DonateOn April 2nd, 2009, I went from an optometrist to an ophthalmologist to a retina specialist finding out the same bad news. Within 2 days, three doctors diagnose me with a detached and torn retina. My case required a series of complex surgeries which Dr.Kim, a retina specialist, performed on April 9th: Scleral buckle, Pneumatic retinopexy and Vitrectomy.
Two weeks after recovering from this surgery, the retina was seemingly attached. However, during my last follow up appointment, I found out I was among the 15% for whom this procedure did not work. The main cause for this was Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR), which is basically scar tissue peeling back the retina and causing recurrent detachment. More on PVR.
The doctor would have to perform another surgery as soon as possible to correct this before my retina was peeled too far. The second emergency surgery would call for a silicone oil film to be inserted into my eye instead of a gas bubble like the first one. This oil has to remain in my eye until my retina is fully attached and the doctor feels it is ready to be removed (minimum of 3 months) which calls for a third surgery. A fourth and final surgery to recover my vision would be to clear my lens of a cataract which formed in the process of the first surgery.
This is the predicament in which I find myself as an uninsured student, supporting myself, asking for your help. The first two surgeries have already run my medical bills over $12,000. After denial from the state for Medi-cal, various health care companies for health insurance and limited resources, I ask you for any help you can offer. Every bit helps in a time like this and I greatly appreciate your support.
To read more about my story, click here.