Sorry I've been out of the loop. I'm on vacation, disboarding from Seattle.
Kevin - wonderful news. Still praying for your successful healing.
I'm sure once the gas bubble is completely gone, the "looking through water" feeling will pass. I don't know if you had a macular detachment along with your retina, but that will also determine how quickly and smoothly your vision returns.
Keep the updates coming. I'll be checking the boards more regularly once I get home from the Pacific Northwest.
And I agree that a strong support system is the key to success, and you have it in John and in the community here.
Lucky guy.