Follow up on Walter’s Eye Surgery

Thank you so much for praying for us! We have talked with the doctor twice since the surgery. Walter’s surgery went well, talking about 45 minutes. We talked with the doctor after one week and the doctor was very pleased after he examined Walter’s eye. The pressure in his eye was fine; there was no infection; and the retina was healing fine. Walter has not been in any pain through this whole process. His eye is stilled filled with gas. During the surgery the doctor replaced the normal eye fluid with a gas to put pressure against the retina. After one week, it was still 90% gas. Walter cannot see through the gas, so he is only able to see with his left eye. It will take about six weeks for Walter’s body to replace the gas with the correct fluid. So he will not be able to see with his right eye for that time frame. (He will have partial sight at 3 to 4 weeks.)

Walter had to continue to sleep upright for one more week (a total of two weeks). He had a system of a couch pillow next to our headboard, resting his head back against it, and then he hugged a huge pillow the size of his torso against his front. He had two options: lean his head slightly back on the couch pillow or slightly forward, resting his chin on the large pillow he hugged.

After two weeks, we saw the doctor again. He said his retina continues to heal and it is no longer critical, so Walter can finally sleep on his side (but not on his back yet). His eye ball is still 80% gas and he wants that gas bubble to put pressure on the retina as it heals more, so he doesn’t want Walter to sleep on his back. Walter is very thankful that he can sleep on his side as it was extremely difficult to sleep upright. So thank you for praying!!

Walter is still getting used to doing everything with one eye. He cannot drive and he tires if he reads lots. People at school have been very patient and helpful. Cheryl has been a wonderful nurse as he gets drops every couple hours, plus Cheryl has to do all of the driving until he can see out of his right eye.

We have not heard back from our insurance company, but several people have given towards the expenses, so are very thankful how God continues to meet all of our needs.

Thank you again for praying for us!

In Christ,

Walter and Cheryl