On a personal note: Health Issues

[this text is also a blog post]

Please take the time ro read this personal post, even though the topic is not a happy one. Although I have been organising the picture contests on a monthly base, there has been no new content for the SP-Studio since the big animal update in March. People keep asking if I ‘forgot’ about the updates. Of course it is not like that. I regret every single day that I am not able to work on this project. That’s why I want to explain what is going on.

I am struggling with health problems. The eye issues I wrote about 3 years ago have got worse. The vision in my left eye is now so bad that I can no longer use it at all (even with new glasses). In addition, since last year I have been suffering from unexplained vertigo attacks while working at the computer. These things might be related, but nobody knows for sure yet.

While these physical symptoms already limit my ability to work on SP-Studio updates, they also have an obvious impact on my mental health. My biggest fear has always been losing my eyesight, and now that’s exactly what’s slowly happening to me. It scares the hell out of me. I often feel helpless and depressed, and I can’t even remember the last time I was able to enjoy being creative. This situation is taking away everything from me that used to fulfill me.

Because of all this, I have to really pull myself together to at least do my regular work properly. Afterwards I’m usually very exhausted. Unfortunately, a lot of other things are on hold, including the SP-Studio. I feel bad about all of you who are waiting for messages from me. You can be asured I never ignore you on purpose if I do not reply. It is just too much for me to handle at the moment.

Why didn’t I write this post earlier? I hoped it wouldn’t be necessary. That I would find my way out of this hole soon. I would much rather write about something positive and not openly whine about my problems.

So let’s at least end on a positive note: Later this month I have an appointment at an eye clinic to examine whether laser surgery can restore the vision in my left eye. I am using all the professional help I can get, and even if it takes a lot of small steps I try to stay optimistic. That’s why I’m asking you for a little more patience.

As soon as I am feeling a bit better, I am looking forward to being more active and drawing new items for the SP-Studio again!

And I promise to keep you updated on the eye surgery.

Thank you!

It might take time, but I know my mood will get better again.

This week I had my appointment in the eye clinic and there are good news: On September 23rd I will get a laser treatment and the doctors are optimistic that this can restore the vision in my left eye. Afterwards I will have to stay in the hospital for at least three days and will have to take a little break from screens. But if it helps it will be worth it! I will write another blog post before I leave.

The vertigo and depression are still an issue, but one step at a time.

Tomorrow I will be off to the clinic for a couple of days to get my eye surgery. The plan is to be back in action by the end of the week, but it depends on the healing process. So I'll just say "see you soon" - hopefully with better vision!

Thank you!
The surgery went well and I am back at home. My eyes will need some more days to recover, but I think in three days I can go back to work.