Before the doctor even looked at Phil's eye, he talked with us about how he wanted to get Phil back to work soon, as he was worried about Phil's job and knows that he needs to work. We were shocked at this announcement, but knew he hadn't looked at the eye yet, so didn't get too hopeful. He looked at the eye then several times and was very happy with what he saw. He says that although he can't guarantee anything until the gas bubble in his eye is gone, that is indeed 100% attached and looks fantastic! That news was a looooooonnnnnggggg time coming! He also gave us the FANTASTIC news that Phil does NOT have to be face down any longer. He can resume being upright and sleeping on his sides, but still needs to wear his eye patch for the next 2 weeks or so. I can't tell you how good it was to hear that news!
THEN...he asked us if we were in a rush because he'd like to go ahead and dilate the "good" eye and take a look at it yet today. So, Phil was given drops and back to the waiting room we went. We sat there for awhile before they gave him more drops in the eye and took him back in for the doctor to look at it. Upon examining it, he stated that he wanted to do more laser surgery on it, as he thought he could possibly fix it to the point that no surgery was needed. So, we headed to the laser surgery room while he finished up with other patients in the office. They were only to be open 1/2 day today and I think we might've interrupted some Black Friday shopping for some of his staff...
He did the laser surgery and upon finishing said that he believes that he has prevented the need for the major eye surgery that he had in the other eye. It may need to be revisited in the future, but he said it took really well and that he is very hopeful that this will take care of it! Thank you Jesus!
That's not even the end of it!!! Phil will be allowed to try to go back to work on Monday, December 4 for 1/2 days as he is able. He will have restrictions and is not allowed to lift anything, but will be able to go back and do at least some of his job! Phil is ecstatic and thinks it will be a long week waiting. I'm just hoping he can build up some stamina and energy by then. It has been so long since he has slept well...over 3 months since his symptoms first started. He couldn't wait to go to bed tonight as he gets to sleep on his side and hopefully will finally sleep soundly.
I've been breaking out into the chorus "Praise God, Praise God. Praise God who saves my soul. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God from whom all blessings flow." all night long. We know everything isn't perfect yet and that we still have a ways to go, but this is the first really good news we've had in such a long time. We are headed to get our Christmas tree tomorrow and Phil will actually be able to go with us!!!! He won't be able to help with any of it, but he will be WITH us!
Yesterday, as we were preparing to eat lunch at my parent's house...I had to go in the other room and cry for a minute as I was just so sad that Phil couldn't be there with us. I was sad for him that he was at home face down while we were celebrating and eating a feast. My heart hurt. TODAY, my heart rejoices in our great news and the tears were of a different sort...HAPPY TEARS and I'm so thankful for them.
Thank you, thank you, thank you...for your prayers and thoughts, texts, emails, messages, posts...you name it. They have meant the world to us so far in this journey and it is wonderful to know that as we continue on that you are there pulling for us. We. Are. Blessed.
Prayer Requests for this week:
1. That Phil remembers to be cautious and not over-do things.
2. That his sleep patterns would return to normal and he would get rested up.
3. That both eyes continue to heal and that his vision would continue to come back fully.
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