Topic: Operation Time

[addicted2dvd]

 I am being prepared for an operation that is scheduled to happen on Thursday at 10:30EST.

Let me start by saying I had an eye/nose injury way back when I was about 14,,, maybe 15 years old. And since that time (30 years) I have been completely blind in my left eye. The doctors said there was a 50/50 chance of getting my eye sight back with an operation. But until now I never had medical insurance. Because of this I never was able to get my driver's license... the DMV told me that since it is possible to be fixed with an operation it had to be before I could get my license.

Well now I have some medical insurance I am finally looking into it. As it turns out when the injury occurred a very dense, hard cataract formed over my eye, one that none of the doctors... not even specialists could see behind to see if there is any more damage to the eye then that. So I still only have a 50/50 chance of getting my eyesight back after the surgery. They also told me it is so extreme that they can't even us laser surgery for me.... they need to go in the old fashion way... cutting into my eyeball with a knife. Which increases my recovery time immensely. They said there is really 3 possibilities depending on what they find....

1. I will have vision back on Thursday
2. There is an injury to the eye that needs additional surgery
3. There is scar tissue on the eye... meaning I will be blind in it the rest of my life.

I never had surgery of any type before... so needless to say at this point I am a nervous wreck. I know this is considered minor surgery and they won't even put me to sleep for it. But that don't change the fact that I am almost freaking here (LOL). Besides... I get the willies at the thought of them coming at my eyeball of all things with a knife.

[hal9g]

Good Luck, Pete. You'll do fine! Keeping my fingers crossed for outcome #1.

[addicted2dvd]

Thanks Hal... obviously the one I am hoping for!

[MEJHarrison]

Best of luck Pete!  And I'm not sure you're really coming out ahead with not being put under.  That would drive me insane!  I'd want knocked out for sure.

[dfmorgan]

Best of luck. hope it all goes well.

[addicted2dvd]

Thanks everyone... and no Mark... staying awake is a big plus for me. I have this huge (although irrational) fear that if I am ever put under I would never wake back up.

[GSyren]

I've had eye surgery with just local anesthesia, and I was really nervous about it beforehand. But afterwards I was surprised at how smooth it all went. I sure hope your surgery is as smooth sailing, and that the outcome is what you're hoping for. I'll keep my fingers crossed on Thursday!

[addicted2dvd]

Thanks Gunnar. I am nervous but excited all at the same time!

[Achim]

I am with Mark on this, would definitely prefer being fully anesthetized. But either way, wishing you all the best and see you back here soon.


As for no. 3: That eye had been blind since the accident and I remember you had always had little to no hope that that could be fixed?

[Kathy]

I hope everything goes well and that you get the vision back in that eye - wouldn't that be wonderful.

I had Lasik eye surgery many years ago and they sliced the cornea and flapped it back to access the surgical site. They flipped it back after and the worse part was keeping my eyes closed after.

They will probably offer you something like Valium to help anxiety. I didn't bother with it but many people find it helps.

Good luck Pete - keep us updated.

[addicted2dvd]

Thanks everyone.... the kind thoughts really are appreciated.

Started the prep work for surgery tomorrow. First of the eye drops are in. Slight sting to it but nothing too bad.

And yes Achim... I went through most my life with little to no hope of getting this done. So this is very exciting for me.

And want to hear something odd? Once I got the call with the time I needed to be at the hospital for the surgery I started to freak a bit... and nervous for days. Woke up today knowing I had to start prep and the operation is tomorrow... and I really feel calm about it and just ready to get it done now.

[addicted2dvd]

Well today is the day! I have to be up there in about 4 hours to get the surgery done. I am kinda surprised... I don't really feel like I am a nervous wreck or anything. I am much calmer about it then I thought I would be.

I am however afraid that I have my hopes for a complete success up a little too high. Even though I tried not to I found myself expecting the best outcome that can be expected. I can tell you now... if this day don't go as planned I am going to be very disappointed and upset.

[hal9g]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you Pete. Just remember that "nothing ventured, nothing gained". Your eyesight cannot get any worse, so, the only possibility is that it can get better. That's not a bad place to be. Stay positive and good things will happen!

[addicted2dvd]

I am now back home after surgery... WHICH WAS 100% SUCCESSFUL! I  can now see out of both eyes. It is still a bit blurry and wonky... like seeing double image when looking at computer screen. But it is so much better and so obvious that I do indeed have vision back in my eye!

The operation itself while  a bit nerve-wracking... was a very interesting experience at the same time. I was indeed awake the whole though they did have me sedated and numbed. The entire operation was no more then 30 minutes at the most.

Still feeling the effects of the sedation... so think I may take a bit of a nap here shortly.

[Achim]

  Congratulations, Pete! That is awesome news!