That was a ride and a half!

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

I went for cataract surgery this morning at 9am. The idea was that my retina was all healed but had inspired cataracts to be so in my left eye that I couldn’t see much (hence no depth perception and falling down occasionally). I really didn’t know what to expect other than it wouldn’t take that long (apparently the procedure takes 8 minutes). Ally the anesthesiologist told me she would give me just enough to take the edge off – the equivalent of three margaritas. I told her that a half of a margarita would have me under the table and fast asleep. The drugs kicked in and WOW. I saw colors (which they said would happen) and blocks and I thought I was on a sort of a roller coaster or ride of some kind and it was EPIC. I was spinney and everything was shiny and then they were talking to me and that was really hard to get and there was tape on my face or coming off of my face and then I was supposed to stand up and sit in a wheelchair (and I nailed it! 10/10) and they gave me to Keith at a secret backdoor that was somehow just outside my room even though we started on the second floor. All of that happened in less than a minute, or so (I think).

We made a plan to get an eggamuffin and then I was VERY excited that I found a McDonald’s and we could go there. I read all the signs for Keith. He seemed to no longer be able to understand anything and I had to repeat everything over and over, like sma;lkdjfl;kjalkd. Obviously, that should have been easy to understand.

The very, very, very best part was when we passed a road sign that showed how the upcoming lanes were configured – left turn, go straight, straight or turn, right turn. I very distinctly remember throwing my hands up in the air and wiggling my hands at the wrist and I KNEW that I had communicated with that sign! I felt total JOY and SUCCESS. Phew. It was thrilling. Keith missed the whole thing.

I found an eggamuffin when we got home. I called my sister and she apparently could no longer understand lakjdsglkhjagoiuj either. Huh. Then I slept and slept. (Unable to figure out how to get into bed, I just fell over.)

I think we can all agree it is a good thing I don’t really drink alcohol or take drugs.

My eye has a cover to keep from touching or scratching on it, but I am starting to be able to see!!!!!!!!! I am completely gob smacked. I forgot what it is like to see.