Cataract removal

[bikergrove]

I'm having cataract surgery and I am worried about having to lie flat to have it done.Has anyone had this done and how did you cope with it.

[Oshgosh]

Hi,I had my firAt cataract done in November.I was worried because I have ack problems,as well as breathlessness.

I put a rolled up towel in the small of my back,

It was oktook about 15 minutes.

When I have the other eye done. I may take the oxygen in with me

[bikergrove in reply to Oshgosh]

Thank you so much for your reply.

[Oshgosh in reply to bikergrove]

I’m glad I could help.apologies for no mentioning the air round my face,which did help.

[Patk1 in reply to Oshgosh]

Oshgosh,mine automatically piped 02 to face

[bikergrove in reply to Patk1]

Thank you so much

[Yatzy]

I’ve had both cataracts done. I was told by nursing staff that I’d have to be certain I could lie still for the ten mins or so of the operation. I wasn’t at all sure I could do that without coughing, so had a few practices, flat on the floor at home.

I found that as long as I didn’t speak, I could lie still for longer than the required time. If I spoke as I was lying flat, the coughing started.

I explained this to cataract op staff. They said no problem, and all speaking necessary would be fine in advance of me lying down ready for the op. I also took my reliever inhaler in advance, to be sure.

I found when I got there that there was a pillow put under my knees, so not fully lying flat, and oxygen wafting gently around me.

Both operations were short and I had no problem at all with either…..and results have been outstanding.

[bikergrove in reply to Yatzy]

Thank you for reply and tips.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi bikergrove, I have had both of my eyes done I was fine laying flat. I took my inhaler with me but didn't need it. You will be fine and the op is well worth it. Have a good day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌹

[bikergrove in reply to Damon1864]

Thank you for your reply, hope I will be like you.

[Patk1 in reply to bikergrove]

I've recently had 1 done+ waiting now for other.they put a gel type pillow under head which was q comfy.ive bronchiectasis so ensured lung clearance immediately before and used inhalers then.i just concentrated on controlled breathing which helped + kept me relaxed.it took q bit longer thn others say,but was ok.id not worry,just prepare x

[Jaybird19]

Told them couldn't lie flat so gave me a pillow that was just enough. Oxygen flowing round helped a lot. No problem at all.

[bikergrove in reply to Jaybird19]

Thank you so much for your advice

[Jaybird19]

Be prepared for bright colours when you take dressing off . My brown fleece went purple! Quite exciting . Good luck

[bikergrove in reply to Jaybird19]

Ha ha I will thanks.

[Maverick77]

Hi bikergrove I had cataracts removed in 2005. I just told the hospital staff that lying flat was a problem for me and I needed a few minutes to get comfortable. And of course I felt panicky going for surgery but they gave me time to lie on my side and gradually get flat. It’s an anxious time having surgery and it’s hard to stay calm when u can’t lie flat but just take your time and you will be fine.

[bikergrove]

Thanks for your reply, I am just so nervous about it but I have to have it done.

[Babyboy12]

Good morning bikergrove I had my right eye done last year waiting for my left one now should be soon as went for check up. I got bronchiectasis and took my inhalers with me had them before they started and I was ok I thought I could not lay still but had no problems. Hope everything goes well for you. I can see so much better with my right eye now s

[bikergrove]

thank you so much, I probably will be fine it's just the awful anxiety I keep getting at the thought of it.

[Geronimo]

Hi bikergrove. I had cataract surgery 8 days ago. As I am on oxygen 24/7 and find it difficult to lie still for any amount of time I was very nervous about having it done. I needn't have worried. The whole procedure was done at a pace acceptable to me and everything was clearly explained. I am now looking forward to having my other eye done in due course as I know that I have absolutely nothing to worry about.

[bikergrove in reply to Geronimo]

Thanks for letting me know

[Aingeful]

I've had both of mine done and nobody panics like I do! Absolutely no problem! Very quick as well.The end result is so worth it!

