Worried

[Natz36]

Hi

So I found out on Thursday that my retina is detaching and I’ll go blind if they don’t operate as soon as possible.

I’ve obviously said no because I was in shock and not able to process it all plus because I’m scared that I will react to painkillers as I usually do I also only have one adrenal gland .

I don’t take medication for the adrenal gland anymore as everything seems okay but I was reading that morphine shouldn’t be given if you have one adrenal gland or problems with them.

Because it’s an emergency surgery am scared that I won’t be able to speak again to anyone about my worries and concerns because I didn’t tea when I was there last week they just wrote it down on a bit of paper 😢.

I’ve been told that I will be okay and they are professional and will know what they are doing and what you can have etc but the fear is so bad and am not coping well at all .

I rang the consultant today his receptionist talked too me and she is getting the nurse who spoke to me to call me today to discuss everything and make me feel more relaxing and ready .

I’m so scared now and just not coping at all

[Shnookie]

Hi Nantz This is Shnookie. U R brave to come here. This is a supportive and welcoming group. I’m here 4 U and if U want, can personally message me. It is understandable that U have these concerns. It was smart of U to reach out to your surgeon’s office and that the nurse was supportive. Please keep us in the loop. Have an easy day. Hugs 🤗 S ❤️💪😎🙏

[hypercat54]

I understand how you must be feeling but unless you want to go blind which would be a lot worse you must have it done. A detached retina is very serious and can't be left.

[Natz36 in reply to hypercat54]

I’m just worried they won’t read my medical notes when I’ve been telling them I have one adrenal gland and I sometimes react to medication x

[hypercat54 in reply to Natz36]

I am sure they will but just to be on the safe side keep telling them and the surgeon. I do think however that a bad reaction to medication would be much preferable to losing your sight in one eye. Eyesight is the most precious thing we have so please don't delay.

[Natz36 in reply to hypercat54]

Thank you . It’s torturous how I feel , but they do these surgeries every day and you can go home the same day also .I just have all these fears but I’ve been assured that they are medically trained and now how to deal with things but I feel like because it’s emergency surgery they won’t have time to consider everything and it’s getting me depressed x

[hypercat54 in reply to Natz36]

No they will be very professional no matter how routine an operation is. There comes a time when we have to trust others to do their best for us and this is definitely one of those times. Your choice is to trust them, or lose your sight. Hobsons choice really. I am sure they will give you some form of sedation and allow you to have someone with you. It will be fine - trust me.

[Hidden]

Hello

Different circumstances but a very similar fear I have recently experienced

I had 3 heart attacks and then had to have a Triple Bypass if not I would have just had a few years left and I was so frightened as the Bypass surgery comes with risks as do most things

We forget that just crossing the road can be a danger as that is an everyday thing but these operations we thank goodness don't get told daily that we need them

When I was so scared people told me so many times to trust in my Surgeon , trust the professionals they know what they are doing they do it every day and I started to put my faith in them and here I am replying to you

It would have been a shock but now you have had a little time imagine a world where you could not see yet there is an operation that could stop that happening

People born or have gone blind imagine if they were told an operation would give the their sight back how they would no doubt jump at the chance

These professionals train for years and have a passion to make a difference to people and their life's , they have all your medical History and they take it all into account and work round it because that is what they are trained to do

I hope with support your anxiety and fears do not stop you getting the operation you need and the members on this Community I am sure will help you as much as they can

You can do this

Let us know how you get on x

[Midori]

Hi Natz.

Eye surgery is not very painful at all, and I believe reattaching a retina can be done by laser, which is quick and easy. I had laser removal of cataracts, which only took about 20 minutes and was a doddle, but I was like you and scared to death of it, because I hate having my eyes messed with, but boy was the result worth it!

Cheers, Midori

[DodgeDhanda]

Hi Natz36, I'm sorry ur going through such a rubbish time in ur life. I'm not gonna say I know exactly what ur experiencing BUT I have spoken to a few surgeons who in my experience within our NHS . The surgeons come around & talk to you about the operation they will perform & & what time can expect to go down into surgery & they explain everything & each one has asked at the end if I have any questions about the surgery & any fears & I've always been able to ask what I need to ask to put my mind at ease.

The morning of any op the anesthesiologist comes around & you talk through what is going to happen before you sign the waiver & agree to have the op & you can tell them then too.

Another suggestion write everything you want them to know in a letter & give it them to read , so they know ur fears.

I can't imagine or would ever allow my fear to prevent me from saving my sight.

Morphine I find post op was the only thing that eased my pain & U need to let them know you can't have it & what are the alternatives as the pain is great compared to other things.

Whatever U choose to do I wish you a speedy recovery .