Hi everyone, just got back from seeing consultant and he wants to carry out a trab op.
I nearly broke down in front of him. I feel sick with worry and anxiety. Don't know how I'm going to go through with it. Can anyone help me I'm feeling so depressed.
Thank you
Oh Callie77 I know it's a totally terrifying thought but honestly you can get through it. I had one in February and am just waiting on a date for one for my other eye . I'm hugely terrified of anything medical but I know it's doable. It's not as terrifying as you are expecting or believe me I wouldn't be about to have a second one.
I had local anaesthetic but I know you can have it under general if you really can't cope with the thought of it.
Mine took about 50 mins and although I was awake I really couldn't see anything that was going on, you can feel your eye is being worked on but it isn't painful, just a bit uncomfortable.
I found the recovery the worst part as I'm very active and I had to be careful for first 4 weeks. I had 3 lots of drops 4 times day for first 2 weeks and then it went down 2 lots of drops for following 2 weeks. I've been drop free in that eye since then and my pressure is 16. I know drops and duration them differs for each individual though.
The fear you are feeling now really is way worse than having a trab. I was nearly sick when I was told I needed one but I knew it was the best thing for me. I hope this helps even a little bit x
Thank you Witchie it helps knowing someone whose had it done.. the consultant did say a general anaesthetic would be better for me because of my anxiety.I'm terrified of anything medical and am worried that it won't work.
Do they repeat this operation? How long does it last? I know I should have asked all this but I think I was in shock!
That's great that you have a empathetic consultant who has suggested general for you, it seems the best option for you.I always used to sit there like a goldfish just opening and closing my mouth unable to speak but now I have my wee list of questions with me. This has obviously been such a shock for you so it's understandable your mind just goes blank.
It can last up to 20 years if you are lucky,there are people on here who can confirm this. A bloke in my village had his done 14 years ago and it's still going strong. If the trab fails they would normally try needling to revive it and that seems reasonably successful. There is a recent post on needling that I read earlier that explained it all well.
I'm not sure if they can do a second trab in same eye but there are other options such as a shunt .
There's no reason to think yours won't be a success, your consultant must think it's your best option. I did honestly feel the way you are feeling now and here I am now totally fine about it. On the day I will be apprehensive but if I can do it you can too x
You are so brave I wish I had some of your courage!Everything terrifies me and I always look on the negative side of things.
It looks like yours has been a great success.
Thanks for your kind words x
Callie when I was first diagnosed I was ill with worry all the time and anything but brave. I just realised that I will do anything to keep my sight and I really trust my consultant and always just hope for the best. I am terrified still before every appointment and I feel sick when I'm told something negative but now I have a meltdown and then I lock it away and carry on. It takes time though and I can even pick up spiders now 😱 . X
I know a lot of it is mind over matter but I haven't cracked that yet!My mind is all over the place. Well done with the spiders! X
It's not easy Callie and you've just been told you need an eye op so no wonder your mind is all over the place. You do have courage Callie because you are hanging on in there. X
Hi Callie77! Oh gosh! I haven’t had that op yet but I’m sure someone who has had a trab will be along shortly to reassure you. I can empathise a little though as I literally just opened a letter from my consultant to say my vision has worsened and I’m to have SLT in October. I’ve just had my lowest pressure readings ever since I was first diagnosed 3.5 yrs ago so I hoped I’d get news I was stable, so was a bit of a disappointment to say the least (but not a total surprise as I thought my eyesight had worsened a little). It’s totally okay to be anxious when you get news that treatments aren’t working and a new direction is advocated. We’ve just got to be grateful there are still options for us, however scary those options are. Hang in there! A more knowledgable person will be along shortly! 🤞🏻
I know. I feel the same although I have family members with glaucoma I have a different type of glaucoma which has caused some confusion amongst my siblings who just assume we all get the same treatment, on the same timescales and the same outcome. People on here are a little more “glaucoma educated” which helps and are at all different stages which also helps. I get anxious sometimes. Usually when I let the “what ifs?” takeover. Try to focus on the likelihood of a good outcome. You’ve had a rough time but there’s every reason to believe that this op could be the right one for you, at the right time and the results turn out favourably. Try to not think about it for a while by distracting yourself with nice thoughts and nice things. I do this and find it helps me. Eyes are very important, so too worry about them is completely understandable. 🙂
Hi, I had a trab op 6 1/2 years ago. The positive outcome of op is that I am now drop free in that eye, except for dry eye drops, and pressure is stable. The only downside I can think of is that my eye is now more sensitive to sunlight so have to wear sunglasses/ sun hat on very sunny days.
