Calendar Wisdom

Wednesday February 24 2016  WHAT WE DO TOGETHER

Earlier today my husband and I were doing our morning routine and we found ourselves leaning our backsides on the bathroom counter, facing away from the mirror, both holding hot washcloth compresses to our eyes.  He kiddingly chided me in a sing-song cadence, “Things we do together”.  And we laughed hilariously because that is something we do together.  We do a lot of things together and bathing our eyes in hot compresses, both morning and night, is one of those things.  How is that for letting you see into the privacy of our morning routine.  Well, I bring it up for a good reason.

The first reason I have, is that when he said it, right away I thought, “Hey, that would make a great blog.”  So much for blog topics!  I only need 365 topics a year so this is just one to help make up that quota.  The second reason is, I thought it might be information that needs to be passed on. 

A lot of people, both old and young, suffer from a condition of dry eyes or excessively oily eyes.  There are also other eye conditions that seem to crop up now or then, but I am referring particularly to a condition of a chronic, dry eye situation that often plagues a person as they age.  Different illnesses or autoimmune conditions can also contribute to this malady.

I have been inconvenience by this condition for many years.  One thing that exacerbates it for me is a chronic (long term) condition called Sjogrens Syndrome.  The syndrome is just one reason dry eyes can happen, but, it happens more so because of aging.  For whatever reason, dry eyes are a nuisance.  Unless you suffer from it you may not understand.  One of the causes for dry eyes, is that the glands that secret the moisture our eyes need to function properly, become clogged and sluggish.  These glands are found on the little strip between the lashes and the lid’s contact with the eyeball.  Pull down your lower lid and you can see the little tiny pin-like indentations on that little strip of eye.  Several years ago I was instructed to take a hot folded washcloth and cover my eyes from anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes or more, once in the morning and and once at night.  That is usually enough to heat up the oils in the glands and help them excrete what is needed for the next 12 hours or so.  I have been faithful to that practice from the first night I did and discovered what a great difference it made in my eyes.  Up until that point I was putting drops in my eyes many times a day.  I have not used eye drops since I began the heat therapy.

Personally I also have another condition that causes dry eyes but I have a different therapy I must do for that.  I had a surgical procedure several years to remove something in my forehead, and the best solution was to go through my eyelids rather than have my face peeled down from my hairline.  Since the surgery my eyes will not close completely when I am relaxed in sleep.  That too is dangerous to the sensitive moisture balance in the eyes.  So, for that I must use a salve each night on each eye ball and then cover my eyes when I sleep.  It’s a nuisance but well worth the health of my eyes.

Now, back to “our togetherness”.  Over the past few months Dave has been suffering with an eye condition.  His eyes were itchy, drippy, red, and swollen looking.  When he had his yearly eye exam recently he came home with the news that he would be joining in the ritual of eye soaks morning and evening.  So there we are, chatting and having a lively morning conversation when he comes out with his statement “Things we do together”.  And yes, now we have one more thing to do together.  And by the way, in just a few days his eyes looked better, the redness left, and I haven’t noticed him rubbing his eyes because they itch.  The treatment really works!  I do not know if he is still using the eye drops.

I tell you the above because I want to educate people.  I want others to be aware of situations that many doctors don’t even think to discuss.  Be certain to bring up every little body grievance you have with your physician when you go in for your yearly physical.  You must learn to become your own best advocate.  Ask for literature, ask to be referred to a specialist for a further look at your condition if your physician does not have answers as to what is going on.  And most of all, do some investigating on your own, read some books, read articles, search the internet, talk to other people, AND READ MY BLOG!  As I experience more of the aging process I intend to go public with what is going on just so I can educate and bring out in the open what might be expected as one ages.  I have spoken with people who are so embarrassed to speak about the aging process and the changes that happen to and in their bodies.  Because of people not wanting to admit to others that they too are aging, so much gets swept under the carpet, and older people sometimes feel as if it is only happening to them. 

