u/Particular_Smell_1

For context I had my daughter when I was just a teen. We grew up together. I was a college student when she was also starting school. She graduates high school in two weeks. I am in shambles as my entire routine for the past 13 years revolved around her and school. For many years everyone would ask when I would have more children and would proceed to ask what I would do once she was older.

Though I was firm on not wanting more kids, I have been reflecting on how quickly the years went by. I attended every field trip, class party, school play and parent meeting.

She will be attending college and will commute, meaning she will still live at home for the time being. I feel a bit dramatic being so sad about this but I’m reflecting on how many years went by and how many memories we created. I am happy for her to go on new adventures but I am also sad for me. Part of me feels like I’m losing a huge part of my identity. I was 16 when she was born and she is now older than me when I had her. All I can remember is being her mom. I don’t regret having only one child. I firmly believe the bond we have was built on our circumstances and she is truly the most amazing young woman.

How have you parents of only children coped with the idea of sending your baby off into the real world and how are you doing emotionally?

I recently received MRI results to help diagnose TED related changes as I’ve been experiencing dry eye and puffiness/asymmetry. My results showed only mild superior rectus enlargement on both eyes but more pronounced on my left. I’ve been trying warm/cold compresses to see if they help the asymmetry and overall symptoms. After I use cold, I feel some tightness/pressure. Does this mean it’s working? Is it making things worse??? Can’t see a Ted specialist until July.

I recently saw my endo who upon taking one look at me said I have TED and my left eye was bulging. Personally I know my eyes have changed, and that’s why I booked the appointment. I didn’t think they were bulging, but my left eye looks more open than my right and comparing the two, my right eye looks more closed or smaller than the left.

Anyway my mri results came back showing:

Mild enlargement of the superior rectus musculature, left greater than right.

No other findings. My endo says this can still be TED and asked me to follow up with a specialist but I can’t see a specialist until July.

Does anyone have any insight on what I can do if anything to help my eyes get better? I have on and off dryness and my eyelids are uneven but everything else is okay at this time.