When recovering from a retinal detachment, it is so easy for your mind to focus on the worst-case scenario. Despite the prognosis, this renter advises you to stay positive about the outcome. This isn't the time to give up. Remember: Recovery without Regrets!
Renter: C.F. ~ Dunnville, Ontario
After losing peripheral vision in his right eye, my 58-year-old husband called me in a panic to say he was headed to Urgent Care.
As a Canada Post Driver, C.F drives rural routes when his vision suddenly changed.
Having called his optometrist, the receptionist didn't have an appointment. He was upset and panicked. A physician assistant came on the phone and advised him to go straight to the emergency room. Otherwise, I do not think he would have realized it was an emergency.
A retinal detachment was diagnosed after he spent Friday night in Urgent Care and then the local eye clinic. He was exhausted by the time he arrived home about 11 p.m. but all eye tests and diagnostics were done and he was on his way home about 11 p.m.
After waiting all weekend for a call, my husband received it Sunday evening and arrived Monday morning for a Vitrectomy.
The Eye Clinic and the team were amazing. His Surgeon has performed thousands of vitrectomies and has had great outcomes for his patients. The nurses and receptionists were very friendly and professional. There was a board in the OR that kept me informed while he was in the OR. It had codes like: preparing for surgery, in surgery, recovering from surgery. I was able to wait knowing that things were going well.
The Regional Eye Institute gave us a lot of hope, informing us that there was an 85 percent chance he could regain his eyesight if he followed the necessary steps for recovery. On the other hand, our friends shared negative and frightening advice based on their own experiences or those of others who did not have successful outcomes. While we appreciate their concern, my husband's love for driving and his job as a mechanic motivated him to put in all the effort to recover his vision in his right eye. We decided to focus only on success stories for inspiration.
After trying to use make-shift face-down equipment on Sunday, we realized that a simple mirror wouldn't work to see the TV.
Steve quickly walked into our lives after we called Retina Recovery Inc.
Throughout the weekend, C.F rested on his right side and worried about how to recover facing down.
Both the bed and chair were delivered by Steve. He provides sheets and covers that protect the equipment and he spent a lot of time showing him how to set everything up. After meeting Steve, we felt more prepared and hopeful. He provided videos and educational material and stayed late into the evening.
As C.F felt so tired, sore and discouraged after the operation, the family rallied, friends provided emotional support, and drove him back and forth to several appointments.
Without Retina Recovery Inc.'s Equipment, we could not have managed.
As C.F. takes 6 drops a day, two types, it is hard to keep track. Some of the things that helped were the eye drop checklist (doing 6 drops a day, two kinds is hard to keep track), the 2-way mirror was amazing, so Chris could see his guests, the comfortable face down bed, I slept beside him on the couch and could not believe he was snoring away in between repositioning. Chris's eye dripped and his face bruised and swelled. Keep Kleenex near by and drink plenty of water!
During the difficult 10 days, C.F took advantage of audiobooks, massage, healthy eating, and changing positions from bed to chair.
C.F is about 7 weeks post-op now.
There is still some gas bubble in his eye, but he is back driving. He still wears the medical alert bracelet for a bit longer. You should let your EMD, doctors, or nurses know that you have a gas bubble in your eye in case of any other medical emergency. In the past four to six weeks, vision started returning. It was gradual, but very encouraging.
A lot of practice is required for C.F to learn how to do his OWN eye drops. (Check out this tip on our YouTube Channel)
The next step will be to see an Optometrist for cataract surgery. (Check out our Information on Cataracts)
While there are many potential risks, C.F. was compliant and so far so good, he is on track to recover.
Life is precious, anything can go wrong with your health at any time. We need to remember to live each day to the fullest.
This hard recovery would not have been possible without Retina Recovery Inc.
