Preparation for surgery

[marypw]

Hello, I am due to have surgery for a macular hole in my left eye, in the next couple of weeks. Please could anyone advise me on what equipment is the most helpful to help with 'posturing', whichI have to do for a week.

I am feeling pretty daunted by the whole thing!

[springcross]

Hi marypw. I'm sorry to hear you have to go through this and know how worrying it can be after having surgery for a retinal detachment. However, it's not as bad as it sounds and your team will advise on the posturing nearer the time. I have left a link from the RNIB below that will tell you more about it - scroll down for the posturing info. Good luck with your op and I hope all goes well. x

rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/eye-c....

[dinahdough]

Hi Mary

I had macular hole surgery a few years ago and I found it pretty daunting too but it was nowhere near as bad as I had expected if that's any comfort. I hired everything I could lay my hands on to help with posturing from a company called Facedown Support who were great. Without a doubt the best thing was the Sleep Support Unit because by using that I could lay on my bed in relative comfort but with my face over the end or side of the bed supported by the sleep support unit. The chair was very good too as it provided an alternative to laying down and allows you to read or look at a computer. The desktop support kind of does the same thing if you want to sit on one of your own chairs. I didn't hire a massage bed, I bought one instead because you can pick them up pretty cheaply online. They're not particularly comfortable to lie on for long periods though. So if you're on a tight budget my recommendation would be the sleep support unit.

Good luck. If you have any other questions I'm happy to help if I can.

[marypw in reply to dinahdough]

Thank you so much for the recommendations - I've had lots of surgeries, but this one does freak me out! I'm thinking about getting the sleep support and the chair.

[marypw in reply to marypw]

Hello, just to let you know I've now had my surgery - I still can't see too well but at least its done!I got the sleep support and the chair; I really didn't get on with the sleep support because it was too painful for my neck and shoulder. I slept on my side with a cushion behind me and my head right on the edge of the pillow. I found the chair was great because I could watch TV, listen to radio and podcasts and doze off.

Thanks for your help X

[Kelly_macularsociety Partner]

Good morning marypw,

If not loaned by the hospital, you can hire equipment from Face Down Support Hire on phone [phone] or visit facedownsupporthire.com

Warm regards,

Kelly

Kelly Ephgrave

Advice and Information Service Administrator

Macular Society

Tel [phone]

macularsociety.org

[marypw in reply to Kelly_macularsociety]

Yes, Face Down support were great, very friendly and efficient. As mentioned above I found the chair was most helpful for me.

[marypw]

Many thanks for the info - it's really helpful.

[Hidden]

Hi, sending a big (((((( HUG )))))))) to you. I had an operation for a detached Retina about 8/9 years ago, it was daunting, but it went well and I made a good recovery. I can't help with any equipment advice, but I hope the operation goes well and you make a good and a speedy recovery.

Take care x

[marypw in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your good wishes. Reconciling myself to it all because it has to be done