Tuesday, November 14, 2017

And so it begins

Not me, but it could be
Yesterday, I went for my pre-op appointment for cataract surgery on my left eye. SG went with me, and after we left, I actually began to feel excited for the possibility of seeing more clearly. Two weeks from today! It's true that with the AMD (age-related macular degeneration), my vision won't be perfect, but according to my surgeon, it should be much better. I learned all about the procedure and how it's done. I like the surgeon and trust him, which is important when one is going through any kind of surgery.
Teeny-tiny little lens
Once the cataract is removed, this little lens will be inserted through a small opening. Those little "arms" are designed to hold it in place. It's folded up like a taco and opens up into the space where my cloudy lens resided. The most important period is the first week, and after that I should be mostly healed. Of course, I was treated to a litany of all the things that COULD go wrong and I had to sign a release form. But after many days of researching it all (not recommended for the faint of heart), I now am beginning to look forward to it. Sort of.

The whole procedure only takes a few minutes, and from the time I go into the operating room until I come out is about an hour. I'll have an eye patch and a severely dilated pupil, which will take up to 48 hours to return to normal. I'll hopefully be showing you a picture of something interesting. That week I'll miss the hike, but unless I have complications, I'll be back on the trail the following week.

I sure am glad I live in these amazing times when we can have such improvement in our quality of life, and for the most part, it's covered by Medicare. I'll end up making a co-pay of $400 per eye, which I consider a bargain. Wow!
:-)

18 comments:

  1. You are so right about needing to trust your surgeon, and I am so glad that you are in safe hands.
    I will definitely continue holding you in my heart.

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  2. I have never seen the lens. Fascinating!

    My friend had her second eye surgery last week and she is recovering nicely. You got this, Jan.

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  3. Good that you feel better about the procedure. I met someone who had the procedure seven days after and she was back doing all the regular things.

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  4. Wishing you all the best DJan, you'll be out and about on the trial before you know it :)
    Hugs,
    ~Jo

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  5. I've heard only good things about cataract surgery; I'm sure you will get great results.

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  6. It will be great. I didn’t even have anesthesia for either one of my surgeries. It was quite interesting. They give a numbing of course, but I had nothing to put me out. I saw all kinds of interesting lights. My surgeon was very gentle, and he talked me through the entire process.

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  7. Thinking of you. Just be patient during recovery!

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  8. Will be thinking of you. I know with macular degeneration it is not as clear cut as to how much your sight will improve so here's hoping you get the maximum effect from your new lens.

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  9. I was as nervous as a cat before going into the operating theatre and it was all over in a few moments !
    No pain ,no trauma and the improvement was magical .
    Good luck !!

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  10. I've also only heard of great results; so I'm glad you are getting it done. :: hugs ::

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  11. So glad you are feeling better about the procedure and now know just what to expect. Everyone I know who has had the surgery has been so pleased. Just don't jump on the trails too soon.

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  12. Since you trust the doctor--ask him about how soon to go hiking...because of the difference in pressure for your eyes going up and down mountainsides, you know? Just double-check, okay? :) I think you will sail through! :) :)

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  13. Piece of cake! Glad you're scheduled for the cataract surgery.

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  14. Interesting to see the lens...I didn't know it had arms:) You will be fine! Your Smart Guy will see that you don't overdo:)

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  15. I've never really known what cataract surgery is all about. Thank you for sharing this information.

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  16. Yes watch your eyes. pressurevas the eye takes a bit of time to adjust

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