Here's Looking At 32

This is what 32 and life with no contacts/glasses (and no eye make-up since my eyes are still healing) looks like:

I was able to celebrate my birthday this past week with family and friends by eating and drinking way too much.  Thank you to everyone who reached out to wish me well. I have found that for some reason even numbered years have always been positive years for me. Maybe it's because I turn an even number of years (32) in the even numbered years (2018). So here's to hoping the streak continues and this stays a wonderful year.

Over the weekend, I attended the Virginia Veterinary Conference in Roanoke. I chose this conference since I knew a few people going, as well as because it was early enough in the year that I could get my CE out of the way, and it was still close to home so I didn't have to take extra days off. Some of the topics that were discussed included better dermatology diagnostics, seizures and epilepsy, chronic heart failure management, and behavior supplements and medications.  I was tempted to stop by Blacksburg to grab some delicious food, but I wanted to be back early! However, I did receive a notice for my 10 year college reunion (10 years!!) in the mail, so I will be in Blacksburg again soon!

My LASIK Experience

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I underwent my LASIK procedure this week! This post won't be for the faint of heart, as I've had many people asking about how the surgery works, so I may go into some graphic detail. I decided to have my procedure done with TLC Laser Eye Center, so every place may be a little different, but here's my experience.

PRIOR TO SURGERY
I initially went in for a consult to see if I was a good candidate for the surgery. I consulted with two places, but TLC was the one I preferred based on how I felt in the office, the online reviews, and friends who went through them as well. There are different types of vision correction surgery that you may be a better candidate for, I was best for LASIK. I needed to be out of contacts for two weeks for your cornea to heal and get an accurate test results. I had a pre-op appointment one week before the procedure to get accurate measurements for the laser.  I also had to start putting in lubricating eye drops even if my eyes didn't feel dry.  The day before my procedure, I had to start putting in antibiotic (gatifloxacin) eye drops as well as the lubricating drops.  By this point, my glasses are irritating the sides of my nose and I cannot wait to get rid of them.

DAY OF PROCEDURE
LASIK surgery
I elected to do my surgery first thing in the morning to get it out of the way and also so I wouldn't be anticipating it all day.  Upon arrival, I was taken into a regular exam room, where the post-op care was explained to me and I was asked if I had any additional questions. I was given a Xanax for relaxation and taken to a "zen room" while the medication kicked in. The zen room was warm and had a beach scene with wave sounds playing....perfect for me right? I was then taken back into the exam room where some lubricating and eye numbing drops were placed.  In the surgery suite, I laid down on a table underneath the laser machines. It was freezing in there, but luckily they had a blanket for me. They gave me a stress ball to have something to hold onto, but I already had my anxiety/calming and healing crystals in my hand. ;)

 Now the real fun part....They taped one of my eyes shut, put a device on to keep your eyelids open, then a suction piece is placed over the eye to hold it steady so that the laser can cut a flap in the cornea.....this is where you will feel some pressure, but no, not painful. I was able to see a little tunnel of different colored lights and then as the cornea was cut away, I couldn't see anything, just blackness. Then the laser correction begins. I was able to see red and green lights, almost like fireworks, and then I could smell and hear the laser.  The cornea flap is replaced and you can somewhat see a paintbrush like object sealing your cornea. The surgeon then tapes that eye shut and moves onto the next eye. I can't say that I was completely relaxed or comfortable, but I think it was all more because I didn't know what feeling/sights to expect. I never felt any pain though.  It was all a matter of focusing on your breathing....easier said than done, I know. After bot eyes were done, I could see right away when I stood up from the table.  I was in the surgery suite for a total of maybe 5 minutes, and in the office less than 2 hours.

POST-OP CARE
I was told that if I didn't take the prescribed 3 hour nap (and no longer) after the surgery, then I would feel burning and tearing. The Xanax by that time kicked in and I had no trouble sleeping. You do have a sleep mask that you sleep in for a week after the surgery to protect your eyes from rubbing.  Once you wake up, there are anti-inflammatory (prednisone acetate) eye drops that need to be placed every hour that first then, then gradually decrease in frequency the following days. For about one week you are putting in four different drops in your eye (anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, lubricating, and a night lubricating drop) then two different drops for a few additional weeks. You also won't be able to wear any eye makeup for one week prior.  It is normal to have a bit of blurriness and halos around lights at night for a few days, up to 3 months, following the procedure.  I have follow up appointments, 1 day, 3-5 days, one month, three months, 6 months, and one year afterwards to ensure that my eyes are still looking okay.

