Moment Of Truth

Last modified on September 23rd, 2008

On Wednesday, I’ll get to meet Dr. Peter Dolman, who is one of the best ocuplastics surgeons in the country. I’ve been on the wait list for about three months now, and I really have no idea what to expect to be honest. I went to the extra trouble to try and make sure my CT and MRI scans were there waiting for him, but I suspect that somehow they will have been lost come Wednesday, and we’ll have nothing to talk about.

Truth is, I really don’t know what the end result will be. Tonight I told some friends that it’s really a lose-lose at this point, which is true from my perspective. Option one is to cut my face open again, pull out the plastic, and reconstruct my orbital floor with titanium. There’s obvious risk to that surgery, as well as about six weeks of recovery to go through. Give than I have a 42mm x 40mm piece of plastic under my eye, as well as a pile of scar tissue under my eye, it’s not really something I look forward to going through again.

Option two is to do nothing, which basically means I’ll have double vision for the rest of my life. I tried to play billiards at my uncle’s house in Chilliwack a few weeks ago, but I couldn’t see the shots because there were two of everything I looked at. So at this point, every path I take is full of thorns I guess.

So I guess at this point we’ll see what happens. I told a friend the other day that I would almost welcome another surgery, because it would mean a week off of work where I could sleep in and watch movies. The fact that I honestly feel that way is somewhat telling, and I don’t really know what will happen. Maybe I can find a cute girl to curl up on a couch with me that week and watch movies.

But anyways, in about 36 hours I will have a good idea of where the last two years has led me.

8 responses to “Moment Of Truth”

  1. Alan H says:

    Duane — best wishes for the consultation. I know (to some extent) what it is like to have corrective and post-post-trauma surgeries. The decision is difficult and very personal.

    In the end, I decided to remove a lot of hardware from my femur and it resulted in an extended forced-rest and forced-PT session. In the end, I am better off than I was with the hardware in place, but there were no guarantees and the decision was difficult to make.

    I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow morning.

    Alan

  2. John Biehler says:

    Wow…that’s a tough decision to make. Nobody likes those kinds of situations (lose-lose)…hopefully your doctor can give you guidance.

    I’m sure you’ll keep us posted on the outcome.

  3. Duane Storey says:

    Well, I guess if they think they can improve the vision it’s not a lose, but it still would involve another surgery.

  4. Tracy says:

    I’d come visit!! Seeing as I live super close and I’d say I’m pretty cute. Plus I like movies. =)

  5. Allie says:

    Hi Duane,

    I’ve been a long time reader of your blog, but I’ve never commented before.

    I just wanted to say, I wish you all the best and I hope it goes well. That’s not an easy decision to make. We’re all thinking of you!

    Take care,

    Allie

  6. Lyndsey says:

    I will be thinking of ya when you go in to see the doc Duaner:)

    You have a big decision to make, and I know you are hesitant about going back and having an invasive surgery- but if it means you can have your proper sight back, it is a small sacrifice in the long run.

    You guys will cover all your points. As you say- you are gonna be dealing with one of the best, I am sure he will take a world of care for you.

    I still remember when my mom fell and the left side of her face looked as though it just fell off, just kinda hanging their in her hand. She was braver than the rest of us and had a big recovery, but was such a great little patient. Her surgeon did a beautiful job!

    I’m sure you’ll find a cute bed nurse to look after you during your recovery;)Chin up !

  7. Sebrina says:

    Awe, best of luck, Duane. I hope everything turns out well for you. Although I don’t know you personally, I think you can tell a lot about a person from what you’ve written. You deserve a break. I hope you find that cute girl for movie-watchin’ 🙂

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