Lying flat

[6538]

I have been listed for Cataract surgery ,but at the pre op assessment was told I would have to lie flat , I said that's not possible as I have to have a degree of height to get enough air in to my chest which I cant do lying flat, so they tested me lying flat and my oxygen intake dropped to the low eighties at which point they promptly sat me up, said it would be discussed with the anaesthetist but they didn't know what would happen, anybody been in the same situation?.

[sassy59]

Hi 6538, are you going to have cataracts done via the NHS or privately? My husband Pete had his done privately and was able to lay flat. He had a tent put over him and oxygen was supplied all the time. They should have something in place for you to be slightly raised if required but see what they say. Good luck to you. Xx

[Patk1]

They put head in a gel pillow,and 02 is on full time.clear yr lungs,immediately before and concentrate on controlled pursed lips breathing,it helps and its a very short procedure x

[Spacecat1]

I have same problem cannot lie flat. They allowed me to go slightly upright, which helped me a lot and as I was, wheeled in they slightly lowered me. They were really good with me. I'm oxygen too. Hope all goes weml Cattarcts brilliant xx

[6538]

Thanks for all replying, made me feel easier.

[Yatzy]

I faced the same problem when I had my cataract ops. I have asthma and coughing is my problem if I try to lie flat. After a bit of experimenting at home, I found that I could lie flat without coughing as long as I didn’t try to speak at the same time. I explained this to the medical staff and so all conversation with me was done while I was sitting up, once I lay down, no talking, I merely listened. I found they provided oxygen, wafting across my face throughout and a decent sized cushion under my knees. All went successfully, with a super improvement in my sight.

[Bingo88]

Good morning 6538. Try not to worry. I don't like lying completely flat. So the head support was raised a little for me to be more comfortable and the whole procedure only takes 20 minutes maximum. I have just had both cataracts done in the last 3 months.. You have to wear a clear eye patch to go home and when you go to bed for a week. Just to make sure you don't rub your eye. And I had 4 weeks of eye drops to put in. 1 lot 3 times a day for 3 weeks and the other drops 4 times a day for 4 weeks. They explain it all to you and gave me a colour coded chart for taking the drops. Hope everything goes well. Brian

[garshe]

I had cataract op and didn't have to lie flat. They put me back slowly and when I said that's far enough they said no problem. I was slightly raised. They really are marvellous. .don't worry 15 to 20 mins and all over .no pain . Good luck xx.Sheila

[PaulineHM]

Hi,

I found they were very understanding and sat me up a little bit to have mine done.

I am sure they are faced with situations like this all the time and they find solutions which help.

Hope all goes well.

Go well

Pauline

[Jonn54]

Hi 6538I had both eyes done last year ,was told the same thing so was transferred to hospital instead of the clinic in leicester.

And both eyes completed no problem ,

[katieoxo60]

I have a problem with my cough from the COPD but both surgeons told me to say stop if a cough is coming. PLus if you feel any pain its not supposed to be painful. It does only take 20 minutes . My biggest problem was getting on and off the table as there was no step to help but plenty of nurses. The other was remebering to put the drops in they gave me a colour coded chart first time but the second was just the drops and they were for 6 weeks I am on my fifth week. I am sure you will manage OK . A knee support can help . Good luck

[gingermusic]

I had both my eyes done last year and had the same problem but in the end was raised with a pillow which did the trick and I was fine.

[Karenanne61]

My brother has very severe scoliosis, basically his spine is twisted and he has a hunch back, and is unable to lie down. He was propped on pillows for his cataract ops.

[Lutontown]

When I had my cataracts done, one at a time, they had to be done between chest infections, and I asked for a total anesthetic, both times. This was because I was frightened of coughing and jolting whilst the scalpel was around. This was done, and very pleased with the result.

[6538]

Again thanks for all the replies, the staff at the eye centre said at the time they didn't know how to sort it, best leave it to the anaesthetist, which made me think later, what if I needed general surgery and I couldn't lie flat but your replies helped here thanks.