Monday July 30, 2007
“Have you finished cleaning?” Graham asked at about 10 o’clock yesterday evening.
“Probably.”
“What kind of answer is that?”
“Best you’re going to get. Whaddya want?”
“My stye’s come up again and the staff sent me home. Would you like to come over and fetch me?”
“Ah. Poor sausage. Yup, I’m on my way.”
This stye is getting to be beyond a joke. It’s clearly stress-related but that doesn’t dimish the thing. When I got there the upper eyelid looked like something from a bad boxing movie, with an enormous head that looked like it was about to burst. He was bathing it in a hot antiseptic solution, and looking dreadful.
It burst not long after we got home.
“You really must go see the doctor about it, and don’t let yourself be fended off with another useless ointment.”
“Okay. Promise.”
This morning, though, his resolve weakened, and I had to resort to gentle but remorseless nagging. He has an appointment for this evening. I hate the thought that I’m become an effective nagger.
The author, webmaster, and minder of the cat
11 responses so far ↓
Bonnie // July 30, 2007 at 10:56 am |
I had those blasted things in childhood. My mom used to blame chocolate. I can only remember hot compresses and I think the use of epsom salts to draw them. I do hope Graham can find an effective treatment. btw wear the nagging with honor.
Kate & Jim // July 30, 2007 at 11:38 am |
Don’t mean to sound alarming here and I’m no Doctor, but he should get a good oral antibiotic along with antibiotic gel for his eye, John. Those things can turn into a nasty staph infection in no time. Especially since it keeps coming back.
That’s my advice for the day…and I’m stickin to it!
louphoria // July 30, 2007 at 1:05 pm |
poor Graham, that sounds utterly horrible. Kudos on the nagging. I wonder would Propolis help in terms of it being a stress induced infection, it’s a natural antibiotic.
Brigitte // July 30, 2007 at 1:13 pm |
A man has to do what a man has to do
or.. sometimes one just has the play the part of a bad boy/girl. But as Bonnie said, whatever it is you just wear it with honor! 
And best wishes to Graham!
Wendy, NC // July 30, 2007 at 2:38 pm |
How well I remember the days of the stress-induced styes. As I recall, there’s only one real cure. John, I’m afraid there’s more nagging in your future.
Mary Lee // July 30, 2007 at 2:58 pm |
There are times when a good nag is absolutely necessary and this certainly is a wonderful example. Nag on until something gets done about this, John. And deepest sympathies to Graham. Been there, done that, and it is NOT fun, nossiree, not one bit.
marty // July 30, 2007 at 3:00 pm |
Well, I have had them and I know the reason they return.
We have glands in the eyelid that get clogged. The ointment is probably the only medicine that will help, but hot compresses will melt the clog and allow the natural fluids to run again. Keeping hands away from your eyes helps keep the area clean.
When we are stressed and tired we tend to rub our eyes and this brings minute bits of dirt to sensitive areas.
Using hot compresses, washing your hands frequently and keeping them away from your eyes will help a lot.
Edward McCain // July 30, 2007 at 3:17 pm |
Threaten to post a pix if he attempts to wriggle out of the appointment. That should keep him in line
Jim // July 30, 2007 at 5:44 pm |
Keep nagging. (After all, it’s for his own good. )
Seriously, he really should take this very seriously and if nagging is what it takes, then nagging is what you should provide.
sheila // July 31, 2007 at 4:10 am |
All well said, John. Graham is lucky to have you on his case with this. Good luck to him in getting this taken care of.
Cristin // March 18, 2009 at 7:30 am |
Your blog came up as I am searching about a stye. I hope you get this soon. My 16 year old has had one for a month now. The doctor says just use warm compress and a cream. Tonite it looks like it’s going to pop. And so many says not to pop the stye. But what if it pops on its own? None is written about what to do to clean it up. So I’m wondering what you or Graham did when the stye actually popped? Thanks so much.