surgery query

[nemisis2]

I am waiting for my cataracts to be done under GA because I have very serious back problems and cannot lie comfortably on my back or keep still. I am concerned because I have had AF for several years, does. I am also very scared, and wonder if anyone has been in this situation. Thanks Paul

[10gingercats]

My husband had a general anaestetic for cataract surgery about 15 years ago due to fear of the surgery.No problems whatsoever.

[nemisis2 in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you so much for that, I am really very nervous, you have made me feel better about it x

[Taichid]

I had a second cataract op just over a year ago. First op was a years wait, second op 3 weeks wait and procedure only took 5 minutes. No time to get nervous although Dr will give you something to keep you calm.

[Thomas45]

I don't have back problems but I didn't lay flat for my cataract replacement for both my eyes. They were done painlessly under local anaesthetic while I was sitting in a comfortable medical chair.

[nemisis2 in reply to Thomas45]

Thanks for that Thomas, but I am afraid that where eyes are concerned I am a complete coward, just couldn't be away, I would go into a panic which wouldn't be good for me, but I am glad that you had no problems.

[Buffafly]

Hi, not sure what you are worried about? It will only be a short anaesthetic as cataract surgery doesn’t take long. I have a back problem which makes it uncomfortable to lie flat, which I told the pre op nurse about. The first op was fine but for the second I was placed in a very uncomfortable position but didn’t complain because I knew it wouldn’t be for long, or so I thought, then found a student was doing the op under guidance, very very very slowly 🙄 But you have no worries as you’ll be asleep, the worst outcome is that you’ll be stiff when you wake up, I’m afraid I used some unladylike language when my op was finally over!Best wishes ❤️‍🩹

[Barb1]

Yes. I had a GA due to my back problems.

[Snowgirl65]

I had cataract surgery in both eyes in late 2016 and early 2017, two weeks apart, with no problem whatsoever in regard to my a-fib. I was amazed at how bright and colorful the world was again. It's normal to be fearful of the procedure, but I absolutely recommend it.

[nemisis2 in reply to Snowgirl65]

Hi, Thanks for that, did you have a general anaesthetic, thats what is worrying me the most but I am assuming that it would not be a lot for that short operation.

[Snowgirl65 in reply to nemisis2]

I guess I missed that in my comment to you. I had a sort of "twilight sleep," an anesthesia that keeps you zombie-like-still, but I remember seeing movement around me so I wasn't completely zonked out. But since you'll be under GA for such a short time, the intravenous solution will no doubt be mild, just enough to get through the op. I personally don't feel it would affect your a-fib in any way.

[Loafinabout in reply to nemisis2]

I had anaesthesia drops directly onto my eyes and felt nothing

[nemisis2 in reply to Loafinabout]

Thanks to all of you for your replies, however I think you are all very brave, because of a problem in my childhood I have always had a real fear of anyone touching my eyes, thats why I need a GA, I even have big probems going to my optician but now have a very understanding and helpful one. I would love to be able to have the op done the you all have, but just can't cope with it, but I am so glad you all had good results/

[RoyMacDonald]

They put packing under my back as I cannot lay flat as I have ankylosing spondylitis. The op is so short though I wouldn't have thought it necessary to to have a GA.

All the best.

Roy

[Peileen]

Hi nemisis2 Don’t worry. My mother had her cataracts done aged 94 into outpatients at 9am a d home by 5pm looking like a celebrity in her dark glasses. She could move very little because of arthritis, certainly not able to move her head or walk. What a difference that made but she couldn’t get second eye done because it had problems with the retina. You will be fine. Good luck .

[Loafinabout]

Have you had your pre-op consultation where you are interviewed by nurse and doctor re health conditions and medication you are taking? I’ve just had both eyes done and this was my experience. If not, tell them as they should know beforehand to plan and make adjustments.

[nemisis2 in reply to Loafinabout]

Hi, Thanks for your reply, I have only just been referred so haven't heard anything from the hospital yet. Did you have both eyes done together, my optician told me that sometimes they do this if you are particularly nervous, which I am.

[Loafinabout]

I had each eye done separately which think is sensible. I was sent to a private organisation called Newmedica and specialises in cateract replacement which has a contract with my regional health authority. It was super organised and efficient, gave lots of patient help and info and although I had been nervous about having the surgery, their professionalism and experience gave me confidence.