It's been 2 months today

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,878]

It's been 2 months since my horrific accident and thought it was about time for an update.

 

I have 2 remaining major issues, one is my double vision and the other my facial paralysis.  So first the good news!

 

I've established my own method of measuring my double vision.  It's highly scientific and complex, but I will share the process with you.  For testing the near vision, I focus on a "puff" hanger in the shower, and turn my head left and right.  I measure how far I can turn my head right and still see a single "puff" hanger.  For distance, I have a picture across the house, I stand in the hall, look at the picture and repeat the above process.

 

When I first came home, no matter how hard I tried I saw double.  Now, I can focus a single image in both tests looking straight on, and with the close up test looking a little to the right.  My scientific number with this is that my vision has improved 50%.  At this rate, but the end of July I will have regained my vision.  The doctors told me this could take 6 months to a year, so I am ahead of schedule on this one.

 

My facial paralysis isn't making the same recovery though.  After a series of doctors visits, the verdict is wait and see a little longer before an invasive decompression of my facial nerve. The most troubling part of this is the facial nerve controls the closing of your eyelid.  Interesting, the opening is controlled by a separate nerve.  Because of this, they can apply a weight to the eye lid to help force it closed, and opening is fine.  I have an external weight which I use when I go out.  It has the appearance of a small bandaid on my eye lid, not nearly as weird as a patch or my eye staying open.

 

My next appointment is in July, so I am doctor free for this month!  Once my double vision is fixed, I am going camping!

[varosd 1,185]

hang in there Karl! 

Most of us know about the heroic, fast, loud, life saving ER procedures. But most folks, don't know about the long, frustrating, painful rehab process.

Hat's off to all the physical/occupational/speech etc therapists!

[baerpath 517]

Keep at it Karl. I've been since Oct and only have partial movement from swelling And thats what they keep telling "me wait for the swelling to go down".  Still better than a completly broken neck

 Now if I would (could) only listen to the doctors about no lifting or minimal walking  LOL

[JimD 3,347]

You have my continued best wishes for your complete recovery Karl. Some things are best left to natural healing while other things need immediate intervention. Time will tell in your case if the surgery is necessary. Again, best wishes for whatever will bring you complete recovery.

[AMC RULES 37,195]

I don't know Karl...a black pirate patch over that lazy eye sounds like it could be fun too. 

Arrrrrrgh...ye ol' scallywag...hoist ye   flag, or prepare to be boarded! 

Edited June 8, 2013 by amcrules00

[farmer 1,078]

Good to hear of your progress Karl, given time and modern medical technology you'll mend, but remember, 'Slow and steady wins the race'.  

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,878]

Well today I went out to the truck and finally accomplished what I had set out to do 2 months ago.  I removed the driveshaft and rotated the yoke 180 degrees.  Doing so removed much of the issue which I was having.  It was nice to be able to finish that project...  Now have to take the cap off the truck, put in the 5th wheel hitch and start to work on the camper!

 

edit: kids and I got the cap off!  Now it's time to relax.

[KC9KAS 4,744]

Glad to hear you are making progress.

Keep us posted...We are thinking about you!

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,878]

Thank you!

[953 nut 59,735]

  Wonderful news, considering the potental problems you were faced with a couple of months ago this is great!

 

[Buzz 502]

Glad to hear you're making progress and thanks for your encouraging messages. You'll win this battle.

[neil 2,410]

Im asolutely delighted on  your improvements Karl , one step at a time  

take it easy .

give my regards to the family