If you are still thinking about LASIK (hopefully I haven't scared you off), then at least go in for consult and see if you are even a good candidate.  I'm thrilled with the results and so far couldn't be happier. Just like everyone else told me.....one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Grounding With Positive Energy

Something crazy/powerful/interesting that I recently discovered..... I was gifted a crystal set back in elementary school, maybe 5th grade, about making crystals and the power of them. I kept the crystals and gemstones that the kit contained.  Over the years, whenever I cleaned my house/apartment and went on a purging spree, I always debated about getting rid of them, after all they were just sitting there collecting dust.  I was never able to get of them though, something told me to hang onto them. Recently, when I started researching more about the different types of crystals and the power of them, I grabbed those crystals/gemstones and felt them vibrating in my hand....crazy I know, but it's just something you have to experience in order to believe me.  It was as I was holding them and reading that I found out they are some of the most powerful crystals/gemstones that you are suppose to own. And here all this time, I just thought they were pretty to look at. The fact that I couldn't get rid of them after all these years, just shows that there was some sort of energetic pull telling me that these are important and that I needed to hang onto them.

Admittedly, I believe in the hamsa/hand of fatima, chakras, the power of incense and aromatherapy, feng shui, most recently crystals, and the energy that surrounds them. Now before some of you roll your eyes and think I'm crazy, here me out.  I can talk about the energy around us for days, but I will simplify it as best I can.  This isn't some sort of voodoo or witch craft, this isn't even about religion - it's about spirituality and yes there is a difference. Religion is what/who you believe in and spirituality is how you connect, focus your thoughts and ultimately, your energy. You attract what you harness and surround yourself with. Energy is the currency of the universe. When you "pay" attention to something, you "buy" that experience. Be selective in your focus, because your attention feeds the energy of it and keeps it alive. Your energy introduces yourself before you even say a word. Have you ever noticed how exhausting negativity is? Being around negatively or just feeling down - it drains the energy from you. Being positive isn't easy either, but it does take less effort, and makes you feel happier and lighter. Once you have slowed down, paying attention to the way you feel, and become intentional, you will start managing your own vibrations and controlling your point of attraction, therefore, grounding yourself.

You know that gut instinct you get in certain situations? That's the earth's vibrations from its own energy communicating with you. The earth connects with us through grounding energy, which how crystals come into play. Crystals are formed naturally from the earth's core. When we mediate and "ground" ourselves, we are connecting back to our natural state. "You are dust and to dust you shall return." Think of gemstones and crystals as something tangible to focus your positive thoughts into. Harnessing those positive or even negative thoughts/energies into something you can physically see. For example, there is a rose quartz crystal that focuses on love, whether it be self-love or love within relationships. You hold this crystal to mediate, you bring forth that loving energy.  The smokey quartz allows you to focus the negative energy you want absorbed and taken away into a crystal, into something you can see and feel.  Check out the following link to see a list of all the various gemstones and crystals and their powers: Ultimate Guide How To Use Healing Crystals

Ok you can roll your eyes at me now ....or maybe try it first and see how much more your mind expands, energy becomes more tangible, and how much more down to earth you start to feel.

No More Contacts Ever!

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This past Thursday marked my last day to wear contacts hopefully ever!  I've finally given in and decided to get LASIK. I went in for a free consult and was told I was a excellent candidate for the surgery, so I set a date - Feb 15th, a Valentine's and birthday gift to myself. I've been wanting to get LASIK for a while, but it always made me nervous to do so. I'm at the point where I can afford the surgery and I'm sick of contacts. I just want to make things a little bit simpler. Plus EVERY SINGLE person I talked to that had LASIK said it has been the best decision they ever made. I've been wearing contacts/glasses for 21 years. My prescription has been around -5.25. With the contact solution I use, my contacts had to sit in the solution for 6 hours, otherwise it burned my eyes to out them in beforehand.  It will be so strange to wake up and not having to put contacts in my eyes in the morning., but it will be thrilling to be able to see clearly. Sure I will miss the look of glasses, but honestly I very rarely wear them anyway. Here's to no more contact hassle and finally being able to see naturally again!