Caring for the caretaker pt. 2

[greatbear]

Since one of the tasks I had today was taking Mom to see her opthamologist, I decided it was time to have my own aging eyes checked. I've been harping on my own failing vision for a while, so it was prime time I did something about it. Since Mom's op doc was booked up, I had to select one of the others in order to have a more-or-less simultaneous visit when I took her in. I ended up with "Dr. Hammer". Any concerns about having an unknown opthomologist were mostly lost amidst internalized tittering and giggles of an eye doctor wearing gigantic parachute pants and an inability to 'touch this'. Of course I was sure to find the opposite, but I could not help myself. Well, indeed the opposite was found, as Dr. Hammer was a (nearly exceedingly) pocket-sized, rather nicely built, mustachioed white fella. Even my gaydar started to show a few pings. Bottom line, my eyes are just the mess I figured them to be, with the added spectre of glaucoma, as my pressures read about 25, on a normal scale of 12-22. Overall, though, not bad for an increasingly creaky 44-year old. When my shiny, new titanium framed spectacles are finished, I should be able to add a new, squinty-eyed userpic with flannel and drop shadow a la chrisglass.

My heartfelt thanks to all who have left well wishes and encouraging words in my LJ lately, especially the last post. It was my intention to not allow replies to my previous entry, but once I found that some had started, it was too late to go back and change it. I dont want it to appear that I am fishing for replies, nor do I want anyone to feel they are somehow obligated to leave any. Regardless, what I have consistently found has been some of the kindest words and offers of help I have ever encountered. I wish I could thank everyone personally, somehow. To put into perspective your gestures, I have known many of you for a very short time, yet your genuine, heartfelt concerns are plenty. Contrast this with coworkers I have known over twenty years who have offered absolutely nothing. My department is famous for circulating cards for signatures and collections if someone is out for both major and minor reasons. Of the few dozen in said department, only one has stepped up to me and asked if there was anything he could do. Of all the times I was away due to major illnesses or injuries over the years. I got one card. They seem to think that I do this just in order to get more vacation time. These were actual words from one of my previous managers. Yep, perspectives.

I know who my friends are. See that reflection in your display?

Comments

[in-fin-i-ty.livejournal.com]

These were actual words from one of my previous managers.

I'm hoping this insensitive prick met an appropriately awful end to his/her career there. *HUGS*

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Actually, yes. He's in the ground now. I never understood what he had personally against me, but it set a tone around the are due to his gossipy nature and to this day it stil has it's influence. :-/

[kymutt.livejournal.com]

Like this wise fella said. Seems like the good always get the proverbial short end of the stick..

[kspsibear.livejournal.com]

As a caregiver/taker myself, I completely understand.

Completely.

Now, let's talk about this pocket-sized opdr. Is he single? hehehe

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

He had no rings on his fingers.

[aadroma.livejournal.com]

Honey, you know me and many others that read this are going to behind you wishing you well -- we care about you. (BIG HUG) I'm sorry that your work is being such dicks about this /_\

As for the doctor : whoa, someone MY size? :: grin ::

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I would say he's about 5'5 and 135-145 at most.

[kspsibear.livejournal.com]

He sounds pretty nice... I say, keep him!

[le-lapin.livejournal.com]

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I like to think that the way I present myself on here is the same as I do in person. I have nothing to either gain or lose by misrepresenting who I am online. That's lying, which is not in my nature. It's unfair to others. And it'd be too much work playing that game all the time.

Most of my coworkers are married. All are straight. Quite a few are odd. And some dont interact with me unless there's something in it for them. There are a couple who I consider decent friends though. In LJ, well, far more people can relate and interact with me on my level because they know what it's all about, so to speak.

[le-lapin.livejournal.com]

[detailbear.livejournal.com]

Yup. I'm on drops for my glaucoma, too.

HUGS.

[shawnsyms.livejournal.com]

You're a good man. I'm so sorry you're going through this.
S.

[kjvbear.livejournal.com]

HUGS big guy.....I've been thru this too, and it's the people who step up and care at this time that are the true ones buddy.

[igzorp.livejournal.com]

Hugs, Having gone thru similar situations with family and at work - it is always enlightening to see who contacts you etc.
Hope the rest of the week goes well for all.

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

Yeah, in some respects getting old really blows, and not in a good way. While I haven't had to deal with glaucoma (crosses self), the otherwise degenerating vision associated with 'old eyes' is a royal pain. It is a shame that there does not seem to be a way to reverse it like can be done with many other aging processes.

It is always hard to come to grips with the reality of care giving. The emotional and physical strain can be overwhelming. Remember above all else, not taking care of yourself, regardless of how noble the cause, does nobody any good. If you are to continue to provide care for your mother, you must remain healthy. I'm sure you know this, but I just wanted to help sink that point in. The two most important things you must do is eat properly and get enough sleep. Guess what? Those two are also a primare pre-req for your workouts! :)

Take care of your big self. I'm keeping you in my thoughts.

Hugs

[rockybear02.livejournal.com]

Well Phil what can I say? You seem like such a wonderful guy. The whole glaucoma thing is scary - since I was 25 they are worried I am going to get it at some point - so my eye exams suck. I hate them - I fight them - but I have to do it.

And I just want to say you're doing a great job with your Mom. She knows what a great son she has. This isn't easy on either of you - just know you have the love of Jeff and many many friends.

Big Warm Hug