Some time back when I was a bit low professionally, with one thing and another, I got into a discussion (or argument) with my cousin about why is retina so very important to me. Am not very sure if I could get my view across to him, or convince him why I care so much. But it reminded me of an incidence, which touched me a lot. Today I shall share it with you all.
My first exposure to retina came when I joined post-graduation in KEM hospital, Bombay. Undeniably, I was fascinated by the whole thing. Then one day we had a patient. He had retinal detachment in both eyes. Long standing, closed funnel RD. Could barely see light. It was decided to try and operate on one of his eyes. More as a lets give it a try. Nobody expected much out of it. He was admitted in the ward for a few days pre-op till he got fitness. Being a junior, I would be there doing ward work most of the time, and hence got to observe him. He needed help in every activity. Somebody had to help him to the bathroom. He could not see the food on his plate. And would spend all his time curled up in bed.
Then he was operated. He could now see about 2 feet in a small area. That is all. He was still blind, for all purposes. But now, he could walk to the bathroom on his own, see the food on his plate & would sit up & talk to people around him.
I do not know how long this lasted. But the change was remarkable. Today I have seen much more than this, much worst & much better, but I can still see this man in my mind.
It was on that day I decided, I wanted to do retina.
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- B2
- Have never written much before. Had a few atempts of writing a diary, way back when we used paper & pen to write stuff. Was not very good at it. Now feel the itch to put down my thoughts in words again, so am trying this out. Lets see how it works out.
2 comments:
During my postgraduation days most of my colleagues did not favour specialising in retina.According to them it didn't pay, especially in a private setup.The cases are more difficult ,time consuming and the visual improvement not significant even when it the surgery is a success especially in comparison with cataract surgery -the argument went!But who is to decide what difference an improvement from HM or CF to 6/60 or 6/36 makes to a patient!Your case is a perfect illustration of this point .Even a difference of PL to NPL makes a lot of impact in day today living I am told.Glad you took up retina -for the right reasons.
I agree with Anu. i too had the same experience. Most of my collegues too had the same view point. In fact most ophthalmologists feel that. Unfortunately. And yes!! I am glad I took up retina. :-)
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