I have had so many tests: MRI, CT scans, optic angiograms--and there is nothing more to be done except take aspirin and cholesterol meds (even though my level was not too high) to keep the blood flow as smooth as possible to reduce the chances of total vision loss in both eyes. Needless to say, I haven't been taking too many photos lately. But, I want to get back to my photography hobby. I'm not sure my ability will be what it was and relying on autofocus doesn't always yield the desired results. Anyway, I was playing around with a photo I'd taken before the stroke--just practicing a little cropping and color adjustment--trying to get back into the swing of looking at the computer screen using Photoshop instead of just my accounting software. I doubt that I will post often for a while. I don't want to strain my good eye, but I do want to enjoy using my camera now in case there comes a day when I can't.

Not even sure if I remember how to post a photo! :)
Hanging in there,
Jerri
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1UyaO2Z4o4ptuBL1atsZMRXpgUyyU_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1UyaO2Z4o4ptuBL1atsZMRXpgUyyU)

[jo]

I'll say a prayer for you.

I was diagnosed with macular degeneration about a year and a half ago, and that was a shock. I thought it meant I'd be blind soon. But the retina specialist told me to take Bausch&Lomb AREDS Preservision vitamins and that seems to have slowed it down.

I wear strong glasses and for small print I have to use a magnifying glass as well, but I can still get around ok and my camera's auto focus helps me take photographs. I gave up my Canon XT and bought an XSi which is wonderful! The display is large and the "print" is large and readable!

So, take good care of yourself!

[rcooley]

Beautiful flower. keep them coming!

[Diana]

Jerri and Jo... I'm so sorry to hear about your eye issues. My heart goes out to you... sight is such a precious sense. My prayers are with you both, and the medical teams that are treating you.

Diana

[JulieM]

Jerri,

You've been missed around here! It's good to know that after going through such a rough few months you're feeling able to get back to your photography. I trust that with the the good medical care you're receiving and your positive attitude, you'll be able to continue producing such beautiful images as the flower you posted for a long time to come. I'll be sending positive thoughts your way....

[Tom K]

Hi Jerri,
It sounds as if you have had the best of medical care, if you don't mind I will add a prayer. Tom :)

[frank abramonte]

Hi, Jerri. Sorry to hear about your problem, hope this is the end of them and you will continue enjoying your passion for photography.
Your latest photo shows that you haven't lost your creative sense.

[Wendy]

Hi Jerri ...

I was wondering where you where ...

So sorry to hear the news about your eye and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers .... it really is so good to have you back :)

Wendy

[ladybug]

Jerri, my thoughts are with you and i am glad to see you are going to get to enjoy your hobby still. Your flower is beautiful.

[Sepiana]

Jerri, I'm so sorry to hear about your health problems. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

[swalkr]

Jeri, I've thought about you from time to time and wondered about you. I will keep you and your doctors in my prayers and thoughts. Your posted photo shows you haven't lost your touch. We'll hope and pray that you can stay connected with us here on the forum for a very long time.

[Jerrilyn]

Thanks to all of you for your responses. I've missed you all. Your thoughts and prayers are most welcome. Jo, you too, will be in my prayers that we can both be strong and maintain the vision we have. We certainly won't be taking it for granted will we? I know you cherish it the same way I do: no pity parties for us, for if we someday do lose more vision, we want to really enjoy and appreciate the time we have it now.

[Chesney]

Jeri, I am so glad to have you back, I have wondered where you were! Glad you are doing better - hang in there! :) Judging from this image, you haven't lost your touch, this is spectacular!!!

[christellf]

Jerri, I hate to hear what you have been going through. You will be on my prayer list. Also, How is your daughter doing?
Christell

[Jerrilyn]

Hi, Christell,
Thanks for the prayers! And, thanks for asking about my daughter. You remember that her infant son, Jude, died five days after he was born in August of last year. His death was ultimately due to the cord around his neck, but the neonatal specialist thinks there may have been some complications within the cord or placenta before that. Well, Casey and Mike are expecting another little boy around Thanksgiving. All seems to be going well and she is being seen by her doctors now every week for in-depth ultrasounds and fetal stress tests. We are praying for a joyful Thanksgiving this year.

[ljameso1]

At least there may be good news on the horizon. Sorry you had a stroke. It will seem odd using your left eye in the viewfinder, but if you are firm about it, your brain will adjust eventually.

[Martha]

I'm so sorry to hear of your eye problems. You will be be in my prayers.
It is good to see you back!
Congratulations on the good news about your new grandchild. He will truly be a Thanksgiving blessing!
Martha

[Aussie Nan]

Thanks so much for sharing Jerri. I really feel for you, you have been to hell and back haven't you? What a jolt it must have been, a lesson in that for all of us. All the very very best for a successful recovery.

[vawitt]

Sending hugs and prayers your way. The promise of a new little family member is happy news. Hang out with us here when you feel up to it!

[Jerrilyn]

You are all so kind to send such encouraging thoughts and prayers. If being around people who lift my spirits can help to keep my health at its best, I should be in good shape among you all! By the way, Linda, fortunately, I am left-handed and left-eye dominant, so that will help with the viewfinder issue! ;) And, Toni, after this year, I do feel like I've been to hell and back. There was another death in my family and two other family members going through chemo during this year. But, my spirits are good and I am blessed in so many ways.

[mom to 4]

Jerri:

So sorry to hear what happened. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I found after my fall that forcing myself to do some things that I loved before my fall actually helped my recovery. It gave me something else to focus on. I wish you all the best and a very speedy recovery. You have lots of friends here on the forum and everyone is here to support you! Take care of yourself!

[Ellen]

Jerri ,I just saw this and can only echo the prayers and best hopes for you, what a roller coaster you've been on. I find pushing pixels around therapeutic...