We all know someone who has had their cataracts removed. We hear in Church announcements nearly weekly that brother or sister so-and-so will be going in for eye surgery this week. Maybe you are like me and never really paid much attention to that because you didn’t really know them or what they were going through. I do remember my mother having her’s done several years ago, but I’m sure things have changed since then.
I have just a few days ago recovered from having cataracts removed from both eyes. “Don’t worry,” I was told by people when they found out I would soon be going through the process, “there’s noting to it, it’s minor surgery,” That would usually bring about a common response. “The only minor surgery is that which is done on someone else.”
Just the thought that doctors would be “operating” on my eyes gave me the “Willies.”
I had such a great experience with my doctor and his staff, that I would like to tell you about both the procedure and the treatment I received.
My eye doctor is David Litchford. The best way I can describe him is to ask you to think back to the days when doctors made house calls . . . back to the days when doctors were renowned for their “bedside manner.” Ha! Who you trying to kid? But, its true. That is Dr. Litchford. He takes the necessary time to explain the details of what you are going through. His middle name should be “thorough.” You never get the feeling that he is in a hurry!
Dr. Litchford has his own system for the pre and post-surgery, but one thing is clear, it is his ultimate goal to match up your prescription with the lens he inserts into your eyes during the surgery. Removing the cataracts in itself is a blessing, but to insert lens that corrects your astigmatism (in my case), is the closest thing there is to a modern medical miracle.
I go into the surgery wearing prescription coke bottles since 1962 and my night vision is so bad that I had quit driving after dark. I had not seen my golf ball in the air in 15 years. Six weeks later, once the regimen of eye drops have been fulfilled, I wear no glasses, can once again drive at night, and feel a little bit like the six million dollar man.
When I have good light, I can even read without glasses.
The Litchford method
Earlier I mention that Dr. Litchford had his own method. I would like to expand on that a bit. After the doc had told me that he intended to do cataract surgery, I was directed to the office of Surgical Counselor Donna Looper, who handles all of Litchford’s pre-op patients and I might say, does a great job. She gave me a little black bag that I was told to carry with me to the hospital and to all doctor appointments. In it, I was to keep all my eye drops, and they are many! The paperwork was in a folder and I was instructed to keep it with me too. It detailed the regimen of eye drops, that can be a bit overwhelming until it becomes part of your life.
As it turned out, this system with the little black zippered purse, was ingenious. I took it everywhere. Oh, did I forget to tell you that I played golf on Wednesday, the day after each surgery on Tuesday? I had my first eye, my right, done on a Tuesday around noon at CMC. I played golf the next day at Heatherhurst, teeing off exactly 24 hours later. Two weeks later, I had my left eye done, and again played golf on Wednesday. I took my black bag to the golf course, to the bowling alley, to church, to work and I don’t think I ever missed a drop. I had a little discomfort but no pain during or after the procedure.
I was already taking six drops a day for my Glaucoma. Add to this the cataract drops and I was taking up to 16 drops a day, but they serve a purpose, assurring you recover properly and have no problem with infection, etc. It is a tried and true method and there are thousands of Litchford patients out there to testify to it, including me.
I still marvel at the results. My eyes are still a bit sensitive to bright sun but that is improving. I constantly test my new vision. I see the golf ball now and it has brought a lot of enjoyment to the game. When you hit a good shot, part of the fun is to see it on its way to the green. I made a hole-in-one on number 14 at Bear Trace a couple years ago but never saw the ball after it left the tee. I had to rely on my partners to tell me that it had gone in the hole. I know my partners like it better now, they don’t have to be responsible for watching my ball. I even help them find theirs from time to time.
Thank you Dr. Litchford for your expertise and precision. I can say without a doubt that the only doctor appointment I ever had that I did not dread, are those to Dr. Litchford’s office. This is a tribute to the quality staff members. Thank you ladies! If you are looking for an eye doctor, call Dr. Litchford’s office (484-9547) , could be they might work you in.
All of Dr. Litchford’s staff members are very friendly, caring people. In addition to the previously-mentioned Donna Looper, they are: Joyce Hogston-Office Manager; Karen Wedlund – Receptionist; Margaret McNeal -Receptionist; Cill Kirk-Licensed Optician; Alacia Green-Insurance Specialist; Faye Hatfield Certified Ophthalmic Technician; Rili Davis-Certified Ophthalmic Technician; Michelle Brewer-Certified Ophthalmic Technician; Rachel Breeding -Opthalmic Technician; Rene Everitt Brown-Micropigmentation Specialist.
The 204-year-old book
Recently, when my wife was going through books and other personal belongings of her mother (the late Laura Ledbetter Ingram), she discovered what I think is a real treasure. In amongst several school books from the 1920’s and 30’s was a book, published in 1807 by B.B. Hopkins Co.in Philadelphia, titled “Select Speeches, Forensick & Parliamentary” by N. Chapman, M.D.The hardback book, 8”x5” when measured, is in amazingly good condition considering its age. Nothing real important about it, other than its age. Taken good care, it could easily make another 200!
