We went to KU yesterday for Jason's appointment. We met with a transplant surgeon, dietitian, and kidney doctor. During the kidney doctor's examination, he mentioned rather matter-of-factly that Jason was unable to see out of his right eye. I believe he thought we were already aware of his condition. He asked Jason to cover his left eye, and held two fingers in front of Jason's face. My heart sank when Jason was unable to see them.
We were grateful to get in with the eye doctor this afternoon. When they tested Jason's vision, his left eye was better than it's ever been. He was unable to see even the light on the eye chart with his right eye. They think his left eye compensated for the other, which is probably why Jason never complained of a problem. Jason was diagnosed with a vitreous hemorrhage in his right eye, meaning that blood vessels have ruptured in his eye. The underlying cause is diabetic retinopathy, which is leaky blood vessels. Jason has had laser surgery in the past to correct this problem. The doctor said the blood looked to be about a month old, since it had turned white. He said there's a chance that Jason's fall at the cardiology office as well as his Coumadin (blood thinner) use were contributing factors. He wants Jason to have eye surgery next week in Kansas City. He will need to be off Coumadin for five days before surgery, so we are waiting for approval from his primary care physician. I explained everything to Jason again when we got home. Of course, my sweet husband's only response was, "As long as I can still see your face, I'm fine."
The KU transplant team will meet next Wednesday to determine whether to proceed with listing Jason for transplant. His coordinator said she will call next Thursday to give us their decision. We really didn't get a strong feeling one way or the other, so have no idea of the outcome. We are praying earnestly, and trusting God for what is best.
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:13
