Jimmy & Dallas - October First...

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Jimmy & Dallas on the Alpine Pedal Path this afternoon during our 6 mile walk.
Peggy & I have taken a break from our chores today for some sunshine and exercise with Jimmy.

We got a mix of good & bad news the other day on the condition of Jimmy's eyes.
There is blood in both eyes which is blocking his vision, but in the right eye the blood is actually in the retina itself, where in the left eye it is in front of the retina.

We were told nothing can be done about the blood in the retina but, considering his age, strength and good health, it could eventually disperse on its own.
The blood in the left eye supposedly can be removed, with a simple surgical procedure during an office visit which is good news, but it was also explained to us that the existing blood is preventing a thorough examination of the left eye for other damage that might be concealed by the blood.

Jimmy has an appointment with a retinal surgeon on Monday for further evaluation, and we are hoping that removing the blood from the left eye will give him further clarity and some encouraging hope while his eyes are healing.

Jimmy is noticing improvement in his peripheal vision every day and can see some definition in things off to either side. He can walk along the street, on a sidewalk, or smooth path without much difficulty, but he can't see details like a pothole, a bump, or a rock that he might trip over. Neither can he see approaching objects like cars or bicycles until they're just a few feet away so someone needs to be with him at all times for guidance.

If he looks at vey large print from the side, like the header on the Los Angeles Times, Jimmy can make out what it says, but looking straight on he can see only vague blurry shapes, what little vision he has is almost all peripheal at this point.

We all believe his vision will eventually improve and Jimmy is just working on getting exercise and eating as healthy as possible to enable his body to do its healing work.

Obviously this is a very difficult ordeal for a young & strong craftsman who makes his living at carpentry, but Jimmy is maintaining a positive attitude most of the time which can only aid his progress.