Coops for bargains
If you love a good bargain, and who doesn’t, you’ll want to go by often to check out an ever-changing inventory. Coops buys estates which includes some really high quality furniture and antiques. I recently found a nice desk for my office on a day when I was looking for something else. They are located at 356 West Avenue in the old Marlow Motor Company building. If you go, don’t forget to go upstairs.
Vista News
If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your home, pick-up a copy of the Vista (available in Crossville at Food City). They have classified ads from Glade residents (who can run them free). Bargain after bargain! I found a recliner for my office lounge from a Glade homeowner. I read them weekly whether I am looking for anything or not.
Speaking of the Vista. Many of you will remember that I started that newspaper about 17 years ago. Later, I sold it to my nephew Jon Weaver, who recently sold it to Keith Walther. Keith is a vastly talented singer. I remember seeing him in a D-Squared Production of “Tribute to the Rat Pack” where he did a really nice job covering some Englebert Humperdink and Tom Jones songs. We may have to call him “the singing publisher.”
Time Capsule
A couple weeks ago my wife took on the job of building an architectural column in our dining room, as part of some renovation we had done to our home. When she had three of the walls in place, she realized it would create a hollow place in the center. The family decided to turn it into a “time capsule.”
We put quite a bit of thought into it, thinking that some day, far into the future, someone would discover the capsule when maybe tearing down the house, or remodeling it. Its all together possible that a 100 years could pass before anyone discovered that buried message.
We wrote a letter, told who we were, our names, when we built the house originally and that we were remodeling it when we created the column/capsule. We included our photos and our ages at the time we put the info into the space. “We included photos of the house while it was in construction when first built over 20 years ago. We told what we do for a living.
I asked my daughters, Lyndi and Laura to choose some item or toy to put into the time capsule. We ended up with a small basket of several items, photos, etc. Things from our “time.”
Who knows, it could be a little treasure for the finders. Perhaps they will be our decendants. It matters not. It was a spur of the moment decision and we did it.
Custom web radio station
If you love music, truly love having access to your favorites, you will want pay special attention to this little story. I must have been born about a couple decades too late, for you see, my favorites performers are Tony Bennett, “old blue eyes,” Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Lou Rawls, Perry Como, Jo Swafford, Satchmo, Sarah Vaughn, Billy Eckstine, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, etc. Sure I can listen to them on my computer because I have bought their albums and downloaded them, but there are times when I would like to have “something else.” Well, something else recently came my way.
Callled “Pandora Radio, its internet radio and it is available online. Pandora Radio is the personalized internet radio service that helps you find new music based on your old and current favorites. Just type in “Pandora.com” in your search bar and it will bring it up. Register with your name and a password. Its free. Type in the performer you want to hear and it will create a radio station that plays that performer and others who sing in the same genre and will go on as long as you want.
Or, after you have created several “stations,” you can choose “shuffle” and it will automatically switch from performer to performer, of those you have selected.
I am listening to it as I write this. Now you know!
Veterans Day in Crossville
I would like to commend Ed Lewis for the outstanding job he did as MC for the 2011 Veterans Day celebration at Veteran Park in Crossville on Nov. 11th. And I mean it in the most sincere way. We all have a tendency to throw around accolades and sometimes they get kind of generic. “Good job,” is a phrase we all utter often and a lot of times they are meaningless. I mean this in the most sincere way. I have been behind the podium as a mc for events, its a tough job. Ed gave the entire day a degree of class.
In addition to keeping the day flowing and handling introductions, Ed also had to deal with his emotions while reading a very poignant letter from a Vietnam Veteran’s wife (who is now deceased). The surviving veteran gave Ed the letter to read for the occasion and it was most fitting, but full of emotion and Ed “got through it.” I admire him for even trying, him a veteran himself. He reminded the big crowd who braved the cold winds about local Crossville WWI hero Milo Lemmert. Lemmert was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and was a member of the Tennessee National Guard.
You’d never know that Ed grew up in Georgia and spent 30+ years in the Phoenix area before retiring here 12 years ago. He continues to be an active, proud member of our community and we are the lucky ones, to have him here. I met him soon after he moved here and have been friends since then. We don’t always see eye to eye on everything, but it has never gotten in the way of our friendship. Great job Ed!
He gave Mark Daniels a small plaque and expressed his appreciation in a little ceremony after the big one. Here is the photo of that event and what the plaque said.
Going to miss them
A couple of my favorite friends recently retired. I am going to miss seeing them at their respective places of employment. Lamar Green, long-time manager of Crossville’s Food City grocery store, recently hung up the apron in exchange for more time on the farm. Lamar was a great guy and I will admit, it was because of his friendship that I have stayed loyal to Food City (with my grocery shopping). He always had time for me, supported my business, and never said no when I went calling for a free handout for one of my charities.
Nick Owens, a well-known Crossville pharmacist has retired. Nick operated his own store, Plaza Drugs (since 1970) before selling out to Eckerts somewhere around 2002. I got to know him while he was working part-time at Mitchell Drug Store. Nick was one of those friendly guys that just made you feel good when you were around him and I already miss him. He has a second home (he calls it a cabin), in Jackson County where he and the family escape to from time to time. He has a big family and they all love to spend the weekend at the cabin. They are; children Tiffany, Buffi, Holly and step-children Matt and Tami Thomason. He also has six grandchildren with the 7th on the way.
