We returned to
Cartagena with the goal in mind of having Lens Replacements Eye Surgery. We have been hearing from many of our
cruising friends of the excellent medical care and results in this field here
in Columbia.
Kaija always had
perfect vision that is until our Atlantic crossing in ’92 where she wore a Scopolamine
(motion sickness) patch. She discovered
on the second day that her short term vision had been affected. It never recovered and so she has worn
glasses for reading and other close up work since that time.
On the other hand,
I have worn glasses since grade school.
Problems with astigmatism and short sightedness have required me to
either wear glasses or contacts for all of my adult life.
For both of us,
wearing glasses on the boat has been a hassle.
And so, we elected to remedy that situation. We were recommended to a couple of fine eye
surgeons and elected to use the services of Dr. Javier Vasquez Ramirez in part
because he speaks English good enough to understand our questions and answer
them in a thoughtful and thorough manner.
There are two main
manufacturers of multi focal Intraocular Lens.
Abbot Labs of California produces the Tecnis Lens and Alcon Inc. makes
the ReSTOR TORIC product.
Dr. Javier
recommended the Tecnis lens for Kaija.
In my case, (dealing with astigmatism) he recommended one of each. I found with my first eye (the Tecnis lens)
that while my distance vision was greatly improved I was seeing ‘halos’ around
bright lights at night altho I am advised that this will correct itself over
time. For my second eye, the ReStoric
lens provided even clearer vision without the halos and there is a ‘built-in’
corrective feature for my astigmatism.
Kaija & Dr. Javier
The procedure of
the eye surgery is very simple. It
requires having your eyes measured (painless), applying drops for three days
prior to surgery (painless) and then the 15 minute eye surgery (painless). The entire process was painless and the
results virtually immediate. The morning
after surgery the bandage is removed…and VOILA…you are seeing. It is recommended to have one eye the first
week and the second the next and so there is a period of adjustment for the new
stereo vision to settle in. Also, it is
necessary to continue with eye drops for a few days after surgery. Other than not being able to go swimming for
a week following surgery, there were no other restrictions to any of our normal
daily activities.
We are thrilled
with the results and feel that we found an excellent surgeon and caregiver as
well made a new friend in Dr. Javier and his beautiful wife Ingrid who is an
excellent Dr. of Dermatology. Together,
they are a very handsome couple and big warm hearts and made this whole
experience one we will long remember as we carry on our journey enjoying our
new improved vision.
Javier with Kaija & Ingrid
During our visit
here, we had opportunity to visit some of the tourist attractions we had not
previously seen including the Grande San Filipe Forte,
Forte San Filipe, Cartagena Columbia - Kaija in Insert
We spent many fun
hours meandering thru the Old City with its many shops, vendors and unique
sights including some very interesting architecture and door knockers.
Cartagena Old Town sites incl Famous Fat Lady and door knockers
During our visit
Cartagena celebrated it’s Bi-Centenial celebrations. The marching bands and tradition costumes
were a delight.
Cartagena celebrates it's Bi-Centenario
We enjoyed
renewing acquaintances with old friends and making new friends here in the
anchorage. We also had time to spend in
the Bay of Chalon which is a beautiful anchorage approx 20 miles south of
Cartagena and spent time with Rob and Carmen M/v Manatee and their beautiful
home on the hillside called Crow’s-nest with a 360 degree million dollar view
overlooking the ocean.
Bay of Chalon with Carmen and Rob from their Casa Crow'sNest
One of the cruiser
favorites is the Wednesday night social held at the Restaurant Pacho &
Gillo Pizzeria hosted by Sandro. His
beautiful wife and daughter make everyone welcome and the food is great. This year they also hosted a Columbian Style
American Thanksgiving turkey dinner will all the trimmings. What a Treat!
Sandro and family, Owners of Pacho and Gillos Pizzeria
While here in
Cartagena we took the opportunity to have some additional renovations completed
by the famous wood worker Tutti who is a magician with his chisel and saw. We also needed our transmission overhauled
and were lucky enough to find Elvis, King of the Cartagena Mechanics. Both of these gentlemen were honest and quick
about getting the job done. Muchos
Appreciado Amigos.
Elvis the King of Mechanics and Magician Woodworker Tutti
Our final dinner
at the wonderful de Oliva was with Drs Javier and Ingrid, Lauren (daughter of
our good friends John and Jeri Mv Peking) and Kenny and wife Jesse Sv Makai
Ingrid with Kaija & Lauren
Jessie, Kaija & Kenny
We are leaving manyana
for the San Blas where we will hook up with good friends on that side of Panama
for Christmas. Then, Good Lord Willing
thru the ‘ditch’ (Panama Canal) in January and finally the South Pacific…HERE
WE COME!
And so as we enter
the Holiday Season, to all of you, we send our Best Wishes for a Wonderful
Christmas filled with Joy and Happiness and abundant time spent with those you
love and a New Year filled with Good Health, Good friends and Good Times.
