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July 09, 2005
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE?
Hi, folks. This is actually Jen typing with Billy lying on the bed dictating to me. So in his own words...
Wassup everyone? I'm lying on the bed with the lights off, sunglasses on, enjoying my time dictating to the wife as I am not allowed to watch television, read a book, or look at a computer screen for a few days. So let me describe to you exactly what they did to me.
I chose to use the Axis Eye Institute who specialize in ACC (Advanced Custom Cornea). This procedure differs slightly from the more well-known LASIK surgery. Whereas with LASIK, the patient can see straight away, with ACC there is a few days healing time during which you are extremely light sensitive and your vision is not great. The upside is that there are a lot less potential comlications with ACC. So off we go to see Dr. Johnson and his team down at Axis. Jen has to drive as I will be unable to on the way back. Up to this point, I've not really thought much about what I'm about to do...(In typical Billy Morrison fashion!) and when we arrive, the team are ready to go. I can't help thinking that this is much like most of the tattoos that I've had done - I kinda just wander in without too much thought, sit in the chair, and tell them to get on with it. Not until I'm three hours into a session (and my skin is screaming) do I remember that this shit hurts!!! I take a few photos with the doctor and I lie down on the operating table, complete with baby blue medical hair bonnet and shoe sterilizers! Despite me asking her, Jen refused to be in the same room - in fact, she can't even watch through the observation glass. She's completely freaked out. (CAN YOU BLAME ME?)
As most of you know, I choose not to drink or take drugs (as I have consumed more of each than any man should do in an entire lifetime). This procedure usually comes complete with a handy prescription of valium and vicodin. It's not that I'm a martyr - it's just the way I live these days - I turned the prescription down. So there I was, fully conscious with my eyes clamped wide open, Clockwork Orange-style. I have to say at this point that everyone involved in the procedure was absolutely professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. I wouldn't have gone anywhere else.
However, having a guy scrape your eyeball, shoot it with a laser (and believe me you can smell the burning), and continually spray various liquids into your socket would have anyone feeling slightly ill at ease.
The whole thing lasts less than 15 minutes. And Jen guides me like a blind man back to the car and home to rest up. The last couple of days haven't been too bad - I have what seems like a pharmacy of eye drops to keep using, and I have to say that sitting in a Japanese restaurant the evening of my surgery (it was a business meeting - I had to go) with sunglasses on did make me feel like a complete arsehole. I miss being able to look at the computer .... I'm sure anyone who reads this regularly will know how tough this is for me! But it will be worth it in the end. I should have 20/20 vision without any dry eye, infection, or complication.
I have to dash as I am going to attempt to do CFR in about an hour. Dave is busy, and so I look forward to the welcome return of Matt Sorum who is joining me on the show tonight. Good job it's radio and not TV. I can keep my eyes closed the whole show!! No time for any pics - gotta go. Have a great weekend!
Peace
Billy
P.S. I'm reading all the posts to Billy aloud, so thanks!
Posted by vivelerock at July 9, 2005 05:09 PM
Comments
What a brave feat, Billy! (Hi Jen!) I'm amazed that you did this completely med-free - you're a better man than I. Well, I'm a woman, but you get it. Have a speedy recovery!
Looking forward to CFR tonight :)
Posted by: Theresa at July 9, 2005 05:20 PM
Long time no talk...
Glad things are going well with your recovery. You do have one of the most striking pair of blue eyes I have ever seen...glad they were in good hands. Hope all is well with you and your family/friends in London. Hello to Jen. I love reading your posts, sorry I never reply...I am always crazy busy and traveling. I always look forward to reading them though...I am coming to LA to teach at a training mid-August. Anyone playing around town (you guys perhaps?), or worth checking out?
Cool about your diving certificate. I always go to the tropics with work. I would like to get my diving certificate one of these days. I did it once, had a bad experience with it...couldn't equalize, bloody nose, nauseous all day...maybe it isn't for me? Anyway, I convinced my boss to get me a Mac, so I am trying to figure this computer out. Have a great CF and I promise to be around here more....good luck on getting a record deal. We could all use more great rock out there!
Take care,
SSS
Posted by: Sweet Soul Sister at July 9, 2005 05:54 PM
It's so nice that the Axis Eye Institute has a website AND a page dedicated to exactly what your surgery entailed, Billy.
http://www.myaxiseye.com/difference_phx.htm
Happy eye healing!
Posted by: Holly at July 9, 2005 06:35 PM
It's so nice that the Axis Eye Institute has a website AND a page dedicated to exactly what your surgery entailed, Billy.
http://www.myaxiseye.com/ask_phx.htm
Happy eye healing!
Posted by: Holly at July 9, 2005 06:37 PM
Absolutely hilarious - thanks Jen for typing that all out!!
