Macular Hole Surgery Recovery

I underwent tremendously successful cataract surgery in Jan, and now my 50 yr. old sister has developed a macular hole & will have a vitrectomy in a few weeks. (I think it’s all about attention. She always has to outdo me!)  Her healthcare provider will supply facedown equipment for use during recovery.  I have read many of the helpful posts about coping with the recovery period (audio books, mirrors, laptop computer, etc.), but I still have questions.  (It sounds like this procedure will make my cataract surgery feel like a walk on the beach--which it truly was!)  Do you really keep your facedown at all times? If so, what & how do you eat in this position? Do you have any tips for showering and dressing with your facedown during the postop period? Is there some type of “collar” that is worn to help you keep your head down? What about when you are examined by the doctor after surgery, isn’t your head up for that? How rapidly does the gas bubble shift if you raise your head for a few minutes and will this affect recovery?  My sister is afraid that she will forget, raise her head, & thus ruin her chances for a good outcome. Is she worrying a little too much?  Please share any tips or tricks you have discovered that will help me make my sister more comfortable during this frightening experience.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I think this question has pretty much been answered. Thanks for all those that shared their experience.

JCH III MD

[AnnaE]

See vitrectomy solutions.com for equipment and post operative instructions. There is a device for walking and sitting facedown. Nurses are available at all times to answer questions.

Insist on getting specific post-op directions from the surgeon. You will be given a break each hour for showering, etc/ (e.eg. 10-15 min.). You are face up when the doctor examines you and talks to you. Don't worry about shifting the head briefly to dress, etc.

The facedown experience is difficult. She needs support and to know the rationale behind all this. Take good, favorite food to her. Make entertainment available--CDs, books on tape, whatever she likes.

Best of luck to her
Survivor of 4 facedown surgeries

[jan17]

I am 50 and had macular hole surgery 6 weeks ago. I still have my gas bubble floating around about 1/10 of the size. For me the surgery and the facedown was the easy part of the recovery. It takes time to gather info about the surgery, read personal accounts and just being able to find enough valuable info. There is valuable info on this site. Also, there is a wonderful personnel account on a site I will post later.
I am understanding now that everybody heals differently depending on location of hole and size, but it is very alarming when the eye changes from the decreasing of the bubble, possibly more floaters, continued soreness, stitches that are still present and are suppose to be dissolved, vision not returning as quickly as you would like or where you would like it to be at, pressure high in eye, macular edema, etc. I was quite nervous and followed every direction to a T because I desired to have my vision. I still do not know how much of my vision I will have but so far it is much better than before the surgery. There is a small circle in my central vision and I am not sure what that means but until the bubble is gone I am still hopeful.
Eat well, lots of raw veggies and fruit, drink lots of water, take a very good multi vitamin, C and lutein.
The most valuable lesson I learned was to ask questions and continue asking until you have an answer that makes you feel satisfied. The lines of communication has to be open between patient and Doctor. You see the Dr.'s frequently so you need to establish a good rapport and have respect for each other. Have your list of questions ready for each appointment.
I am fortunate to have many professional Dr.'s who listened and supported me and continue to do so.

[jan17]

Here is the site for a personnel account of macular surgery. This lady has set up a valuable site.
www.macularholesupport.org.uk

[AnnaE]

The website is darling, and can be so helpful to others,

Thank you.

[browneyesblue]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences--good & bad. I will also be checking out the website you mentioned---anything I can do to help my baby sister will not be enough. After another exam with her retinal specialist (armed with a list of questions that I helped her prepare), she now feels better informed & very comfortable with her doctor. She did have a panic attack in his office so he plans to keep her mildly sedated for the first 2 weeks. He doesn't want her taking any breaks from the facedown position--except when he examines her. Also, no reading for 2 weeks, but may watch t.v. (with the mirror gizmo).  She is expecting to follow a more or less liquid diet of soup & smoothies during her first two weeks. Her instructions sound more restrictive than yours, but I know she will follow them exactly.  She had successful retinal re-attachment in both eyes about 20 years ago & has lattice degeneration.  Her doctor doesn't want to take any unnecessary risks with her recovery. I believe he is planning to do a peel, some laser work & remove floaters in addition to repairing the macular hole, while he has her under.  Thanks again for all info!

[jan17]

Your baby sister is so fortunate to have someone like you to care of her. I was face down for 1 hour and then up 30mins. for a break for 10 days and the hole is closed but once again you can follow every set of directions and still have bumps along the way. My gas bubble is still present and seems to enjoy lingering on. My central vision is still not clear but I am hopeful I will retain a bit more of my vision. It is better than before surgery. After the 10 days face down I had high pressure in my eye and was given drops, uvietis, a stitch that had to be removed and last week macular edema. I have done lots of reading about visualization and guided imagery ( which I wished I had done pior to surgery) and have found my eye has taken a turn for the best and is pain free. Coincidental?? Who knows for sure? It sure feels much better. I think this is rare but I seem to fall into a small percentage of the population who can not possibly be a textbook case.
I am very thankful for the sight I have and am grateful for all the opportunities I have and will have in the future.
I certainly hope I can be of some help to others that are requiring support or info on this surgery.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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