I want to share this story because I hope it answers some questions for someone else with eye problems. I underwent eye surgery including a cataract removal and a vitrectomy a couple of weeks ago.
I found XMenace’s post:
http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/…ing-early.html
to be very helpful to read before surgery because it seems such a scary subject that many people don’t talk avout eye surgery.
So I decided to post some of my experiences and thoughts in hopes that they can help someone else.
When I found out that my Retinal Specialist (RS) recommended a vitrectomy when I had my cataract surgery I was terrified. Eye surgery is scary but I knew that cataract surgery is quick and achieves good results quickly. The vitrectomy was scary. I put the info pack down on a table and didn’t touch it for quite a few days while I tried to get a handle on my emotions.
I had my post op checkup this week and I am doing well. Already a huge improvement in my vision but I cannot separate out what the cataract surgery did from the vitrectomy.
Already I am so well healed that it is hard to tell which eye had surgery although it is a bit bloodshot.
I experienced absolutely not one twinge of pain or even irritation in my eye. The area around the eye was somewhat swollen but not painful or uncomfortable at all. Cold compresses relieved the swelling and I only did that for a couple of days.
I was required to do face down recovery for four days which was really the hardest part in many ways. I am glad that my daughter and I investigated renting a special chair and equipment to modify the bed for sleeping face down. It was not too expensive and really helped. The DVD they showed me was really informative too.
Carbohydrate controlled diet at the hospital included a lot of macaroni, Corn Flakes and bread! I was glad I brought some food along. The nurses were great about supporting that I ate what I thought I needed to eat to maintain my BG control. I was in hospital just over 24 hours.
When I came home I was able to be pretty independat right away. I hadn’t realized that I would be restricted from lifting and walking for excercise. There were a few heavy things that I wished I had moved before going into hospital.
My other eye needs the same treatment and I am no longer aftraid. Not everyone had such a good experience as I did, but I think keeping BG down helps a lot. I felt that I could have gone home by lunch time when I came out of recovery around 10 am. I am not looking forward to the experience but I am looking forward to good results!
Kathi