Vitrectomy & Scleral Buckle recovery

[lmhachrh]

Hi, I am a 46 yr. old female, and 4 weeks post op for left eye vetrectomy, pneumatic retinopexy and scleral buckle.  According to my surgeon, I am healing very well.  However, during appointments, it has been difficult to get more than one or two questions answered.  I would like more detail (if possible) on the recovery process, because I would like to resume work asap.  After 4 weeks, I probably have about 1/4 of my gas bubble left, and very blurry vision in the eye.  The difference in vision and clarity between my two eyes is bad (large) enough that it keeps me from working, driving, and even just walking about causes me to become dizzy, nauseous and have frequent headaches.

The surgery was done on an emergency basis, so I didn't get a lot of pre or post op information before the surgery.  I realize that everyone recovers and heals differently, but from information that I did received, I had the impression that I would be farther along in the recovery process than this.

I am wondering how much longer the gas bubble may be around, and if I can expect the poor vision I have in the left eye to improve in the comming weeks.  Having this terrible vision has been quite distressing, and I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to make it functional enough to return to work.  For example, would there be any merit in getting new glasses to improve my left eye vision, and then change out the lens as required, as the eye improves?  I'll take any ideas and suggestions, because I feel quite limited in what I can do, and I am growing increasingly frustrated.

I greatly appreciate any information and advice, and also appreciate this opportunity to exchange information.  Thank you.

[AnnaE]

I was so disconnected you would not believe it. My case was different--unusual complications. Looks like you are on the road to recovery.

The forum is great. The doctor has given you such valuable information. I think that will make you more connected and confident when you talk to the doctor. Everyone here is glad to talk to you. Ask your questions in any reliable place--so that you can be an advocate for your recovery. Sometimes, the patient give the doctor crucial information.

Of course, it's likely you know that.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

PLEASE call your surgeon's office.  They need to spend some time answering your questions and it is not right to just leave you out in the cold.  Maybe they will eventually get the message that they need to spend a little more time with patients like you.  That being said, it will take several months until vision starts to come around and after maybe 4 or 5 months (very rough estimate) you may be able to get new glasses.  In the meantime you just want your retina to re-attach - and stay that way.  That's what its all about here.  The surgery was done to keep you from going blind.  Recovery of vision will definitely take quite a bit of time - (months).  Good Luck and try to keep a positive outlook.

Michael Kutryb, MD

[AnnaE]

I had the sam experience--no info. You need infor from the doctor himself. Make a list of questions. Dall the office and teel them you want to ask the doc by phone, or in person. Insist on getting answers. One's vision is too imortant; your must get spefic answers ab out YOUR surgery. You need to feel that you can ask your surgeon questions.

[liz1984]

Wow 2 wks to drive would be only if you didtn have the bubble.

i have to sleep at 45 degrees, and can now sleep on my left side but need prob another week before i can roll onto the right side since the tear is like near the inner upper part so yeah. The first week was really hard sleeping on my back in teh recliner coz i am not a back sleeper...i sleep best on my stomach or side.

i could go back to work on may 5...but the doc said that depends on how the bubb le is, and he said it can vary coz of the nature of my work...registered nurse in an orthopaedic ward, so lots of bending etc which he said would make me not work for a while.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

It may take 6 months or more to get vision to settle down, after getting new glasses (because the buckle will make you nearsighted.)  You will still probably have a lot of floaters and vision could be a little distorted still, and could start to develop a cataract which might need surgery in a few years.

MJK MD

[dawnma]

you have described me to a tee. I am 3 weeks post op, and had the same procedures, in the Right eye. Its frustrating, and I too dont see a light at the end of the tunnel yet. I need to go back to work, and cannot, and may need extra surgery next week. It doesn sound like our vision will ever be the same based on what I am reading.

[AnnaE]

I am so quick to tell you to talk to your doctor, because I had a doctor whom I could not talk to. He tried to intimidate me from the beginning. I am never intimidated, unless my sight or life is at risk, so I was intimidated. Also, as I said, I had complications, with insufficient help or commuication from the doctor's office.

I want you to have a better experience. I finally switched doctors--after eight months. It was all very painful.

You could throw out the question to other forum members, because mine is not the usual case.

Do follow all directions about not lifting, etc.The recovery from the physical weakness s/b 2 weeks, but I would not advise driving. Take it easy. I think it was no bending also. Your doctor might have something to say about sleeping positions, etc.make sure you get it all straight from him.Sometimes techs or assistants are not a reliable source of information.Occasionally, they might answere a question better than the doc. But not often.

