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Fear & Loathing


JamesSavik

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I've got this little problem. It's called Traumatic Glaucoma. Granted anything that can make you go blind is pretty traumatic in itself but this refurs to a specific type of glaucoma that occurs sometimes many years after blunt force type injury to the eyes.

 

Like getting punched in the eyes.

 

My teen years were particulary difficult. I was outted at the age of 13 the summer before 7th grade started in a redneck town in Mississippi. By my count I've had twenty something concussions, 6 broken bones, my right knee had to be reconstructed. There were a couple of times I came really close to dying. I live with pain all the time.

 

Forgive me if I'm a little twitchy. I've got Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Whenever I'm in a room, I look for something that would serve as a weapon and an exit- just in case. I have nightmares so bad that I can't sleep in the same bed with another person.

 

I try not to get too caught up in this crap. It's depressing and painful to think about it. For years I drank or smoked enough weed to pass out every night. I've been clean and sober since the October before last. I've been taking better care of myself.

 

That's how my eye condition was diagnosed. A little background.

 

What's bugging me is that Jan. 4th I have another appointment to see how my eyes are doing and I'm just plain scared.

 

That's hard for me. The way I survived for many years was to NOT show fear. If I did, I was a goner. I learned to survive by fighting dirtier than the people that were tormenting me. I learned to ignore a tremendous amount of pain so that I could dish it out.

 

I hate being afraid. It sucks big time. What's worse is that it makes me angry to think of WHY I've got this problem. I don't like how I feel and I'm not sure what to do about it.

 

I want to get high but I can't. That shit was slowly destroying my life. I want to drink myself into a stupor but that isn't going to help either.

 

It's hard to carry this kind of stuff around inside this time of year with the holidays and all. I don't like what I'm feeling but all I can do is let it ride.

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Even though I know I Led a charmed life when it comes to being Gay. I know that sometimes it's painful to think what people have said and done to us. If I could I'd give you a big hug right now you'd have to pry me off with a crowbar. I hope everything will be alright.

 

If it's any consolation I think you're very Brave...

 

GREEN

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James

 

I'm going to pass along some of the same advice you've given others here. If you don't already have one, find a good therapist and have a good chat. Can't hurt and might just help. And just to be on the safe side, I'll send hugs, too.

 

Sharon

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James, as an addition to what Sharon said (when I did therapy it was with a Gay therapist..and he specialized in codependency which helped me tremendously..in case you haven't guessed Yes, hi, my name is Michael and I am a co dependent)

 

So, maybe you can find a good Gay therapist (no offense to the str8 very Gay friendly allies we have here like Sharon, well Sharon is not only Gay friendly but very very wise)

 

In any event, I found, for me, that a Gay therapist gave me instant comfort level to discuss my issues.

 

It is ok to be scared and the fact that you expressed it is very huge and big and identifies the pink elephant in the room.....I am proud of you for that:)

 

Ok, big hugs too (lots of those) and tissues..it is ok to cry (hey this Italian cries at lots of stuff but I find tears, writing and talking about it just the way you are helps a lot:)

 

Also, I learned to create a support group to reach out to and telephone and meet with and help each other....in many ways this Group is a great support group....

 

Thank you for being Brave and expressing your pain James....Hugs always sent your way...I wish I could do and say more to make you feel better..but I am totally in agreement with Sharon...a good therapist, a good support group and keep on posting to say it out loud....

 

Rainbow Hugs always sent your way:)

 

Michael

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All will be well and all will be well and all manner of thing will be well.

 

And if that don't make you fell better I'll resort to quoting Bette Midler songs...

 

did you ever know...

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James, one time in my blog you posted saying something like "I was about ready to head out and come to Oklahoma to start beating people up." Well, almost everyone here feels the same way; I know I do. And while I can't exactly beat anyone up very well (I'm weak), just know that we care about you. The fear will go away (even if the glaucoma doesn't), and it'll be all better (mostly).

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Hugs aren't enough, well wishing isn't enough. There is nothing I can say or do to make any of it okay. All I can say is that not drinking and not getting high, when everything in you mind and body wants to, is the best thing you can do for yourself. Your medical situation will be what it is, nothing, but prayers I suppose, can change that. best of luck to you. I'm thinking of you, worrying about you, and (contrary to my general habbits) pray for you.

 

:king: Snow Dog

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James, I know a hug can't change what happened, but here it is anyway.

 

:hug:

 

Kitty

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Hey James,

 

I'm so sorry for all the things you've had to go through. If only people could learn to treat each other better, not be so closed-minded and full of hate, and be more responsible for their actions. I'm proud of you for not drinking or getting high, that takes alot of strength as does talking about your problems. I know it sounds like I'm spouting mindless optimism, but modern medicene really is amazing, and I bet they'll be able to treat your condition, and at least keep it from getting too bad. It's very scary and I wish there were something I could do, but again as the others have said, all I can do is offer you my prayers, support, and good wishes (and you have those). Stay positive and hopeful, at this point that's about the best way you can beat the people who've hurt you. Take care and good luck, and please let us know what happens.

 

Warmest wishes and support,

Kevin

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Thanks guys

 

I've got to sweat it out until Jan 4th. Waiting to get an answer to something like this sux.

 

Thanks for your kind words. :wub:

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I've got to sweat it out until Jan 4th. Waiting to get an answer to something like this sux.

 

 

Waiting and uncertainty are rough. Knowing what you have to deal with, you can at least start dealing with it.

 

Any time people start messing with your eyes, that's potentially serious, as the ophthalmologist told me before my first laser surgery, so of course you are concerned.

 

There are quite a few treatment options with various sorts of glaucoma, so I would be surprised if nothing can be done to lower your pressure. If you've had some damage, that most likely can't be reversed, but things can be done to prevent further loss of vision.

 

You're in my prayers, as are your eye doctor and staff.

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