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orbital decompression due to thyroid
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orbital decompression due to thyroid

by linriv7, Nov 08, 2005 12:00AM
Has anyone had orbital decompression due to bulging of eyes.  Ihave a thyroid problem and my doctor offered to conduct this surgery.  I am concerned and dont know if i should be so dramatic about it.  I would like to know if someone has underwent this surgery and if so, how did it go, was it worth it, did they benefit much from it, cost of the surgery and if it was painful?  Thanx! Any info would be helpful.
Member Comments (27)

by Eye Guy, Nov 08, 2005 12:00AM
I would recommend having the procedure by a board certified oculoplastic surgeon.  It it done by reconstructing the orbital bones.  The procedure is mostly esthetic, and is somewhat involved surgery.  There will be discomfort, but if done correctly, you will be very pleased with the results.  Get a couple pf opinions first!

by linriv7, Nov 09, 2005 12:00AM
Thank you so much.  You've been very helpful.  Oh and yes, I am also getting many opinions so that is taken care of.  I was just concerned about the surgery itself and if I should go ahead and do it.

by linriv7, Nov 09, 2005 12:00AM
Oh and, when you say mostly estethic...do you mean it's mostly done for physical appearance and not for health purposes

by Eye Guy, Nov 09, 2005 12:00AM
Yes. But I guess if it were my eyes, I would feel much better about myself.  In that sense it would be psychological as well.



Where your health is concerned, just like when you correct someone's eyes with LASIK, they may see 20/20 or better.  But being very nearsighted still has risks of a thinning of the retina, or a retinal detachment risk.But it makes abig difference in the patients everyday life, like it would yours to look better.



I actually represent a company that sells a product called Bioplate, that has a product the doctor uses to reconstruct the orbit.  I would ask the doctor if he uses or can get it.  I know reps all over the country, and it is sold world wide.  Let me know if you need any help with a recommendation for the material, or a doctor.



by Eye Guy, Nov 10, 2005 12:00AM
I have seen patients that have had the orbital reconstructive procedure, and yes it makes a big difference.  You asked me for some doctors names, but I need to know the state you live in to help you. Let me know.

by linriv7, Nov 10, 2005 12:00AM
You're absolutely right, it is a pyschological thing.  In the begining I was so definite about not getting the surgery but not as I see more and more photos of people who got the surgery, I changed my mind.  Now, I'm sure that I want to get it done.  If you could suggest a few doc names for me that would be great, any help would be appreciated! question, have you seen anyone who has gone through this surgery and if yes, did it make a big difference and were they happier?

by linriv7, Nov 10, 2005 12:00AM
I left you a comment but for some reason I'm not able to view it so Im thinking that it didnt go through, therefore I'm gonna try and remember what I typed to you.  



Here goes....You're right it is a pyshcological thing. In the begining I didnt want any kind of surgery done because just the thought would bother me but now as time passes I see how I think this could be a positive thing in my life.  I dont remember the last time I walked into a place looking straight ahead.  I'm always walking looking down at the ground!



I would really appreciate any help that you can offer.  If you have doc names to recommend, please do so.



Question, do you know anyone that got this surgery done on them and if so, did it make them happier?  Thanx again!

by linriv7, Nov 11, 2005 12:00AM
I'm in New York, sorry bout that.  Once again, I really appreciate this.

by Eye Guy, Nov 11, 2005 12:00AM
Hi,



here are the doctors that would be recommended by an oculoplastic specialist here in Chicago.  If you decide to see any of them for a consult, please mention that Dr. Robert Weiss referred you.  I have been with Dr Weiss in surgery, and he is very proficient at what he does.  I trust his opinion for you.



Dr.Robert Della Rocca at New York Eye and Ear Hospital (not New York University)

Dr. Michael Kazem (?sp) at Columbia University

Dr. Kip Dolphin at Cornell-New York Hospital



All are good guys with a great deal of thyroid eye ds management experience



Good luck to you.

by linriv7, Nov 11, 2005 12:00AM
That is soo funny.  My doctor is Dr. Della Rocca.  Wow, then that means I'm in good hands!!!!  Thank you so much.  You've been extremely helpful!  I'll keep you posted and how things work out after my appt next thursday.  :0)

by linriv7, Nov 17, 2005 12:00AM
Hi, well, I went to my eye doctor today and he told me that he doesnt want to do surgery at this time.  he says that i'm doing really well and that my condition is stable therefore, he doesnt want to perform surgery and then my thyroid levels go crazy again.  He said that it's a matter of time and that eventually he will do surgery but not now because it's not necessary.  So, I guess the outcome is that I just have to be patient and hope that my eyes either get better and if they don't then hopefully the surgery can get done.  Thank you so much again for your help.

by Eye Guy, Nov 17, 2005 12:00AM
I would listen to his advice.  I was with Dr Weiss here in Chicago for another surgical case and I told him about your case.  He said he really likes Dr Della Rocca, and you are in the best of hands.  I'm sure he will do right by you when the time comes.



Good luck.

by Jen28546, Dec 10, 2005 12:00AM
Hello I just received and orbital decompression on 11/10/05 and nothing could prepare me for the aftermath.  I had severe propotsis in only my left eye.  I finally found someone within 500 miles who could perform the surgery after 2 years of getting the run around from my regular eye doctor.  My 1.5 hour surgery took 5.0 hours.  The pain afterwards was excrueating for about 3 days (alot of pressure).  On the fourth day I felt great but I wasn't quite normal.  I took 3 weeks before I could drive.  I have slight double vision  but not enough to undergo another surgery at least for now.  I still have alot of lower lid swelling which occured 2 weeks after the fact.  But the compliments I have received after the getting the surgery and the fact that I can see as good as I did prior to getting the proptosis was well worth the pain and agony of post surgery.  Just make sure thet your doctor has alot of photos of their previous work for you to look at.   I have no scaring and look 99% as good as I did prior to the propotsis.



My MD is Frank H. Christensen in Chapel Hill NC.  Truely a good MD.  My out of pocket cost was about $5,000.  Insurance paid for the rest.  Check your ins, mine has a clause that stated it wwuld pay for any cosmetic and/or reconstructive surgery due to illness or disease.  (DUH Graves eye disease)

by bigbrowniis, Jan 03, 2006 12:00AM
I also have graves disease of the eye and am in the process of finding a doctor also in the New York area.  The one dr. I was recommened to by several other doctors (Dr. Warren in NYC) does not accept my GHI insurance.  I have also seen a dr. in staten Island which is recommended but I must say I was not the most comforatble with either.  Eyes are very protruding.  right eye at about a 28, which is very big and so scary looking. Left eye about 25 i think.  So scared to have procdure done and then the after affects but i cant close my eyes at night, always tearing, the stary look, people look at me like I am an alien. The person seeing Dr. Dellarusso, is he a graves specialist too.  Any insight will be helpful and supportive.