Just keep in mind that you should feel free to ask your questions, because you have the job of taking care of yourseld and your eyes right now. If would call in tha a.m. to remind him to call. Maybe he had an emergency today.

[lmhachrh]

You can tell I'm a newbie to the forum process, by cleverly sending a reply about 8 times.

Yes, I'm lucky,no unusual complications. Just a stint with high pressure, and some extra inflammation, but both were easily handled.

I was expecting a call from the Dr. this evening, but no luck.  Hopefully tomorrow.  The one thing I have to "get over" is the surgeon (and others) telling me that I'd probably be back to work and also driving about 2 weeks after the surgery.  I know that everybody heals at a different rate, but I can't imagine anyone driving at two weeks!  Here I am at 4 weeks with double + vision that's driving me crazy.

Do you mind if I ask what your general experience has been?  I'm interested in people's recovery experiences, and how they managed after the first couple of weeks.  No worries though, if you're tired of re-hashing the story!

Thanks

[lmhachrh]

Thank you both for responding.  This morning I had already done as you both suggested and called the surgeon's office explaining that I had questions, and needed some answers.  The surgeon is to call later in the day, hopefully with some helpful information.  I'm usually quite pro-active about my health care, as I work in the field myself.  I don't know why I feel so "disconnected" this time around.  I'm trying to exhaust all my options, and this is the first time I have used a forum like this.  It is a great informational tool.  Again, thanks for your prompt and helpful answers.  (I can't believe how quick the responses were!)

[lmhachrh]

Thank you both for responding.  This morning I had already done as you both suggested and called the surgeon's office explaining that I had questions, and needed some answers.  The surgeon is to call later in the day, hopefully with some helpful information.  I'm usually quite pro-active about my health care, as I work in the field myself.  I don't know why I feel so "disconnected" this time around.  I'm trying to exhaust all my options, and this is the first time I have used a forum like this.  It is a great informational tool.  Again, thanks for your prompt and helpful answers.  (I can't believe how quick the responses were!)

[lmhachrh]

Thank you both for responding.  This morning I had already done as you both suggested and called the surgeon's office explaining that I had questions, and needed some answers.  The surgeon is to call later in the day, hopefully with some helpful information.  I'm usually quite pro-active about my health care, as I work in the field myself.  I don't know why I feel so "disconnected" this time around.  I'm trying to exhaust all my options, and this is the first time I have used a forum like this.  It is a great informational tool.  Again, thanks for your prompt and helpful answers.  (I can't believe how quick the responses were!)

[lmhachrh]

Thank you both for responding.  This morning I had already done as you both suggested and called the surgeon's office explaining that I had questions, and needed some answers.  The surgeon is to call later in the day, hopefully with some helpful information.  I'm usually quite pro-active about my health care, as I work in the field myself.  I don't know why I feel so "disconnected" this time around.  I'm trying to exhaust all my options, and this is the first time I have used a forum like this.  It is a great informational tool.  Again, thanks for your prompt and helpful answers.  (I can't believe how quick the responses were!)

[lmhachrh]

Thank you both for responding.  This morning I had already done as you both suggested and called the surgeon's office explaining that I had questions, and needed some answers.  The surgeon is to call later in the day, hopefully with some helpful information.  I'm usually quite pro-active about my health care, as I work in the field myself.  I don't know why I feel so "disconnected" this time around.  I'm trying to exhaust all my options, and this is the first time I have used a forum like this.  It is a great informational tool.  Again, thanks for your prompt and helpful answers.  (I can't believe how quick the responses were!)

[lmhachrh]

Thank you both for responding.  This morning I had already done as you both suggested and called the surgeon's office explaining that I had questions, and needed some answers.  The surgeon is to call later in the day, hopefully with some helpful information.  I'm usually quite pro-active about my health care, as I work in the field myself.  I don't know why I feel so "disconnected" this time around.  I'm trying to exhaust all my options, and this is the first time I have used a forum like this.  It is a great informational tool.  Again, thanks for your prompt and helpful answers.  (I can't believe how quick the responses were!)

[lmhachrh]

Thank you both for responding.  This morning I had already done as you both suggested and called the surgeon's office explaining that I had questions, and needed some answers.  The surgeon is to call later in the day, hopefully with some helpful information.  I'm usually quite pro-active about my health care, as I work in the field myself.  I don't know why I feel so "disconnected" this time around.  I'm trying to exhaust all my options, and this is the first time I have used a forum like this.  It is a great informational tool.  Again, thanks for your prompt and helpful answers.  (I can't believe how quick the responses were!)