Last week we received a wonderful note from one of Dr. Howard Lazarus' patients, Gerry Cantor. Gerry had struggled with retinal detachment and floaters and after a series of appointments with Dr. Lazarus, he was able to regain his vision. But enough from us, we'll let you hear about the experience straight from Gerry!
Dear John-Kenyon American Eye Institute,
I'm writing for two reasons. First, to follow up on your sign needs
(consider that done) but, more importantly, to let you know how much I
appreciate the care and treatment I've most recently received at John
Kenyon.
I told you a little of my surgery, slightly over a year ago, to repair a
detached retina in my right eye. My vision is very good in that eye, by
the way, and I'm fully recovered from that operation. The same trauma
that caused that detachment, however, also caused a serious problem in
my left eye. Although I did not suffer a retinal detachment, I was left
with very large floaters that obscured my vision. These floaters became
worse over time and having them constantly moving in and out of my field
of vision was, very literally, ruining my life.
If you look on the internet about floaters, you'll see quacks who claim
to be able to treat them with herbal remedies or zap them with lasers,
etc. But the general consensus, from some very reputable sources, is
that people with floaters just have to learn to "live with them" because
the risks involved in surgery are too great. Well, I tried to live with
them for over a year. I NEVER got used to them. They drove me CRAZY!
I consulted with Dr. Lazarus about this problem a while back. Yes, he
told me there were risks, but he also said that "when I was ready," he
could do something about them. Two weeks ago, I told him I just couldn't
stand it anymore. My vision was terrible and my eyes hurt all the time
from trying to focus. He simply said, "OK, that's what I was waiting for
you to say. Let's get rid of them." Five days later, last Wednesday, Dr.
Lazarus performed a Vitrectomy on my left eye.
Paul, I swear, it's like having a new life. I see clearly again. I don't
have this big gob of crap constantly moving in front of my vision, and
my eyes focus very, very well. Every time I think about it, like right
now, I almost cry with joy and relief. Dr. Lazarus joked that he gets
little love when he saves someone's vision, but a "simple vitrectomy"
draws accolades. Maybe he's right. He's saved my vision twice now. I was
very appreciative of all he did to save the vision in my right eye, but
I'd kiss Lazarus over the vitrectomy, if he'd let me :-). I saw Mark
Lynn the other day. He said "I don't think I've ever seen you this
happy."
As I said, Dr. Lazarus didn't try to tell me there were no risks with
the vitrectomy, but he was willing to help me reasonably weigh the pros
and cons. He didn't brush me off with the "live with it" party line. He
seemed to truly understand how debilitating this was becoming for me. I
really had no doubt it would turn out well. Dr. Lazarus exudes
confidence in his abilities (as he should) and, in turn, passed that
confidence on to me. As for the procedure itself: you have to let
everyone know this is a viable, available option. I had very little
pain. I could see pretty well almost immediately and very clearly by the
next day. My eye is a little bloodshot, but nothing gross. It was a
piece of cake. I could kick myself that I waited this long.
One last thing: I was in the waiting room the other day. Appointments
were backed up pretty far and there were several people complaining. I
took the liberty to tell my experiences. I also took the liberty to
explain why they were waiting, that John Kenyon's physicians and staff
didn't run a medical "assembly line," and that it was hard to always
stay on a tight schedule AND take the time to give your patients the
personal care they deserve and want. I truly believe that's exactly what
you guys do. For that, I'll wait as long as it takes.
Anyway, I wanted to say thanks. If you ever need an additional
testimonial, please let me do it.
All the best,
Gerry Canter
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