Are you an active person and facing eye surgery? Many of our renters know how this feels. Recovering is as much a mental exercise as it is a physical one. Hang in there! You will get through this.
Renter: L.K ~ Hamilton, Ontario
1) Why did you have vitrectomy surgery?
- Retinal Detachment
2) From the time of diagnosis until surgery, how long did you have to wait?
- 2 days
3) What symptoms made you visit an eye specialist (Optometrist or Ophthalmologist?)
- I saw a black shadow in my eye. The same thing happened with the other eye 6 years earlier. There is no logical incident to explain why this retinal detachment happened. The only symptoms I had were some big floaters a few days before the retinal detachment.
4) What kind of hope did your Ophthalmologist give you about your situation?
- Very positive - based on experience with the other eye’s recovery.
5) How would you describe your level of anxiety (i.e. before surgery, during your facedown recovery)? Describe how you managed this.
- Because I had prior experience with my other eye I knew more or less what to expect. During my facedown recovery, I was sometimes frustrated as I was losing my fitness and cycling opportunities during the best days of summer. Some of my family plans also had to be canceled or changed.
6) How would you describe your eyesight (i.e. one week after surgery, one month after surgery, three months after surgery)?
- One week after: very poor;
- One month later: I could see quite a bit around the bobbing bubble but my visual acuity was hazy
- 2.5 months later: a small bubble remained but my eyesight was much better but still a bit hazy. I can now confidently drive and cycle and begin regaining my fitness level.
- As of this writing, I'm due for a follow-up appointment and tests later this week. I should then know more about the quality of my eyesight.
7) Besides renting equipment, what one piece of advice would you give someone regarding the facedown recovery journey?
- Patience
- Follow the Ophthalmologist guidelines
- Use the allotted breaks to move slowly (Steve's notes: This is a very important part of your recovery. My friend and ER doctor in Hamilton, Ontario highly encourages you to get up and use your 5 to 10 minute breaks per hour. Make sure though that you move like a tortoise and not a hare)
- My iPad worked very well
- Experiment with towels and pillows to get comfort and vary positions (Watch our YouTube video on Comfort Tips)
8) What is one thing you wish you knew before your vitrectomy?
- I would like to know what caused it in my case and what I should do to prevent a retinal detachment.
9) Is there anything else you would be willing to share?
- I was able to continue playing guitar in the facedown position. This helped to keep my mind positive and gave me time to compose new tunes.
