So I'm Going Blind

[BluestemTree]

I've been mostly a lurker here for quite a while. I got the word this week that I'm going blind, so I'm leaving the tree business. I knew something was wrong, but it came on gradually enough that I didn't realize it until I wrecked my wife's car. Over time, my field of vision has narrowed to where I'm well past legally blind. Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and let you guys know how much you have all helped me over the years in solving tree problems the right way. You guys have helped keep me safe, helped me work smarter and helped me to run what was a very successful and rewarding business. I appreciate you guys who take the time to share your expertise. It makes us all better. Everyone stay safe!

Bill

 

[Tree Pig]

Keep your head up man, I hope all works out for you and I will say a few prayers with you in mind.

 

[BarkBuster20]

I've been mostly a lurker here for quite a while. I got the word this week that I'm going blind, so I'm leaving the tree business. I knew something was wrong, but it came on gradually enough that I didn't realize it until I wrecked my wife's car. Over time, my field of vision has narrowed to where I'm well past legally blind. Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and let you guys know how much you have all helped me over the years in solving tree problems the right way. You guys have helped keep me safe, helped me work smarter and helped me to run what was a very successful and rewarding business. I appreciate you guys who take the time to share your expertise. It makes us all better. Everyone stay safe!

Bill

ahh.... i wish you the best of luck.. hope there is something that can help restore your vision, or atleast stop the progression.

 

[LTREES]

I've been mostly a lurker here for quite a while. I got the word this week that I'm going blind, so I'm leaving the tree business. I knew something was wrong, but it came on gradually enough that I didn't realize it until I wrecked my wife's car. Over time, my field of vision has narrowed to where I'm well past legally blind. Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and let you guys know how much you have all helped me over the years in solving tree problems the right way. You guys have helped keep me safe, helped me work smarter and helped me to run what was a very successful and rewarding business. I appreciate you guys who take the time to share your expertise. It makes us all better. Everyone stay safe!

Bill

Keep smiling Bluestem, Jesus loves you!

LT...

 

[Rookie1]

Man I thought I had a bad day today but that changes things. I sure hope something can be done for you. I know a guy with a brain tumor that took the vision in one of his eyes. I couldnt imagine going blind. Ill be thinking of you. Take care.

 

[fishercat]

wow,sorry to hear that.

hang tough,prayers for ya here as well.

 

[StihlRockin']

What specifically is the doctor's diagnosis?

2 1/2 years ago I was in Rochester, MN, at the Mayo Clinic getting ready to have my skull cut into to remove a tumor that was making me go blind. I had 0 peripheral vision and my straight ahead vision was slightly blurry as well.

Prior to that I was slowly losing my vision. The eye doctor said that whatever is wrong with you, it's not your eyes. I got a MRI which found a tumor in my brain. It had grown to the point where it was cutting off the optic nerves from my eyes along with the carotid artery to my brain.

Anyway, the morning of my scheduled surgery the surgeon came in and said "I have good news... no surgery for you." I was startled by the news and he said by looking at my blood tests, blah, blah, blah, I could take a pill that has shown great results for my problem.

2 months later I had about 98% of my vision back.

There's always hope brother.

Keep Praying!

Take care,

StihlRockin'

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Is it retinitis-pigmentosa? I've heard it explained similarly to your situation.

 

[1I'dJak]

this post hits home for me...Hope you're handling it well and are prepared mentally & physically for the change of life, my thoughts are with you....a while ago I had a detached retina in my right eye and 4 surgeries later (given up on the 5th) my vision is pretty compromised and I guess I'm at a higher risk for the same to happen to the other eye...till then I'm just keeping on with what I do as best as I can and try not to dwell on the possibilities... again you're in my thoughts & blessings

 

[Sunrise Guy]

I honestly hope that you stay in here with us. We are all wishing you the very best outcome, and hope that perhaps those in here who have faced a similar predicament will be able to give you some great advice. Please hang in there, stay strong and know that you're in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[BluestemTree]

Thanks for all the kind words fellas. I really appreciate it. My condition is, in fact, retinitis pigmentosa. The first thing I did after the diagnosis was to go to the best place in the states for research on it - the University of Iowa - and get my eyes looked at by the pros there. They confirmed it there, so it looks like that's the deal. There's no cure or treatment at this time, but there's some promising research on it. Also, the progression can stop and start, so hopefully it will stop or slow for a while. I'm not the kind of guy who gets too high or low about anything, so I imagine I'll figure out something that works for me - I have a great wife and family, so there's lots of support that way. I am really, really going to miss the work though. I love tree work more than I ever thought I could love a job. I feel like I wasted the day if I don't have to pour wood chips out of my shoes at the end. But there will be a next thing. There always is. I'll keep looking in on the site here. I feel like I know a lot of you just from eavesdropping on your conversations on here. Take care of yourselves guys.

 

[Metals406]

Best of luck in the future Bill, and stick around and post as long as you're able.

 

[Greystoke]

Hang in there Pardner.

 

[outofmytree]

If sympathy is helpful you have mine.

If it isn't, then get off your fat ass and climb as many trees as you can while your eyes work. Cos sure as God made lil green apples its gonna be way harder when you can't see!!

Humour aside. I wish you the best possible. Hang in there mate!