Oct.24/06 Dr's Visit

Well, we saw two Doctors today. The Infectious Disease Doctor 'R' is so great. We met him before when the fungus in Ed's eye was first diagnosed. Dr. R. explained what choices we have very clearly.
1. If the fungus reacts quickly to the anti-fungal drug which Ed is back on now for one week (Voriconazole), then that is a sign that the fungus can be eliminated completely after about 6 months of the drug.
2. If the fungus reacts slowly over the next month, then probably the better route would be to have more surgery to remove the fungus 'clutch' again as well as any artificial things in the eye on which the fungus can 'hide' from the drug (this would include the artificial lens implanted at the original cataract operation and the corneal graft).
We hope the second route won't be necessary as more Surgery on Ed's poor eye is not wished for!!
Dr. R. said it would be best to continue on the Voriconazole eye drops for a month, while the oral drug is building up in Ed's system.
Ed will have monthly blood tests to see how his liver is dealing with the drug. That's it, except that the eye pressure was fine and Ed's left eye has about 20/80 vision in it right now. And, Dr. R. said Ed could drive a few hours after taking the anti-fungal drug, when it's side effects have worn off.
Oh, The other doctor, the eye surgeon specialist, was encouraged that the fungus did not look worse. This is probably a sign that the drug is working. The eye specialist wants to see us again next week.
We are encouraged as this very expensive drug will be covered by the provincial pharmacare plan (we hope). We are grateful!