Last weekend I attended Manchester Royal Eye Hospital for a minor operation on my eyes. Well, I thought it would be both eyes, but the condition decided otherwise. Now I am to be allocated a return appointment to have my left eye zapped when the eyelashes have grown sufficiently in the right (or wrong) direction. Confused? You will be!

I have a congenital disorder called Lymphedema Distichiasis. It means that I have a double row of eyelashes, and the second row turn inwards, scratching my eyes and causing a lot of pain and discomfort. It was diagnosed when I was a small child, and since then I have had many treatments to try and alleviate the condition. It cannot be cured at present. I also developed acute Dry Eye Syndrome as I got older, because of the nature of my inherited disorder.

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The minor operation was electrolysis to remove ingrowing eyelashes. It involved the injection of local anaesthetic into my upper and lower eyelids, and then a precision laser tool burned away the offending eyelashes at the root. They will grow back again, but hopefully it will take a while. My last session of electrolysis was in 2013, so it seems to be settling a little.

As I lay down on the hospital bed in the operating theatre, I focused on remaining calm and relaxed. I have had this procedure what feels like a million times, I am familiar with the surgical staff, it is routine medical process in this hospital. But I still felt nervous, because I knew that the anaesthetic injection would be painful. As the nurse practitioner inserted the needle into my eyelid, I felt a rush of energy near my head, and I sensed my spirit guide placing her hands on my skull. She whispered soothing words, assured me that she would ease my discomfort, and suddenly everything faded into peace. I was safe. My reiki healing energy would assist. Now, only days after the procedure, I feel like nothing has happened. There is a slight bruise on my eyelid, but I have had none of the usual post-operative pain, swelling, dizziness etc. Thank you, Reiki healing!

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