09-February-2024. Posterior Vitreous Detachment

On Thursday we woke to over a foot of new snow at the top of the mountain - so awesome! Before lunch we took the tram up to the very top of the mountain so we could enjoy some of the deep snow in the bowls. At lunch I kept noticing a shadow dancing around on the wall in front of me - it looked like a translucent gray amoeba. At first I thought it was shadows from outdoor activities falling on the wall …. And then I realized it was in my right eye.

I mentioned it to my ski partners - lucky for me all 3 are physicians - and after ruling out any other issues (no headache/pain, no vision loss, etc) they decided it is likely a “floater”. They told me to report back if anything changed or if I started seeing flashes.

In the evening the flashes began, and the docs were all concerned I might have a detached retina and said a visit to an ophthalmologist first thing Friday morning was a must.

A detached retina is a serious condition that requires surgery ASAP (24-48 hours max) …. and recovery that might require the patient be face down for TEN DAYS if a nitrogen bubble is required to exert pressure on the healing retina. It’s something where you can’t really be alone, as someone needs to feed u and care for u while you remain face down. Needless to say I didn’t sleep well that night thinking of possible logistics and options … could I fly the next day? Where should I have surgery? What about my car full of stuff in Albuquerque? Oh boy ….

Teton Eye Clinic was kind enough to see me early Friday morning, and fingers were crossed for a diagnosis of “Posterior Vitreous Detachment”, which mimics symptoms of a retinal detachment, but since it’s just the vitrial layer and not the deeper retina that pulls away, no surgery is needed.

After a bunch of tests, I received the great news that is was just a PVD and that I could fly back to Albuquerque the next day and continue on with my Adventure.  Whew!!!!!

While at the Eye Clinic we got word from Dave and Michelle that there was a moose at the base of the mountain causing quite a stir and necessitating that the tram line be moved. It was apparently really something to behold - can't believe we missed that!!!

Randy was kind enough to forgo our final day of skiing (and moose sighting) and come with me to the eye appointment, so we decided to make the best of our final day in Jackson and drive to Teton Pass in the hopes of seeing bison. We had seen a moose, coyotes, a bald eagle and a zillion elk so far …. but no bison.

We had a great drive, lunched at a remote lodge and enjoyed the views …. but sadly there were no bison to be found anywhere. We even asked the Park Ranger at Teton National Park … and it seems that the bison just were not where they usually hung out. Looks like I will have to return!

Today’s WILD Idea is: remember that you are only one day or diagnosis or phone call away from something that can totally change your life or plan. Be sure to take advantage of your life and health and time with loved ones whenever you can!

I got lucky and hope to have good news again at an eye doctor follow up in 4 weeks. Hope everyone reading this makes sure to enjoy a special person, place or thing today.

💗