It is always a pleasure to assist people in their facedown recovery. For this particular renter one of the biggest challenges was the postponement of their surgery. Unfortunately, retinal detachments can always bump a macular hole surgery. Additionally, macular holes can be misdiagnosed. Having a retinal scan is always a great idea as it will provide details as to what the problem actually is.
Renter: Steve M.
1) Why did you have vitrectomy surgery? (macular hole, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, other)
Macular hole
2) From the time of diagnosis until surgery, how long did you have to wait?
My consultation was on September 9th. The first surgery on October 4th was cancelled and rescheduled for November 25th.
3) What symptoms were you having that made you go visit an eye specialist (Optometrist or Ophthalmologist?)
I had blurred vision which my optometrist thought was a cataract. Unfortunately it was a macular hole.
4) What kind of hope did your Ophthalmologist give you about your situation?
Very positive was told 95% successful
5) How would you describe your level of anxiety (i.e. before surgery, during your facedown recovery)?
I just tried to stay positive since the odds of a successful facedown surgery were very good. Being facedown was a challenge but not as bad as I thought it would be. I had family around most of the time which was a big help. I spent my time watching more TV than I ever have in my life. I also listened to podcasts and audio books. I think the biggest thing I can say is to stay positive it’s only 7 days. Although my sleep was not good as usual I was normally able to get a couple hours here and there. Here is a complete list of ideas for "Keeping Busy During Your Facedown Time".
6) How would you describe your eyesight (i.e. one week after surgery, one month after surgery, three months after surgery)?
Week 1 - I was still swollen with hardly any vision
Month 1 - I'm seeing some improvement but still not great. I have an image like a raptors foot in the surgery eye which is getting less visible.
Week 10 - I'm now starting to get better although not as quick as I would like.
7) Besides renting equipment, what one piece of advice would you give someone regarding the facedown recovery journey?
Stay positive it’s only a short time out of your lifetime.
