laser surgery part 3

Wednesday 25th June

I had a terrible night's sleep on Tues night - watched the clock get to 3am (quite novel as I could never see it before!!) and woke up again by 5am, having had a terrible dream (which I have told a few chosen people but wont explain here!). Managed a few more hours. It was nothing to do with my eyes as they were fine. Wondered if it was because I couldnt read myself to sleep as I usually do or the after effects of having taken sleeping tablets for the first 3 nights.

My mum & dad visited in the morning and my mum kindly washed my hair whilst I covered my eyes. Dad had a go at drying it for me as I didnt want him to be left out. They left about 12 and I hung some washing out and then rang Miriam for quite a lengthy call and then felt completely exhausted. I suppose I hadnt done much except lie around and sleep for the last few days.

Went to the eye hospital for 4.30pm. Forgot there was a Bon Jovi concert on at the City Ground so roads were almost gridlocked. Bumped into Ben, the chap who had his eyes done before me, and he had suffered more pain and discomfort than me (or is it just that he is a man??). I was nervous about having the contact lenses removed but was reassured. Before removal my sight was tested and I was really pleased as I could see on the driving standard line in one eye and a line better than driving standard in the other eye and with both I could see almost the whole chart!! I didnt expect that so soon.

However!!!!! The joy was not to last as once he removed the contact lenses my eyes felt like they were full of sand. It was and still is horrible. This is very normal as the surface of the eye is very dry whilst it is healing. He has given me various drops and fake tears etc. He was very pleased with my progress and said that I was so good during the op that I lay there looking like a doll! I told him that I could see everything he was doing during the op and he was amazed and said that no-one had ever told him that before. Well, I like to be different. We decided to go into House of Frazer for a coffee to avoid the rush-hour traffic and I couldnt believe it - it was closing down and there was a sale on with 70% off but I couldnt see very well at all so was unable to shop till I dropped (Martin was very grateful for this, of course).

My eyes were extremely gritty all evening and I couldnt wait to go to bed as it was so difficult to focus on anything very clearly. I was also dreading to go to bed in case I couldnt sleep again. Martin offered to sleep downstairs so I could put the light on and put talking books on etc if there was a problem . I took him up on this but it was an awful night again. I got through two talking discs and tried all sorts of relaxing techniques and counting sheep etc but still saw 3am. Must have gone off then but only for a couple of hours as I had another nightmare - this time burglars were coming up the stairs! I was desperately trying (in the dream) to pick up my handbag and shove it inside the quilt and pretend to be asleep so they would just take what they wanted and leave me alone! There was alot more to it than that of course and it was frightening. I stayed in bed until 11 but felt a bit miserable all morning until I spoke to Sue H, Gabi, Diane and Joan then I brightened up.

My eyes are not so gritty now but very hazy and I have to keep blinking hard to clear them. I am typing this through a sort of fog. However, it is an improvement on last night and assuming that it will get a bit clearer each day.

Just dreading tonight. Any suggestions for getting to sleep????