This post has been delayed for a couple of days because I couldn't find the words. Well, maybe I could find the words but I was reticent to blog what’s really been weighing on my mind since Friday.
Sooo, here it goes…
I have officially been diagnosed with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. I’m painlessly loosing my peripheral vision. In my case it’s rapid. For the uninitiated; POAC occurs when the meshwork of tubes that fills and flushes fluids in the eye are constricting and clogging. This raises the eye pressure and in turn kills ocular nerves. Once an ocular nerve is gone it’s lost forever.
There are medications that can help and then there’s a possible surgery if things get worse. Keep your fingers crossed the meds the doc gave me will stop it all.
On a brighter note, on Saturday, I rode the 69.5 mile Goatneck bike rally in Cleburne, Texas. Originally, I was going to write in this post about the rally and its heat, hills, and wind and the brick run immediately afterwards. For the record: I rode the entire route in 3 hours, 39 minutes for an average of 19.02 mph. I stopped only once to refill my Camelbak. That’s a personal record for me at that distance. Well, anyway, like I said, I was going to write about the rally in detail today but just couldn’t find the words. The glaucoma thing is weighing on me.
I missed this morning's swim workout.
Yeah, I'm bummed.
Do you in blogland have any words of wisdom?
Stay tuned…
(95 days until my first Ironman)
22 comments:
hey triboomer, i am so sorry to hear the news. i have no words of wisdom that aren't just a "cliche", so i will save them... no one wants to hear that facing what you are facing.
god bless and keep us all in formed!
shannon
No words of wisdom, just words of encouragement. A woman I work with has this and has kept it in check for a number of years with meds and drops, so hopefully this will work for you too.
Yikes, that's terrible news! I hope the meds work and the doctors keep everything under control. Best of luck with everything.
become as knowledgeable about the disease as you can, and do the things that will help you.
stay positive. keep training.
we want you with us Nov. 4th.
Hey triboomer!! I totally relate. I am in the process of trying to figure out what is up with me neurologically. So far I have stumped the docs. I hope to have a diagnosis over the next few months. The first diagnosis is MS. So I know how you feel. Literally. Anyway on a more positve note, glad to hear you joined Fit2train!! I joined for the Irongirl tri, but am staying on the team because I had a great time training for my first tri. I am in the North group too, but have had a tough time getting to the workouts during the week. I like the open water swims on Friday nights. I was also at the Goatneck ride. I only did the 27miler. I PR'ed as well (16.1 mph). Way to go!! I hope to see you around!!
Hey 'boomer,
Wow, what a blow to take! I'm positive you will take this and make the best of it...although the "best" of it may be hard to see right now (no pun intended).
On a lighter note, it was nice to see you at the rally Saturday and congrats on the stellar performance!
-Cara
I know nothing about the condition, but people aren't their conditions. They are their relationships. I am coming to know something about the triathlon community. You will NEVER lack for support or assistance or a cheering section. You will NEVER be alone.
Is it not the sweetest irony that in an individual sport, which prohibits drafting and outside assistance, one never lacks for commrades to pick one up.
My experience is only with elderly patients who have great success with surgery.
Check out: Foundation for Glaucoma Research, 490 Post St, Suite 830, san Fran, CA 94102
-American Academy of Opthalmology, 655 Beach St, San Fran, CA 94109 www.eyenet.org
Some of the meds they may put you on may require close watch of your electrolytes, an impt consideration as an athlete.
Oh, and, Great job on that ride!!
wow... sorry to hear about your eyes, man. don't let it slow you down (i know, easier said the done) but like greyhound said: you are not your condition.
keep up the hard work and you'll "see" what you can accomplish!
I am so sorry. I hope that the docs can do something for you. Keep your head to sky and looking forward. It's not worth looking back.
Sorry to hear about your condition. Try to get as much information as you can and then you can figure out the best option for you. Thank goodness for the internet.
God bless and stay strong. "LIVESTRONG"
TriBoomer, We do hope the doctors have the skills and wisdom in resolving your dilemma. As Bolder said, learn as much as you can about the disease. Have you read Lance Armstrong's books, Every Second Counts and It's not about the bike? Those are very inspirational books. Of course the Bible is also an inspirational book. Love and Peace.
I've never heard of this before, i'm sorry and I hope it's not as bad as you think. Hang in there, read all you can about it..i'm sure you are anyways.
Sorry for your condition triboomer. Remember to define yourself by your actions. Also remember that you have the support of the entire multisport community.
Sorry to hear the news. You know that the Boomer Nation is here, standing strong beside you. Anything we can do... you got it!
Hugs from me to you Triboomer. My Grandma has Glaucoma and had tremendous success with surgery on both her eyes...stay positive and keep doing your research. RBF is here for you! (Great ride by the way! You're an animal!)
Everyone has already typed pretty much my thoughts. My thoughts are with you.
No words of wisdom......just prayer.
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, and unfortunately I don't have any advice or experience for that condition.
Good luck with the Ironman training. I enjoyed going back through your previous posts - this is a great blog. I'll stay tuned.
that's a tough blow...i'm also praying that the meds will help ... and if not, that surgery will.
I'll be thinking about you. Remember: there is pretty much nothing you cannot do if you are determined, no matter your limitations. There's plenty of inspiration out there!
God be with you.
:)
Tri-Boomer..i heard an interview with a triathlete who have similar disease with what you have.
I will try and look for it.
Oh man...I am so sorry to hear this news, Boomer :( I will definitely keep you in my thoughts. Please keep us updated!!
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