I know exactly how you feel Callie. I am waiting for a date for my trab and everytime I get a letter from the hospital I go cold with fear despite telling myself that I OK about it all. Its really very good news to hear from nat10 and witchie346 that their ops have been successful and they are drop free. I really hate the side effects of the drops. There's no reason to think ours won't be as successful. I am thinking of asking Glaucoma uk for a buddy to give support once I have a date for the op. Talking with others is really so helpful. I hope you feel better as you get used to the news 🙂
Hi Petrolblue, I know how it feels waiting for that letter. It's terrifying! Thank you for your reply it feels like I can't enjoy anything anymore I just spend my days worrying.
I hope your op goes well for you
I think having a buddy is the way to go. Take care
Thank you, you too.
I was given the same news last October and then spent 3 months feeling depressed until the Op. in January. And then it was fine! No pain, not particularly unpleasant, within half hour of the procedure I was eating lunch and watching TV. Had a couple of weeks off work and you do have to be careful, but everything soon gets back to normal. Don’t listen to the horror stories - you get people having terribleTimes with any medical process, but the Trab is ok, not something to worry about
Thank you Lorraine I've just got up this morning after a restless night and read your text. It made me feel a little bit more positive about it all.I will try to remember your words when I'm feeling depressed.
I also have had trabeculectomies in both eyes and can confirm what others have said. If you have a local anaesthetic there's no pain, just an awareness of what's going on and there's always someone holding your hand. If a general anaesthetic is an option and you'd prefer it go for it. After both procedures I had no pain at all, just some itching which didn't last long. Obviously there's a recovery period during which time you have to be careful and the regime of drops is a bit annoying but all worth it for the positive outcome. From my two experiences I get the impression they're now doing this procedure sooner rather than later. I'd already lost sight in my right eye before the trabeculectomy in 2015 but have no awareness of sight loss in my left eye where I had a trabeculectomy earlier this year.
Hi callie77 it's very frightening ay I'm not the bravest person either and having surgery was one of my biggest fears but of course I had to do the right thing for the sake of my vision. I might be repeating myself from another thread but I would highly recommend trying mindfulness meditation, even if you just start with a daily body scan it really helps to anchor you in the present. Also having a wall chart with a daily routine is very helpful for something to focus on and make sure your days are full of activities whether it be work, exercise, reading or whatever you feel is important. For me it was work. I kept working full-time right up to a few days before the surgery and my job kept me from ruminating all the time. That's my advice for what it's worth anyway, hang in there I'm sure you will be fine 🙂
Hi Yes I do need to fill my day instead of sitting dwelling on things. I know it's so hard to switch off but I'm going to have to try.Thank you for your advice
Hi Callie, I wish I had experience of that procedure to share with you but I totally get your anxiety and wanted to reach out to you and send you support. Although I have only had some eye procedures I have had major surgeries on other bits of me (truly blessed in health department) and it honestly is the waiting beforehand that is the worst part. The operations themselves were easier than the wait, I sometimes wish with me they would say, hello, think we will do an operation today then I could not fret about it for too long. I know there is a wealth of experience and knowledge on here and you will hear positive feedback. Think of all these procedures as steps for you to better eye health and protection for the future. I send you big hugs xo
Hi Ktpink I know what you mean it's always the long wait up untill the op that's the worst. Can't stop thinking about it. Especially at night when I'm trying to sleep.I know it's for my benefit but it doesn't stop me from being terrified! Thank you for your hugs I need them.
So lovely to see how you all support each other. We are here should you wish to talk on the phone with someone who has had a trabeculectomy or just a discussion with one of us on the Helpline.