[bikergrove in reply to Aingeful]

Thanks hope I am the same as you.

[hurries]

What wonderful re-assuring replies from people who are in the same "boat" as ourselves. I am on a list for removal of a cataract and was also concerned. Even been trying to sleep without pillows! Not recommended. Stay calm and concentrate on your breathing and big toe. Good Luck.

[bikergrove in reply to hurries]

Same to you and good luck with it I am having it done on 5th April will let you know how it goes.

[CDPO16 in reply to hurries]

Not heard of concentrating on a big toe before.

[hurries in reply to CDPO16]

I used to teach Yoga many years ago and this was a technique I learnt for focusing the mind away from the point of pain/concern. Very useful for dental appointments. Students reported that they had used this technique when having scans etc.

[CDPO16 in reply to hurries]

Thank you for the information. Have tried doing it since reading your post yesterday without much success. Probably takes practice like most things.

[bikergrove in reply to hurries]

I will try it when I go

[Hidden]

I’ve had both eyes done in the last 2yrs. I told them I couldn’t lie flat and they were fine about it, I had a nice pillow. Also tell them you’re prone to coughing - a nurse held my hand & told me to squeeze hers quickly if I felt a cough coming & they’d pause the procedure. This was all very reassuring because although I’m quite a stoical person, I hate anything to do with eyes!

[bikergrove in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Hanne62 i will post when I get it done.

[Karenanne61]

My brother has severe scoliosis, curvature of the spine, and he had cannot lie down. He still had his cataract removed. As long as the clinic know they can make adjustments. Good luck.

[bikergrove in reply to Karenanne61]

Thankyou that puts me at ease a bit

[Karenanne61 in reply to bikergrove]

Some of these procedures are made more scary by our added difficulties. I had a little filling the other week that turned into a big one and was worried that if I coughed trouble would ensue. Luckily the dentist is very understanding and I managed very well. I wish you luck with the cataract removal. I know from family members it makes a huge difference.

[bikergrove in reply to Karenanne61]

thanks very much

[micox]

Hi. Had my first cataract op last Thursday. The consultant took the utmost care, including a separate hospital appt to see if I could lie flat - what they called a trolley assessment (I have a painful lumbar scoliosis aggravated by lying flat). It ended up with a couple of pillows behind my neck with my head back and my knees elevated. The op was relatively quick and a successful doddle.

[CDPO16 in reply to micox]

What a thoughtful consultant you had although a comfortable patient will help the surgeon of course.

[Thepainterswife in reply to CDPO16]

Geoff had a similar pre op appointment last year when he had his done Our local hospital call it a lying assessment, it’s good because it gives you a really good idea of what it will actually be like during the op so he was much less anxious on the actual day the following week and sailed through the procedure with no problems 😊 x

[bikergrove]

Thanks sounds a doddle

[Alice70]

So glad you wrote this post as I am in the same position as yourself ,8m so anxious about having my cataracts removed for same reason as you ,I have read you answers to your post ,so reassuring, the members on this sight are so helpful wonderful people good luck

[bikergrove in reply to Alice70]

Thank you Alice it is nice to know I am not alone , and this is a really wonderful site.

[Patk1 in reply to Alice70]

It's well worth having done.i was pleased after being almost blind in the 1st eye for Mr 2 yrs.plan ahead to do what u need to empty lungs etc and tell staff if u have any concerns.i can't wait to have my other done

[Alice70 in reply to Patk1]

Thank you patk1

[bikergrove in reply to Patk1]

Thank you I will

[Lutontown]

I sleep upright as I tend to fill up with muck when I lay down. But when I had my cataracts done I was more concerned about coughing during the op. and joggling about. They were quite happy to put me out during each op.. So, just ask for a total, and I'm sure they will be happy to. The anaesthetist will look after your breathing whilst you're out.

[bikergrove]

Thanks for the advice