Severe headaches after vitreo-retinal

[jillrobmike001]

Mother had surgery to reattach retina after a serious eye infection which was caused by an injection to treat macular degen.  After the surgery she has had un bearable headaches in the temple area of the eye that was operated on.  She has had to be under heavy pain medication and in re-hab.  The surgery was done July 21st and her eye surgeon said the pain was not coming from the eye itself.  Could something during surgery cause such headaches?  Could the oil they place in the eye cause them?  She is 81 and can't stand much more of this pain.  Can you help?

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

The infection that antedated the surgery would be the most likely cause of the severe pain. She may need to see a pain specialist or you could talk to the Eye MD surgeon about measures to relieve the pain.

Last opinion get a second opinion.

JCH MD

[Seagaul]

I went thru the same type of headaches after my last surgery to re-attach my retina for the 2nd time.  The pain in my temple area was just unbearable.  There was no medication which would stop the pain.  I did use an ice pack on the eye/temple area and it seemed to help.  I went thru this routine for about 3 weeks.  It was explained to me by my eye surgeon that the eye is similar to the brain - a totally sealed off part of the body that will not let paid medication in to help and I totally believe him.  The paid did finally go away - maybe try an ice pack.  Hopefully she can get some relief.  Tomorrow I go in to have my retina re-attached for the third time.  Hopefully this is it.

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

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