I said no thank you, gave the front desk my frames for new lenses, and left.
Let me explain. You know that episode of Friends, when Rachel is so freaked out about touching her eye that she can't even put eye drops in? That's me.
I always swore I'd never wear contacts. So when my doctor even mentioned it, I ran. My mom tried to convince me otherwise, saying that she really thought it could change my life. (In addition to vision and headache issues, I am tired more often than I should be because of all the stress on my noggin.) The following week, my headaches got worse than ever and I decided I couldn't take it anymore. I called the doctor and made an appointment to get fitted for contacts.
The appointment was last Friday. I was there for a good three hours. The majority of the time was spent attempting to put contacts in on my own. The doctor told me that taking them out is the hardest part. I like that man but he is a liar. Taking them out is infinitely easier for me than putting them in. At about 5 PM (my appointment was at 2) they finally told me to go home. I'd successfully gotten them in and taken them out a total of one time.
The next day was the Cupid's Chase 5K. I was so tired after the race that I decided to skip the contacts that day. I've worn them every day since, though, each time for a bit longer than the day before.
I'm not ashamed to admit that I've had a few meltdowns over this. It's kind of a lifestyle change, in a way. I'm still struggling to put them in and it's endlessly frustrating, though it does seem to get a bit better each day. I have another appointment today to assess the past week and see where we go from here.
Last night was another point of discomfort: attending my half marathon team's meet and greet party. I don't care how old I am; I think walking into a party alone will always be a challenge. I guess I'll just never be that confident. I knew a few girls ahead of time but it was still incredibly intimidating walking into a really loud bar by myself and waiting to see someone I recognized. I met some really nice people and now I won't feel quite as timid heading to our first group run on Saturday.
But, today. Today is Friday! And not only that - it's a new month! I can't say I'm sad to see February go. I'm ready for new beginnings and warmer weather. And in that spirit, I want to share my workout calendar here as today marks the start of something else - my new Move Your Booty goal! 22 workouts in a month!
Happy March!
love love LOVE the workout log :) TOTALLY know what you mean re: contacts. i've had glasses since the 3rd grade, and i'm beyond squeamish and creeped out by the thought of touching my eyes (i get the heebie jeebies saying/reading the word "blood," for example... i have ISSUES). but i finally decided to get a grip, and got contacts SENIOR YEAR of high school. it took me THREE visits to the eye doctor. the first visit was probably 2-3 hours. no success. 2nd visit, maybe got one contact in. i was ready to say F it and just stick with new, cuter frames, but then i finally made it work.
ReplyDeletei still have WACK contact days where i either somehow... LOSE a contact in my eye? (WTF. it will happen. and it's really, really terrifying) or cannot for the life of me get the left contact in - sometimes, i swear they just screw up at the contact factory and package them crumpled up, and they just. won't. work.
i was REALLY bad about actually sticking to the 2-week time span with my contacts, and got an eye infection TWICE... so since, i've switched to dailies. they're definitely an investment, but at least i take out the guesswork re: wear time, cleaning, etc.
and with the amount of workouts i do, and the sweat associated with that, there's really no turning back. i can't imagine wearing glasses while spinning/ellipticalling/running, etc. they just make life easier that it's worth the initial agony and struggles.
YOU WILL GET THERE :) trust me!
Happy March!! Yes, its true, putting in contacts is a lot trickier than taking them out.
ReplyDeleteThe main things to remember are to make sure your eyes are moist (I put saline solution in my eyes a minute or two before i put the contacts in). Also your fingers need to be dry so the contacts dont stick to your fingers.
I hope this helps you :)
oh you poor thing. I am a bit freaked out about contacts too. When I was about 13 years old I walked past this eye exam store near my house. The rage was colored contacts and they'd let you try a pair on for free. I got the bright idea that I'd try on purple ones. Two hours later they were so ready to kick me out..I actually felt like I might leave with a bill for pain and suffering I gave them, especially bc I never got them in my eyes! NEVER again. I get it sister. I pray they relieve this terrible pain you are having. I know that a headache can be debilitating. Good on you for being brave. Every day life gets a little easier to tackle. And thank you for your beautiful comments lately on my blog they always make me smile xoxo love you xo
ReplyDeleteI first started wearing contacts in my junior year of high school. Maybe even the summer before that. Anyway, it was a huge game-changer. People actually did not recognize me and it was quite exciting. However, I, like you, could take the lenses out but not put them in. It took ages to get it right. Such a big deal. Now it is easy-peasy, but I still hate using contact-lens friendly eye drops when I need them!
ReplyDeleteDon't give up on the contacts. Once you get the hang of them it is LIFE CHANGING. For real. My first appointment was many years ago when I was 18. I wanted to go to college without glasses. I was determined. I was excited. Then I went for the appointment and I was frustrated. I was there for about 3 or 4 hours. I wanted to leave after the first hour. The woman fitting me was insistent that I put them in and take them out at least 3 times before I was allowed to leave. I wanted to cry. OK, I did cry once I left.
ReplyDeleteThe first few weeks it was still hard and I had to set my alarm clock for 45 minutes earlier just so that I could get them in.
And now, many years later, I put them in and take them out without thinking.
Go Teddi! you can do it! xoxo, MYB :)
ReplyDeleteYou can do it, Teddi! Those 22 workouts are gonna fly by. Here to spring, MYB and you having an amazing month! xoxo :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you!! I was the same way - and then law school hit and I had to do something. A very patient boyfriend and lots of attempts later, I have never gone back to glasses - you will get there!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! I just found you through a search online for SEAK photos (I'm doing the SBC this year) and have been reading all your posts. So honest and inspirational! Will be a new follower!
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