This morning I had my second round of laser surgery to get rid of scar tissue that had formed on my artificial lens in my right eye. The original treatment was supposed to be the only one needed but the scar tissue proved to be quite dense and so I was required to have a second round.
The doctor did his work which was fast and painless. I sat leaned forward at the desk with my head and chin resting on the head contraption. The doctor sat on the other side of the desk with his eyes peering through his laser device. All in all it took about ten minutes or so, just like the first time.
Once he was done he informed me that the scaring was very thick and would require one more treatment. Hopefully only one more. It doesn't surprise me that the scar tissue is very thick, I have always developed very thick and puffy scars. It's just the type of body I have, I guess.
If you haven't read my blog before then it might help for me to let you know exactly how I got to this point. I have diabetic retinopathy that has required four surgeries. These multiple surgeries lead to the development of a cataract that required me to have a lens replacement. After the lens replacement I developed scar tissue that blocks light from getting into my eye. What is left of my vision has been greatly decreased because of this. So here I am having laser treatments to get rid of the scaring.
The treatments are working. I can perceive much more light now and seem to notice a tiny bit clearer vision. Hopefully once the treatments are done and all the scaring is cleared up my vision will be much better.
After my appointment my mom and I went to Chipotle for lunch. This was my first time eating at this Mexican restaurant. It works kind of cafeteria/Subway style. You walk along the counter and tell the person what you want and they prepare it right in front of you. I chose a burrito and picked brown rice, chicken, mild salsa, black beans, sour cream, cheese, guacamole, and lettuce. They wrapped it all up in a huge tortilla. I got a diet soda and then sat with my mom and her rice bowl salad and diet soda. The food was delicious but huge. I couldn't quite finish all of mine even though I wanted to.
After lunch we headed over to Walmart to shop off lunch. As I was getting out of the car I checked my phone and noticed I had an e-mail. As I read the e-mail I grew more and more excited and squealed with joy. It was an e-mail from my Dexcom rep.:
Woo hoo – this is my favorite email to send…when I get to tell you that your Dexcom CGM system is 100% covered through your Blue Shield via Sante! So, we submitted all of the requested documentation to Sante and are awaiting authorization from them. It usually takes 3 days for authorization, so we should be able to ship this to you by the end of the week.
I just need to confirm the following 2 things from you:
1. What is the best address to ship to:
2. What color receiver would you like: Black, Blue, or Pink?
Once approved I can send you a quick email to let you know it is being sent and Dexcom will send you tracking information so you know when to expect the package. Once received, there is a training video in the box that explains everything you need to know to self-start. We also have a patient care specialist team that will reach out to you via phone and email to see if you need any additional support or training. If you watch the video and find that you would like face to face help inserting your first sensor…just let me know and we can schedule a time to meet at Diabetes & Endocrine Specialties for a training appointment. 90% of our patients self-start, but I am here for you if you need additional support.
I am so excited! It's been a good day.