Friday, December 4, 2009

, , , , , , , , Photophobia and Photos

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I have been experiencing a sensitivity to light. After doing some research, I found that I have "Photophobia" caused by my facial paralysis.

On the All About Vision website, it says, "Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is an intolerance of light. Sources such as sunlight, fluorescent light and incandescent light all can cause discomfort, along with a need to squint or close your eyes. Headaches also may accompany light sensitivity."

Apparently this is normal, though not necessarily common, for people suffering from facial paralsis, Belle's Palsy, etc. I have had such extreme reactions to the light lately that I have been worried, as it causes problems anytime I am outdoors, especially if I am trying to drive, or even walk. My special moisture chamber sunglasses are helpful, but not strong enough to curb my eye's reaction. I am nearly blinded when I get into the light.

I read that there are special contacts you can get. The prosthetic contact lenses can reduce the amount of light that enters the eye and make your eyes more comfortable and tolerant of the light. Hmm, something to consider. I have a call in to my opthamologist, Dr. Kim, at the Moran Eye Center and someone is supposed to get back to me soon.

The beautiful shiny, albeit cold, December days have tested my eye, but warmed my soul, so it is a fair trade. :)

I am including a few pics of our Thanksgiving celebration. It was great to see so many of my siblings and for my kids to have a giant sleepover with the cousins. Always a good time!

Me and Casen opening some Thanksgiving treats!
Tami and some of the kids enjoying the feast!
Brandon, Myana, Grandma Brown, Michael, and Dave happily eating!
Tolan, Scott, Brett and Dave conversing at the table.
Lindi, Trent, Trenden and Taylor enjoying "big kids" table all to themselves!
I love this picture of my niece, Jessie, and Casen. They were having so much fun playing together and eating cookie pie. Too cute!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love the pictures...so fun. Love peaking into people's lives. Don't know why..but it's so cool to see them outside of sundays.
Cool that you figured the sensitive eyes problem. You have learned so much the last half year. Amazing.
Thanks for sharing...as always with respect..els

Nichole Giles said...

Beautiful pics. Glad you had a nice holiday with the family. I'm thinking this was an especially thankful Thanksgiving.

By the way, you should come over to my blog and enter to win the awesome prize on a giveaway I'm hosting. It's too good to not at least put your name in. =) (The giveaway is open to everyone interested.)


Nicki

britt said...

it was GREAT to see you the other day, but now I feel bad that I drug you outside after reading just how badly your eye is feeling! Hope you get some possible relief now that you have discovered the name for the problem.

Jason said...

I agree with everyone else- the pictures are great and it looks like you had a great time. As far as the Photophobia condition, would the fact that I've never seen a good picture of myself be included in that disorder? Being so unphotogenic I would think that I'm also suffering from that disorder. Hmmm....
Next time you are at the U you have to tell me so I can see you- is that cool? Thanks for the love and support my dear friend. We loved the CHRISTmas card/note. You are truly an amazing woman Jodi. I'm lucky to know you :)
Love you!!!

Carolyn said...

Aloha Jodi,
It is fun to see the beautiful family photos. You have a FABULOUS family! You have certainly learned alot with your experiences in the past year. Last Sunday my young woman daughter brought home a quote which I have always loved and is now in my scriptures again...Its an Elder Orson Whitney quote:

"No pain that we suffer,no trial we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. All that we suffer and all we endure, especially when we endure it patiently builds our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more charitable,more worthy to be called the children of God..and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation,that we gain the education that we came here to acquire and which will makes us more like our Father and Mother in Heaven."

As always thanks for sharing...lots of alohas and hugs,

Carolyn

Cluff Chronicles said...

I loved the Christmas card! I am glad you have been willing to share your experience. I have been in tears reading all you have been through, and I am amazed at your faith and strength. We are praying for you and Tolan and your four beautiful children. Tell Tolan we are thinking of him!
Nicole Cluff
(Jeff's wife, Tolan's old roommate)