Hi HelenI don't know where I would be without everybody on here. They understand where I'm coming from.
I will be calling the helpline soon as I think it might help me to physically speak with someone.
Thank you
Hi Callie, I can fully understand how you are feeling right now. It’s such a shock and the thought of any eye op is terrifying. But as others have said, this one is not nearly as bad as you think it’s going to be. I had mine done in May this year and my eye is now completely back to normal. Your eye will be blurry at first which is a nuisance, but mine recovered within 4 weeks and was better again in 6. I am now just waiting for my 2 monthly check up appointment before I order new glasses and check that I’m ok to drive again. I went through all the same emotions of panic, hysteria and depression but now wonder why I was so stressed about it. Don’t forget these consultants do this particular op all the time and it is still considered the gold standard treatment for lowering eye pressure, having been carried out for over 50 years. The worst part is having to put all the drops in your eye afterwards, but luckily it’s not for too long. You can do it!! Sending love and hugs xx
Hi Red shoesSo glad your op was a success you give me hope. I'm so scared of the op but even more scared of losing my sight. Your words definitely help me. Thank you
Bless you. Any surgery is a scary thought but it’s always the thought of it rather than the actual event that’s worse. I am now nearly 10 weeks post Trab. All went well. I had a general anaesthetic. I’m currently on one lot of steroid drops a day now & that’s all. I’m seeing my consultant again in December and hoping to be drop free after that. I too was terrified & crippled with anxiety but I kept telling myself that if I didn’t have the op then eventually I would go blind and I am so pleased now that I had it. 😊
Hello Callie, It’s all a worry where glaucoma suffers and their eyes are concerned. Your brain heads off for a dark place to hide in and you never can think of any pertinent questions when you are given that sort of news. I’d like to say each new procedure is easier to deal with but it’s always a shock to receive unexpected news. Each person’s glaucoma journey is different to anyone else’s and one shoe does not fit all. Surgery wouldn’t be muted unless it was necessary and I’m sure no consultant would put anyone through the procedures we have if there was another choice. My way of trying to not run around in my panic pants is to look at the facts. I stopped reading all the horror stories as they just sent me into a greater panic. I’ve had numerous procedures on my eyes, I always read up on them, reach out on this site, sometimes watch the ops on YouTube and question the heck out of my consultant. It’s not a popularity contest so I never worry that I should be quiet and just accept any diagnosis. Never worry you can’t challenge or that you are a nuisance. Your sight is important to you so should be important to them. I find talking about any procedure or treatment with fellow sufferers helps to know you are not alone on this journey. My trabs were done 6 years ago, the worry and fear are far worse than the operation. Follow the after care instructions to the letter, that’s one thing that’s in your control. Pressures came down quickly and no problem with my sight. I have to have needling on one soon because the pressure has increased but my consultant is on top of it. Yes, I’m worried but know it must be done and I’m sure you too will find enough courage to go through with the operation. Good luck with it all, I’m sure you’ll have lots of positive wishes from friends, family and this site. Love goes a long way. Do ask anything else if you need to.
Hi Callie 77
I am in exactly the same position as you with a stent operation scheduled for next week.
I am absolutely petrified of not being able to see after the operation as I only have sight in one eye but the kind comments I have read on this forum have be helpful; I was also able to speak to a “buddy” who was lovely and extremely reassuring. I would suggest you contact the Glaucoma UK Helpline and ask if you can speak to someone who has had the same operation who can talk you though the process as up to this point not much has been explained to me by the hospital.
I wish you a speedy recovery🙂and remember you’re not alone.
Hi TobyThank you for your reply. I'm glad you got in touch with the buddy system I think they really help.
I did get in touch with a buddy last year and she did answer all my questions, even the stupid ones!!.
I haven't had my op yet as they tried me on different drops again but I'm now on the waiting list.
I will definitely be in touch with a buddy again before my op just to give me confidence and support as I have so much anxiety about it.
I hope your op goes well for you this week as I'm sure it will. I will be thinking of you.
Please let us all know how you are whenever you can. Everyone is with you. Take care.
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