Shielding prior cataract operations

[fed13]

I am at last getting a cataract op., (very necessary), in my so called good eye, on August 11th., postponed from March. ,Bbut have been given strict instructions that I, (and my husband!!), have to shield for a fortnight before and after this op.

This is an amazingly big ask. I have been lucky enough to have had regular injections during the pandemic, and I've been in and out within an hour, 1&1/2 hrs tops. No waiting up to 4 hrs, (yes, you read that right), crowded like sardines with an enormous clinic.

However during the pandemic when I had my injections; no shielding or quarantining required.

Now I see on the BBC news last night, that patients going for NHS operations do NOT have to shield. However this snippet of news was a headline. In the discussions about the news afterwards whilst everything else was expanded upon this wasn't.

Can I please ask on this forum, does anyone have any idea of what I should do??

Obviously I can/will ring and ask the hospital, but sometimes you get someone on the line who doesn't' know the answer!!!!, and despite promises, they NEVR ring back.

[Becky_MacularSociety Partner]

Good Morning fed13,

I would advise that unless you hear differently from the hospital directly, then follow their guidelines of shielding for 14 days beforehand, obviously once you are there you can ask if you definitely need to afterwards.

In the meantime it is a case of ringing the hospital, your consultant via the secretary or if your hospital has one, an eye clinic liaison officer (or ECLO) to find out.

All the best,

Becky

Advice and Information

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0300 3030 111

[Hidden]

I've googled this till my eyes hurt and cant find mention of it on the .Gov or BBC sites. Not to say it isn't there but well hidden if it is But like you I do recall mention on the tv though not the detail.

TBH shielding isn't so hard just for 4 weeks.

Do a big shop beforehand with frozen/ tinned / packet stuff or ingredients to cook your own , cheese and cured meats last well in the fridge , get in Cravendale milk which has long expiry dates , and ensure you have meds etc. or arrange a delivery ( this isn't always straightforward I found) . Ask a neighbour/ friend to standby if needed. I think some councils have volunteers to help too.

Plan your days to keep busy. Have a good old clear out!

The op is different to inj because you're in close proximity for longer than 15 minutes so I think that's why the shielding rule.

Good luck x

[Raemar]

Hi There, fed13

I am in the same position as yourself, going in for cataract op next Monday. I have been self isolating together with my Wife and Daughter as requested by the Hospital. I must also attend a testing station for a swab test on Friday. I can't tell you how absolutely delighted I was to receive a phone call to go into have the op which I wasn't expecting till next year! Over the moon.

To be asked to self isolate for 2 weeks is is not a big ask at all I don't think, and we should be grateful that we are having the op at all. I had one eye done earlier this year and the difference in my sight was quite unbelievable. I have ditched my glasses and only need readers at strength 2 to read small print! Imagine what my sight will be like when my other eye is done (if successful of course).

So Just think about how better off your sight will be after the op. Two weeks self isolation is a small price to pay for something so precious as your sight. Good luck anyway.

[springcross]

Hi fed13. I'm really pleased for you, that is very good news. I would do what the clinic says as you don't want it delayed any further. It is a bind but well worth it in the long run. Hope all goes well for you. xx

[rosyG]

Hi,

I start my two weeks on Monday before knee replacement and it is important as the studies re having Covid and surgery don't make good reding. I heard the headline you mention but it talked about treatment- not sure they will relax the one about surgery because of the studies i mentioned. Be safe and isolate!

[tallyho]

Def shield I have been doing so since March and I finish on Saturday. 2 weeks will go by very quickly and well worth it. You may need to sign something to say you have shielded for 2 weeks if they have requested that. Get an order for shopping in now for that period and be as organised as you can.

[fed13]

Thanks for all your replies! I appreciate them. xx

[Shimano]

Sounds really confusing! Has anyone suggested getting tested as a way of shortening the period you are locked down. Also, do you have underlying health conditions that make you high risk? Agree often difficult to get through to anyone at hospital but would give it a go. The eye clinics often have a specialist nurse who may be able to help you. Do hope you get some clarity to avoid further stress. All the best.

[Catseyes235]

One of the entry points for the virus is through the eyes and cataract op is more intrusive than injection. May be to protect not just you but also hospital staff. What price good eyesight? Stock up and lock down!