I can see clearly now...

The surgery is done. Whew. Although I am not sure what I expected... this wasn't it!!

After working a half-day, Brad picked me up from work and took me to the surgery center. I had been nervous all day but as we checked in, it became a reality about what I was about to do! The nerves set in, my stomach started making weird noises and I got very antsy. Poor Brad... on more than one occasion, I kind of snapped at him. I was SO nervous!! They had given me a Valium to calm my nerves, but I never felt the drug kick in. 

They finally came to get me and Brad gave me a goodbye kiss. There was a HUGE window into the surgery suite that would allow him to watch the whole thing and TV screens showing my eyes. As they laid me down in the chair, I seriously thought I was going to throw up!!! Then the Tech asked me if I wanted to hold a teddy bear during the procedure. I don't care how old you are, there is certain comfort in a teddy bear. This bear was named "Lucy the Laser Bear" and was an "old pro" according to the surgeon... I was thankful to have her. Not only did it give me something to do with my hands but I could squeeze the life out of her when needed!

Look closely and you will see Lucy the Laser Bear laying on my stomach.

Putting the clamp on.

The laser at work.

The entire procedure took probably 10 minutes. It is kind of all a blur now. Basically I laid me in the chair, gave me lots of numbing eye drops and secured my eyes open. In one position they cut the "flap" and then they would swing the chair to another machine where the laser did its work. You don't see anything except a red light to focus on. The only paid I ever felt was the clamp to hold my eye open- I never felt any cutting or lasers. One thing I wasn't told about and didn't expect... the smell. I won't go into detail but I will say that is it what I imagine burning flesh would smell like. So, I squeezed the bear, took lots of deep breaths and then it was over!! I was a little woozy but otherwise okay. 

We left right after the procedure. I had been assured by doctors and friend that I would be so drugged that I would go home and pass out. It was recommended I sleep for about 6 hours giving my eyes time to heal. One problem... the Valium still had never kicked in. I never felt loopy or sleepy. Nothing. So, when we got home, I went to bed but couldn't sleep at all. We improvised and I stayed in dark room with my eyes closed for about 6 hours. Brad came in an checked on me and other than a few snoozes, I was wide awake! My cat Zoe had stayed close- very close the whole time. She slept on me and kept me company. The problem with not falling asleep as I had expected, was that I felt the pain most people slept through. I won't lie... it wasn't fun. 

Later that night I was able to come downstairs for some dinner. I ate with my eyes basically closed and listened to "American Idol". I was well taken care of by Brad and constantly surrounded by the cats. Cheyenne and Samson would pop in occasionally too. 

I managed to sleep all night last night which felt great. When I sleep I have to wear this VERY attractive hear gear...

This morning I went to my post-op check-up and passed with flying colors. He said the incision is almost non-existent and my eyes look healthy. The doctor told me that they "aim for" 20/40 vision with LASIK surgery. He tested my vision and said something I never thought I would hear... "You have 20/20 vision." First time in my life I remember ever hearing that. It is unreal to me that I don't have contacts in my eyes. I have been dependent on them for more than half my life. So it is with great excitement that I show you the bthroom trash can...