Aging happens to those who are fortunate enough to live a long life.  I love my gift of life and hope that I can live as long as I can take care of myself.  I am doing all I can to learn how to take care of myself, both mentally and physically.  Never give up learning.  Keep your mind active.  Make certain you have a social life, stay connected to your family, keep your heart connected to God, and be willing to share the wisdom of living your long years with others who are still forging their own path.  Today is the offering of my wisdom about dry eyes.  Do I know everything?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!  And all dry eyes may not be related to what I am discussing in this blog.  My recommendation for you, if you suffer from dry, itchy eyes, call your GP or eye doctor, and make an appointment to discuss what I have told you here.  Below is an excerpt from a web address that identified the condition, the symptoms, and what the usual course of therapy is.  Read it, and then find out first hand for yourself if this pertains to you.

The following is a quote from the enclosed URL address:

http://www.aapos.org/terms/conditions/141Meibomian Gland “Dysfunction and Treatment

What are Meibomian (Oil) Glands?

Meibomian glands are glands that are arranged vertically within the eyelid near the lashes. The force of an eyelid blink causes oil to be excreted onto the posterior lid margin. The oil is the “staying power” of the tears that helps prevent rapid tear evaporation. In a patient with Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), vision is affected because there is too much or too little oil in the tear film.
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

MGD, also termed posterior blepharitis, is the most common form of lid margin disease. In the early stages, patients are often asymptomatic, but if left unmanaged, MGD can cause or exacerbate dry eye symptoms and eyelid inflammation. The oil glands become blocked with thickened secretions. Chronically clogged glands eventually become unable to secrete oil which results in permanent changes in the tear film and dry eyes.  Symptoms include:

Dryness
Burning
Itching
Stickiness
Watering
Light Sensitivity                         

Red Eyes
Foreign Body Sensation
Chalazion/Styes
Intermittent Blurry Vision

What is the Treatment?

1) WARM COMPRESSES
Heating the lids will increase oil production and melt the oil that has solidified in the glands. Use a warm washcloth to apply heat on the eyelids for two minutes. This warms the oil, allowing it to flow more freely, and helps soften lash debris. 

2) MASSAGE
Apply light pressure with your index finger or a Q-tip to the lid margin near the lash line.  Roll the finger upward on the lower lid while looking up, then roll the finger downward on the upper lid while looking down. Excessive manipulation of the lids can cause additional irritation, so lid massage and scrubs should be performed only twice a day during the acute stage, and once daily during maintenance.”

In reference to the above “once daily during maintenance”, I just want you to know that both Dave’s doctor and my doctor told each of us to do it twice a day as ongoing therapy.  SEEK YOUR DOCTORS DIRECTIVES!

A MELODY IN MY HEART

By Kathleen Martens

February 24, 2016

Age is just a matter of course

That happens every day.

Each day when I view the mirror

I fail to see yesterday’s decay.

Every day I just look the same

But how is it when I look back,

That that smooth unblemished skin

I now seem to lack?

Exactly when does youth leave?

When every day is just twenty four hours?

I’m just happy I don’t wilt

As quickly as does a flower.

And what about these aches and pains

That just seem to come and go?

What’s today’s flavor of pain

Is something I want to know?

I am always so surprised

Each day that I find,

That something else doesn’t work

And it seems one of a kind.

Today it could be the big toe,

Tomorrow an ankle or knee.

And some days my back goes out

Yet there’s days I’m flying free.

So who knows what this day will bring

At times there’s just something wrong.

But I find true joy in each hour,

For in my heart I carry a song.

A melody about love and life,

With praise to God on my tongue.

And no pain will dampen my spirit

When in my heart my song is sung.

Have a great day.  Now I am off to work.  Still putting the final touches on my now, decluttered, office.  YEAH!!!!!  Two big file drawers left to sift through!  Everything I throw away is making me feel lighter.  Try it.  You might like it!