Update from Tom - March 11 06

Tom had another appointment with the eye specialist yesterday and with the optometrist.  There is improvement,  but it is very gradual.  Tom still must remain basically inactive,  which is pretty boring,  especially since he can't read yet.

The optometrist has tested Tom's right eye and has determined a new prescription.  New glasses have been ordered,  but will take up to two weeks to arrive, since they will require a more complex than usual process to prepare.

On the way home from the hospital yesterday Tom visited his work and was treated to lunch,  which was a nice break.

Hi all,

I have been asked to give an update, since I actually have some news to give.  

Today was my first day back at work, albeit only a half day.  I will be working half days this week, and I hope to be back up to full time next week.  This has been a long five weeks to be stuck at home, under orders to maintain very limited movement, and finally being able to move around and start driving again (don't worry - I only drive on the sidewalks) was a great relief.

The impact of the airbag caused alot of bleeding in the front and the back of my eyes.  The right eye has healed, and with correct glasses I have 100% vision with that eye.  
The left eye is proving to be a bit more stubborn.  At this time there is still quite a lot of blood at the back of the left eye which will hopefully absorb itself back into my body over the next two to three months.  If that does not happen, then there will be the potential of having surgery to solve the problem.  That is something that we will deal with if it comes up.  Currently the vision out of the left eye is minimal, however there has been improvement since the accident, and so I am optimistic that things will go well.
The broken nose and left orbital bone are healing as per normal, and some say I am more handsome now than before:)

There has been some discussion about disabling of airbags.  I don't really know what the right response to that is, other than to say that in most cases, and at most speeds the airbag will probably save your life.  Even with the difficulties that I have with my vision, the potentialy worse alternative is not appealing.

To all the people that sent their best wishes via this forum, my work and home e-mail addresses, phone calls and word of mouth, I thank you for all the support - it was very appreciated.

Hope to see you soon.

Tom Bartman

Silly question perhaps, but would he want some audio-books?

If he has an MP3 player, I have all kinds of fiction (from Lord of the Rings onward:) ), to non-fiction (French & German instruction, etc).

I have received a number of requests for updates on my condition.  Five and a half weeks ago (April 3, 2006) I had eye surgery to repair a detached retina in my left eye that came about as a result of the incident at the OWR.  The recovery time from the surgery was 10 days, ensuring that I was facing the ground 24 hours per day to allow the gas bubble that was inserted into my eye to provide the correct pressure on the back of the eye so that the retina would re-attach properly.  This was incredibly unpleasant, however the surgeons were very pleased with the healing.  I still have another 2 to three weeks until the gas bubble is gone from my eye, during which time the gas creates really weird reflections as light enters my eye.  However, based on the vision that I already have regained I am confident that once all of this is over that I will have regained most of the vision that I had before the accident.  If you have any questions or want all the gory details then let me know and I will be happy to tell my tale.

Regards,
Tom