Tuesday, July 13

Artistry & Chalazions


The artist brings something into the world that didn't exist before, and he does it without destroying something else.

John Updike, writer (1932-2009

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The aim of every artist is to arrest motion, which is life, by artificial means and hold it fixed so that a hundred years later, when a stranger looks at it, it moves again since it is life.

William Faulkner


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To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist.

Schumann


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Mr. kenju has a chalazion. For over a week, we have thought it was a sty. I have never had either one, so I was guessing, but the eye doctor confirmed this afternoon that it is a chalazion. The patient wouldn't let me take a photo of it - but imagine a large pea sitting on your eyelid just under the skin above the lashes.

We had a script for antibiotic eye drops filled on the way home from the doctor's office. Even with our insurance, the really tiny 5ml bottle was $80. Isn't it appalling how much such tiny amounts of medicines can cost? I was once given a script for salve to be used in my mouth, and the tube was half the size of my little finger and cost $90. I know those amounts are piddling compared to the cost of some medications - and frankly - I don't ever want to become acquainted with them!!

We go back to the doctor next week to have it removed. Mr. kenju is leery of the very smallest thing a doctor may have to do, so you can imagine how wrought up he is over this. Please wish me well over the next 9 days because I will need it in spades!!

EDIT: It is considerably smaller now, after 2 drops in the eye, than it was yesterday. We're hoping it disappears before it has to be lanced!


16 comments:

Gilly said...

Poor Mr. Kenju! Having something wrong with your eye is horrid.

But I do wish you joy for the next 9 days - what is it with men and Doctors!

I won't tell you that all my medications are free, as I'm over 60!!

Pat said...

Good luck with the drops. I was NEVER allowed to put eye drops in my elder son's eyes. And me a nurse!

Olga said...

Never even heard of that--chalzions. I can't say that I blame mr kenju for his anxiety, but I do wish you well in dealing with it.

Bobkat said...

Wishing you loads of luck though I understand how Mr Kenju feels. I hate anything medical and the eye is a particularly sensitive part so lots of luck to you both. It probably won't be pleasant but I am sure it will all be fine and will pass quickly.

Thanks for popping by Judy. I know I 'see' you on FB and I read some of your posts through FB too but don't always get round to commenting. I always enjoy your quotes though. I have a small confession to make though: I lost your comment and I'm so sorry. I approved it but when I went to check on my blog it wasn't there! Could you recomment IF you have the time as I know you are a busy bee. Thanks again. You are definitley one of the blog friends I hope to maintain links with :)

Bobkat said...

Thanks for popping back. I see it now. I think it just might have taken awhile to become visible!

I haven't been able to post about things on FB as I have colleagues from work as friends and it is difficult to explain fully here too due to my malicious stalker and someone I know has found my blog who I would not want reading about my personal life. Anyway, thanks again Judy : )

Joy Des Jardins said...

Mr. Kenju is like so many men when it comes to doctors...but, I think my husband was the WORST! He was always his own diagnostitian and doctor...good grief, he drove me crazy. At least Mr. Kenju is going to the doctor....and I wish him luck and a very speedy recovery with his chalazion. Hang in there Judy...sometimes it's just as hard on the one who 'isn't' the patient...or harder. Hugs, Joy

Arkansas Patti said...

That was new to me so I looked up the link. Don't you hate being unique. Hope the horrificly expensive meds do the job and he doesn't need the lancing.
The site said it would go away in a month. I would probably wait.
Good luck, the best of men make the worst patients.

Unknown said...

Poor guy! I had a chalazion once when I was about 15. It was horrible. They don't put you under for that procedure (at least for me they didn't), and it's a rather uncomfortable thing to sit through. They will give him a few shots to numb the eyelid, will use a small tool to flip the eyelid, and remove it. Luckily, it's a quick procedure (probably no longer than a half hour depending on the severity, and mine was bad!)and his eye will look back to normal within 2 days! Everything will be fine and he'll be back to normal in no time. I'm thankful to the optomotrist that removed mine because it truly is a very obnoxious thing to have to deal with.

Unknown said...

I'm from the WVSR btw, incase you were wondering where I came from lol

OldLady Of The Hills said...

The cost of perscription drugs is shocking, beyond words. What that would cost without Medicare is staggering to think about. I really think the Pharmaceudical company's are akin to Highway Robbery! It is appalling!

I LOVE those quotes about "ART" and artists, Judy.

I am sending you and Mr. Kenju the BEST of Vibes for a very good outcome here.

Lynn said...

Oh my - that's terrible. I wish him well. Yes - I had to put $80 drops in my eye before eye surgery. What a racket!

Grannymar said...

I never heard of a a chalazion. I wish you an easy road with looking after the patient. Shall I send over 'Nurse Hitler'? ;)

kenju said...

Brittney, thanks for the visit!! I hope you'll return. Maybe we won't have as much trouble with the eye as you did.

kenju said...

And Mr. kenju is making jokes about it now - calling it a "calzone" in stead of chalazion.....lol

Darlene said...

Chalizon is a new word and ailment to me too. You are never too old to learn something new. (There are times though).

I hope Mr. Kenju doesn't have to endure too much discomfort.

Anonymous said...

Both Roger and I have had chalazions. We've managed to get rid of them with hot compresses 3X a day. I hope all goes well with the drops and there won't be a need for lancing.