Macular hole recovery

I have a macular hole that is stage 3 to 4. I am scheduled for surgery this next week for both vitrectomy and cataract on my right eye.

Is it helpful to use face down equipment to get good results from Macular hole surgury? What would you recommend? How long do most people need them?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Jan888,

I would speak with your eyeMD to determine how is best to position and whether equipment is needed.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[EDGAR620]

I just went thru that type of surgery, not once but twice. In a quick note, you need to talk to your doctor about face down, however the chances of looking down is 98%. The face down equiptment is a most, without it you might be very unconfortable. I'm not a doctor, but my guess is that you are looking at seven to forteen days in that position.

Here are some suggestions that help me out. Make a plan every-day, radio shows, read  and if the doctor allows it, walk as much as you can. The excercise made me tired at night and it makes sleeping easier. It is not an easy recovery due to the boredoom, but follow the doctors directions, is your eye. I never had any pain or disconfort.

if you can afford it, by a small flat T.V. and place in front of your bed, so you can pass the time.
Last, the biggest problem that I had was the lower back-because of the looking down position. Talk to the doctor about muscle relaxers etc.

Good luck, follow directions and you should be ok. During this ordeal I  made a lot of friends with the lizards and ants in my porch. I also didn't know that I had four hundred and thirty three tiles in the porch.

[ala310]

I've had surgery to repair a macular hole in my left eye.  It has been 2 weeks but vision is still blurry.  Initially doc said I need to stay face down for a full 72 hours, then 18 out of 24 the week after, then 12 out of 12, but I went back after 10 days and he said hole is already closed and I now only have to stay down 2 hours per day.

To prepare for it, I bought crom Costco a folding massage table, that made it much easier to breathe.  I was able to watch DVDs through the hole where I rest my head.  Friends came by to help and visit, also brought food for me.  IThe first day I had nausea due to indigestion caused by imobility, after that I donly had vegetable soup. Neck, shoulder and back pain set in and I was lucky enough to have a massuese come in twice a week (iI would have been happy to have him come everyday, but that would cost too much money).

The gas bubble is still blocking my vision, and outside the bubble I see things through a white veil.  I am praying that it would go away in time.  Next appointment is end of the month, will know more then.