Optic Neuritis

Hello Lovelies,

Once again another week passes, and once again I'm suddenly missing. I want to apologize but this time I also want to give a more detailed explanation.

As it were, I ended up in the hospital once again.

However, rather than just telling you I was there, I feel you deserve a little bit more of an explanation. I suffer from an inflammatory disorder that has been tormenting me for a few years now. Most often, it results in what's calling 'Myofascial Syndrome', which is a fancy way of saying I have chronic muscular pain; most commonly in my back and shoulders. It's regularly treated through steroidal injections and interventions, but it's one of those things you just have to live with. This is most commonly related to my sudden disappearances although there have been exceptions.

However, this last Thursday, I woke up with pain in my left eye. I didn't think much of it at the time, pain being relatively normal for me and it wasn't the first time. Probably just slept weird and had my eye open or something. I thought. However, on my drive to work, I suddenly lost vision in that eye. From there, you can guess where I headed.

Arriving at the hospital, they quickly realized that my left eye was not dilating and, when it was, it was doing so very poorly. While there, I was subjected to a number of tests including several MRI's, blood tests, and examinations. I also got to see an optometrist and, after even more tests, he's concluded that I'm likely suffering from Optic Neuritis.

In short, it's relatively rare condition that results in inflammation of the optic nerve. It most often is associated with those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, however it does happen to those with inflammatory disorders. Read: me.

So, while I get to go back and deal with the optometrist for more tests over the course of the next two weeks, that's the current belief. If it is the case, I have one of three possibilities. One) My left eye will improve on its own. Two) I get to undergo a steroidal treatment to help my eye heal; a process I'm already familiar with and don't react well to...but can be managed. Or Three) I permanently lose vision in my left eye.

This is not meant to make any of you feel bad for me, but simply give you a more detailed explanation as to my disappearance. I intend to continue working on Xenophobia and HOPEFULLY maintain it on a regular schedule. However, I felt it was much more important to me personally that you all understand why I haven't maintained my promised schedule. You deserve better and I wanted to give you that.

I hope everyone else is well. I'm working on Xenophobia and, if it's not posted tonight, it will be Monday or Tuesday. Be safe and I love you all.

- RB