Preparing for Your Vitrectomy and Facedown Recovery
In some cases, you may have time to prepare for your vitrectomy. In others—like mine—you might find out at the last minute. I was told on a Monday at 5 p.m. that I’d be in emergency surgery the next morning, just 16 hours later!
If you do have time, I strongly encourage you to prepare your recovery area before your return from surgery. That said, always follow your medical team’s instructions—especially if you've been told to avoid any physical exertion beforehand.
If that’s the case, please ask for help. You may need someone to move furniture, tidy up, or create a clear, comfortable space. During our in-home delivery visits, we often find ourselves doubling as temporary interior decorators—shifting tables, chairs, and more to help you recover comfortably.
Real Advice from a Fellow Renter
We created a checklist to help renters prepare, but I was truly touched when Cheryl H., one of our past renters, went above and beyond by creating a detailed guide of her own. Cheryl's “29 Ideas for Preparing for Facedown Recovery” is packed with practical, thoughtful advice—and while not everything may apply to your situation (I personally had no pain and didn’t need Tylenol), we believe it’s an incredibly helpful starting point.
Here’s Cheryl’s list:
- Arrange support in advance—especially if you live alone. This is the time to lean on others. Your job is to stay face down and rest!
- Clear your recovery space of any tripping hazards—especially important in the first few days when vision is limited.
- Gather items you'll need within easy reach: tissues, phone, TV remote, books, magazines, etc.
- Make sure your recovery equipment is in place (facedown bed or chair).
- Straws – make drinking easier while facing down.
- Tissues – expect some eye and nasal leakage.
- Topical muscle relaxant and heating pad – for sore muscles.
- Pain medication – consult your surgeon for approved options.
- Pillows – two for shoulders and one for mid-torso at night.
- Warm twin sheets (we provide a fitted sheet for rentals).
- Bench or small table near face pillow – for a light or flashlight.
- Entertainment – iPad, audiobooks, or shows.
- Facecloths – one-time use only for morning face washing.
- Microfibre cloth – to clean your mirror.
- White noise machine – to help you sleep.
- Magnesium – may help reduce nighttime leg cramps.
- Back massager with heat – for daily relief.
- Seat cushion – recovery chairs involve lots of sitting!
- Simple, light meals – overeating can upset your stomach.
- Probiotics – for digestive support.
- Organize essentials for easy access: eye drops, toothpaste, shampoo, etc., without bending or straining.
- Move slowly and carefully. Watch the floor while walking.
- When picking up light items, bend at the knees—not from the waist.
- Don’t lift anything over 10 lbs. Ask for help!
- Skip the housework. It truly can wait.
- Be mindful of the gas bubble in your eye—it’s doing the healing.
- Above all, be patient with yourself.
- And finally—remember, it’s just 10 days of facedown time for a lifetime of sight!
Everyone's recovery journey is unique, but with a little planning—and support from others—you can set yourself up for comfort, healing, and peace of mind.
