On my seventy-second birthday, two clogged carotid arteries and 12 family members coming to celebrate
August 31, 2018
As we get ready to celebrate my birthday today with the whole family, our two kids, their spouses and six grandkids-one is pre-born-I realize I have a whole lot to be thankful for. May God help me to remember that always.
While getting my problem right eye checked by one of my retina specialists for some vision challenges, this young doctor from Egypt suggested that I have my carotid arteries checked out as a possible source of the trouble. I noticed that on our most recent trip to visit our son and family in St. Louis that looking ahead my vision would fuzz out and the fuzz would go away when I moved my head.
Well, I got a doppler on Wednesday afternoon and by the time I got home and peed, I got a call that they found a blockage. I was told the doctor needed to see me first thing yesterday.
He told me that the preliminary read of the doppler test showed that I had a 100 percent blockage in one carotid and 50 percent in the other. Dr. El from LOEyecare in Lansing could have saved my life my urging me to get the test and making the referral. I was sobered by how this went undetected until this one ophthalmologist suggested the test. Next steps include seeing a vascular surgeon.
Throughout my right eye challenges, my wife has been alongside me. She's been to a whole bunch of appointments and exams and to each of my 10 eye surgeries. I know that she's reflecting the love that she receives through her faith in Jesus Christ. Her love for me is undeniable and I praise God for it.
Then there's my family. Our two kids and us has grown to a group of twelve. They are all coming to our condo to celebrate my birthday and to praise a God who watches over us all, including those of us with transplanted corneas and plugged carotids.
I'm looking forward to it all. It takes on a special meaning with this new realization of how fragile life can be.
Thank-you God for loving me.