I feel miserable. Just had second post op appointment. Healing going ok, pressure going down but warning that pressure must not go too low otherwise problems can arise. How do I know if pressure is too low and what can I do to prevent that from happening? Told walking only, no other exercise but what about general household tasks and shopping etc?
Told to make check up appointment for next week but receptionist unable to do so and I will be notified later. The sustainability of aftercare was a major concern and I am now anxious about this too.
Thank goodness for this group so that I can offload.
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I fully understand your anxiety. Yes it is possible for pressures to go too low after a trab but it can be fixed if that happens. There are a number of procedures to achieve this and your consultant would discuss the options with you if the need arises. However, Google advises that a pressure that is too low is 'uncommon' and complications are rare.
It is worth keeping to the rules of not lifting anything heavy, not bending etc so only light housework would be advisable (no Hoover) and keeping shopping light too. Maybe try online deliveries for a while? It's not for long, and I think it is worth it.
The sustainability of aftercare is a problem as the NHS is so overworked. You could find a local Optician who would be prepared to check your pressures and offer you general reassurance about how your trab is working. This might help alleviate your anxiety and so aid your recovery.
Hi sorry to hear you have hit a bit of a wall - completely understandable considering what you've been through. I assume if you have just had second post op you are about a week in. I've had trabs to both eyes and definitely approached the second very differently. Based purely on my experience, certainly for the first couple of weeks do exactly as you are told, rest up, no lifting, or bending, just gentle walks. I also found moving shoulders and head as one to see things rather than moving eyes helped - stopped some of the jolts when you move eyes more than is comfortable. Unashamed naps also do wonders to stop you getting overtired and a little emotional. Other than that find yourself something good to binge on the telly and chill - 'Last Tango in Halifax' worked for me 😊.
Every sympathy! Following my recent third trab to the same eye I have alternated between further sururing, bleb needlijg and now have had a leak glued, and await full healing which may take months.
Having had several "procedures" on both eyes I have been subject to the same exhortations regarding activity. Whilst I respect the dangers of bodily strain on this delicate surgery, I rather feel some of the restrictions seem neurotic. No vacuuming or ironing?There are everyday activities related to bodily functions, dressing and undressing etc which are more physically taxing, surely? I think avoiding sudden movement in lifting, pushing and pulling is probably very necessary, and we have a duty to both ourselves and our surgeons and their colleagues to prevent any relapse in the healing process.
Yoga and Pilates? Definitely dodgy ! We have to compensate for the pause in our preferred physical actinities by doing what we are permitted, so walk more, become LESS time efficient in household tasks by increasing the journeys around the house, particularly exploiting the gentle benefit of the staircase!
You might watch the recording of GUK's digital support meeting of late last yearm with Mr Peter Shah advising on the subject.
Hi, I had a trab in June last year. 2 months of doing nothing! No bending or lifting essential. No housework.or gardening. I did cook and learnt to crouch down for oven!! My pressure was low and had another drop, Atropine for 2 weeks. After care important, keep ringing your doctor or eye unit.
I had my trab eight years ago and was so traumatised with anxiety about low pressure, bending, endless eye drops, that I refused to have the other eye done. This was a mistake. The trab has worked brilliantly. The advice you have been given here is absolutely spot on. Relax, your eye will not collapse, you will heal and with luck it will keep you remain stable for many, many years. Meanwhile, breathe deep and enjoy the coming of spring. By Easter you will feel very different.
i have had a trabeculectomy on both eyes. Please don't feel miserable. My first was in 2006. Not the marvellous technology they have nowadays. It was done under a general anaesthetic most likely without the equipment used now. It's worked fine & with no problems. I get seen a couple of times a year, my pressures vary between 5 &7. Yes you need to be pretty careful with it initially until it heals. I assume you have a lot of drops to use? There were antibiotic ones for obvious reasons, steroid to help help inflammation & another if I remember correctly. After healing you still need to be mindful. I hardly ever wear eye makeup makup nowadays & it's itnot advisable adviseable to swim without good fitting goggles. Good luck xx
I'd say just try to avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous movements. I think cooking, washing up ok but maybe don't fill a kettle too much.
My pressure went to zero after a trab. I could tell something wasn't right as my eye felt sunken. Hard to explain but I think you'd be aware. I had some gel injected at the hospital to firm it up again.
Ah, you have my sympathy. I think I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no real model recovery journey after a trabeculectomy. I had mine done in May last year and my pressures plummeted from 30 to 2 very quickly. Thankfully they came up again to a good 8-9, and held steady there until my last appointment when the pressure was 14. I have some new eyedrops but if it’s not reduced by the time of my next appointment in 2 weeks, it will be needling surgery. So, it’s a bit of a rollercoaster journey for me and for many others judging by the comments from many others on this site. For me it was about getting myself into a mind frame where I can live with the fluctuation without it making me too anxious. This site is good for that because you see so many different perspectives and helpful advice
Good luck with improved aftercare. I’ve found previously that PALS within NHS Trusts are helpful in getting answers.
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