Posted by: flamingheart at July 9, 2005 07:06 PM
Jen, you're an angel. Billy, you're a lucky man. And there is no way in hell I could stand there and watch if they were doing that to my hubby either. I'm sure I would also "freak out". Glad you're up and about, and that you'll be good as new soon. Take it easy. ~Bonita
Posted by: Bonita at July 9, 2005 07:53 PM
Thank you Jen for typing for Billy and reading our posts to him. And Billy, glad you're recovering. Just finished listening to CFR, you and Matt were a riot. It went by very fast.
I'm freaking out a bit about your explanation. I can't even put contact lenses in, I don't know how I would survive the surgery. I'm not kidding they would have to knock me out just to keep me from jumping off the table. LOL
Take care and speedy recovery.
hugs,
tina
Posted by: tina at July 9, 2005 08:10 PM
Billy,
I never thought we'd be having a 6 degrees of Eric Roberts moment but...
You mentioned your acting gig with him on CFR, a life long friend of mine's daughter co stars with Eric's daughter (Emma) on the Nickolodean series "Unfabulous".
She plays Emma's best friend "Geena Fabiano".
http://www.nick.com/all_nick/tv_supersites/cast.jhtml?show_id=unf&cast=emma%20roberts
Small world, huh?
Thanks,
Jay
Posted by: Jay at July 9, 2005 08:33 PM
My, what a big EYE you have!!! (well, on that big screen I mean). Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Posted by: Deena at July 9, 2005 08:33 PM
I really admire you for having the courage of your convictions, Billy. I was cringing just reading about it!!! Probably a good deal that you didn't think about it too much before hand!!! rofl
Will you be able to read in time for the new Harry Potter next week???
Take good care...
Posted by: Cori at July 9, 2005 09:30 PM
Hi Jen :D,
Billy wow, I can’t believe you didn’t freak out. 15 minutes is 15 minutes to long if you ask me. Yikes!
About wearing the sunglasses at the Japanese restaurant, did the song “I wear my sunglasses at night come to mind”???
If you guys are into Japanese sort of Benihanas style but much better check out the Shogan in Pasadena, it’s a grub joint.
Take care, get better and give a big hello to sexy Matty.
Oh yeah Jen, has anyone told you how much you rock??? You’re absolutely fabulous.
-Wendy
Posted by: Wendybird at July 9, 2005 10:52 PM
Thank you Jen,
That made my eyes tear up reading it.
Good luck Billy.
ps. Are your family and friends ok in London?
Matt S.
Posted by: Matt Stebbins at July 9, 2005 11:39 PM
I've said it before and I will say it again, you two make this marriage thing look good!!! It gives me hope!
Anyway, I am so glad the procedure went well.I have heard that ACC is able to take care of problems that Lasik is not, including stigmatism. Too bad health insurance doesn't cover it, because I am now officially too blind for contacts..
ok, enough about me, back to you, You and Matt were hilarious last night, thanks for playing Camp Freddy!! Jailbreak sounds...uh....AMAZING!!!
love to you and Jen
jezzi
Posted by: jezebel at July 10, 2005 08:01 AM
Billy, glad to hear you are healing well, and thank you Jen for the typing duties!
You could smell it burning? ... AAAAAUGH! I almost spewed my caffiene on that one. Great visual (pun fully intended).
Heal well and quickly Billy, can't wait to see you on stage soon!
Posted by: Kate at July 10, 2005 08:51 AM
The sad part is billy can still play guitar better than me while he is blind... DAMN YOU!
Whats up man its good to hear that things went smoothly.
Pony
Posted by: WhitePony at July 10, 2005 11:30 PM
So glad it went well!(Thank you, Jen, you're a sweetheart for having to describe what you didn't want to see)! The "smell of burning" reminds of the birth of my last child, I had a C-sec. and tubal ligation and could smell the burning, and my hubby standing there transfixed (he's squeamish), he said it was so gross he couldn't help staring!
Have a good day
Elsa
Posted by: Junebug at July 11, 2005 09:21 AM
So glad it went well!(Thank you, Jen, you're a sweetheart for having to describe what you didn't want to see)! The "smell of burning" reminds of the birth of my last child, I had a C-sec. and tubal ligation and could smell the burning, and my hubby standing there transfixed (he's squeamish), he said it was so gross he couldn't help staring!
Have a good day
Elsa
Posted by: Junebug at July 11, 2005 09:23 AM
Yeah.... I'm never having eye surgery done.
Posted by: zannebee at July 11, 2005 11:08 AM
BILLY,
You are the most gracious Rocker e've ever met. Jen you are a sweet heart and we all loved having you guys come in. Happy Healing
Dr.Johnson & Axis Eye staff
Posted by: JILLY at July 11, 2005 02:16 PM