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12.9.19

BLUR - a story in one hundred words


BLUR
Cataracts.
Operation.
No guarantees.
The words drop like stones. She stumbles home in a blur of eye drops and fear.

The day arrives. More drops so no reading for distraction – nothing to do but wait and worry. Bright lights, a blur of movement, the nurse’s hand a lifeline squeezed bloodless.

She goes home wearing a pirate patch and a relieved smile. Gazes at her unfamiliar reflection, restyles her hair, and walks in the rain without the blur of raindrops on glasses.

Now she’s a veteran. Cataract operation? Nothing to it – a doddle – you’ll be fine!
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'She' is of course me - I had both cataracts done last year and, after a lifetime of -9.5 myopia, I now only need glasses for reading. I could have written another story about having to dot several pairs around the house because I am unused to having to put glasses on for reading! 
I was AWOL last week due to various family matters, but I missed you all so here I am again. Thanks to CE Ayr for the photograph and to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers on her blog, from where you can follow the blue frog link to read other stories. https://rochellewisoff.com/

27 comments:

  1. Dear Liz,

    I wondered if this wasn't based on personal experience. My Sister-in-law just had one eye done and says she's amazed at how well she can see now. Good one.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. I was more than usually nervous because I have another eye condition that complicated matters. The whole process, including healing, took a year, while for most it's a matter of weeks. All well in the end though.

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  2. The miracles of modern science and technology.

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    1. It is a miracle, and I'm very grateful for it!

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  3. A story of hazard, fear, and reward. Very comforting for anyone facing hospital treatment

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  4. Loved that line: the words drop like stones
    Glad your eyesight improved after the ops. I dread having to have anything done to my eyes.

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

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    Replies
    1. It was scary, but definitely worth it as my eyesight had blurred with the cataracts to the point where I had difficulty reading and was close to losing my driving licence.

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  5. It sounds like your life has changed, and for the better. Sadly not all are as fortunate, as my mother can testify following her recent unsuccessful cataract operation.

    My story is a but click away!

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  6. good for her. I looks like she's ageing gracefully. :)

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  7. That's a lot of story fit into 100 words but you did it! I'm glad the surgery went well for you, Liz.

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  8. I'm sure many people will be able to relate to this. It might now be quite a simple, routine, operation but waiting for it to happen must be scary. Glad it worked out well for you.

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    Replies
    1. It's the eyes, Patsy - anything to do with eyes is scary as Hell.

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  9. I know I will have to get one at one point... but it feels like a breeze compared to retinal detachment operation

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    1. Did you have that, Bjorn? How scary! I jußt avoided that, fortunately.

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  10. Thanks for this personal flash. I love the emotion.

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  11. Congratulations on your successful operations, Liz. All the best. :) --- Suzanne

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  12. I have a cataract growing on my right eye. I feel a constant need to blink it away, wash it out, wipe it off. So my turn is coming, and I thank you for the encouragement.

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    Replies
    1. The best of luck, Linda,and like I said, you'll be fine xx

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  13. My parents both had cataract surgery and my mother now reads without glasses... looking at me and smiling as I do!
    Lovely story!

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