Cateract operation: I am having my first op on right... - NRAS

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Cateract operation

Angels-delight profile image
18 Replies

I am having my first op on right eye on August 19th. I'm not worried about the OP but having to put 3 drops of meds in my eye 4 times a day for 2 weeks is a problem. I don't have anyone to put them in for me as my family are working. I tried looking for easy to use eye droppers but they are still difficult to use when your hands are badly deformed with RA. My GP is trying to get me community care nurses to come to my home but with cut backs it is very difficult. Any suggestions.

Susan

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Angels-delight profile image
Angels-delight
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18 Replies
whereistherealme profile image
whereistherealme

Hi I had same last year and my fingers were not strong enough to use the eye drops.

Instead I used long nosed pliers to squeeze the bottle.

Hope this helps

QAGS profile image
QAGS in reply to whereistherealme

yes, a good idea, I have dry eyes, also a Cataract that needs doing. I cannot nip the end of the vial, they are too strong for weak fingers. I will deffo consider long nosed pliers. Wouldn't you think someone would have thought of his & come up with a solution?

Angels-delight profile image
Angels-delight in reply to QAGS

That's what my sister said and I can't be the only one with this problem. Some have said it is due to cut backs

Angels-delight profile image
Angels-delight in reply to whereistherealme

I will give it a go.

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

There are various things you can get to help you. Sadly don’t seem to be provided free on prescription

moorfields.nhs.uk/sites/def...

shop.rnib.org.uk/mobility/h...

Angels-delight profile image
Angels-delight in reply to helixhelix

Hi helixhelix,

Thanks for responding, I managed to get a hold of the dropper you suggested but I still need to squeeze the actual bottle. It is ok with the one for dry eyes but the two prescription eye drops I am unable to squeeze both of those.

Thanks for trying. I win keep looking.

Take care, Sue

Angels-delight profile image
Angels-delight in reply to helixhelix

Hi helixhelix, I have finally received an eye dropper that works for me. It covers both sizes of eye drop medications and I can do the drops myself. I have another problem ocular migraines unlike the migraines I had years ago and needing 18 injections in the back of my head and over my eyes. The specialist who gave me the injections every 2 weeks could see the amount of pain I was in as I didn't flinch. Once the injections started to work I did start to say I could feel the injections. I read that this type of migraines are caused by lack of oxygen to the brain. I went to see my doctor at the optometrist and she couldn't find any difference from my previous visit. I have for 2 weeks had red/blue dots size of pixels on white walls or furniture, waves or as if someone is spaying water into my eyes which I find very weird and didn't really know how to use explain to my GP or the eye doctor but because I have cataracts in both eyes my GP was unable to see the back of my eyes and said I was to see my eye doctor to check. All she said was that it wasn't anything that she hadn't heard before a d probably ocular migraines. I came away not knowing anything more and I have to wait until I speaker with my GP tomorrow. It is a good job I have the first surgery on Aug 19th in the right eye that is effecting me the most. The eye doctor said to come back to make sure my eyes are healing properly after surgery, I said surely that is the responsibility of the surgeon and I already have those appts booked.

I was wondering if you or anyone else has had ocular migraines and or similar symptoms that I have.

Thank you for the link for the eye droppers and at least that problem is now resolved. Very much appreciated I was starting to get concerned.

Take care I hope you are feeling well as expected and enjoying the summer.

Sue xx

rab1874 profile image
rab1874

Also getting my right eye done on 11th July

BonnieT profile image
BonnieT

i don’t know how limited you are after the surgery. Can you get to a doctor’s office for help or a pharmacy? How about asking for assistance from your place of worship. Any visiting nurse associations nearby? I wish you good luck. I’m in a similar situation right now with transportation to and from having a procedure done.

Angels-delight profile image
Angels-delight in reply to BonnieT

My GP has tried making arrangements for me but I received a call advising me the nurses will not cover this type of request. I checked with the pharmacy too, same thing.

BonnieT profile image
BonnieT in reply to Angels-delight

Such a shame we can’t get the help we need. It’s a physical need. Any friends, relatives who could help. (For me, that’s a no. I hope you have someone.) Good luck to you and many hugs.

Angels-delight profile image
Angels-delight in reply to BonnieT

Hi BonnieT, I wouldn't have a problem if I was still in the UK but unfortunately living in Canada my family here is working. I do have time yet and I will check a few more droppers online to see if they may help.

Take care,

Susan

Angels-delight profile image
Angels-delight in reply to BonnieT

I have found an eye dropper that works for both types of eye drops thanks to helixhelix, it arrived yesterday.

Take care, hope you are feeling good. I feel better in the summer as long as it isn't too humid.

Sue xx

BonnieT profile image
BonnieT in reply to Angels-delight

Great news.

AndrewT profile image
AndrewT

Dear Angels-delight,

Correct me if I'm wrong- and I Could be- BUT if a Hospital Consultant, IE the Person performing your Surgery, requests a District Nurse to attend you....Don't they have to attend? My own experience, of something Similar, was when I changed back to The Ipswich Hospital, following a Kidney Transplant. My new Consultant, Dr Andi- a lovely man- requested a Scan be carried out, on both my new Kidney and my Bladder. When I had Heard 'Nothing', for some weeks, I contacted one of the Senior Nurses that I know. Linda tried to Book, an appointment, but was unable to. When next saw Dr Andi, about six weeks later, he asked me about the Scan- I told him the 'Story' before I left his consulting room. I walked a, very short, distance to get my Bloods 'Done' and, literally JUST after I had sat down...Dr Andi came over, to tell me the Appointment was the next Wednesday. All he did was Pick Up, the phone.

I Know that you Don't like, 'Playing' the Dis-Abled Card- non of us do- but....'Can you help me Doctor, I can't Manage these Droppers and I, So Want, to get this right....(Leave a short Pause) PLEASE? Before you 'Bite my Head Off', I know BUT it Does Sometimes Work!

Reading, this Post, back....I've Waffled On, FAR too Long....Sorry! Do give this, or similar, a 'GO' though (see I'm a Poet) Best wishes

AndrewT

Angels-delight profile image
Angels-delight in reply to AndrewT

Thank you Andrew I will give it a go. I did say to the surgeon when I had my assessment and he actknowledge what I said but didn't say he would take care of it. I live in Canada, maybe it is different here.

Thanks for your reply.

AndrewT profile image
AndrewT in reply to Angels-delight

Dear Angels-delight,

I'm sorry but I Don't Know, about your system in Canada, I live in the UK- we have the National Health Service (NHS). Maybe I'm being Stupid here but...Since your Doctor offered you, some 'Support', and you live alone (or maybe just don't have anyone to Help you) can you not just Lay it on Thick. It's NOT 'in your Nature', I know that, it's not in mine either....However, in this instance, Nothing was gained by doing 'Nothing'.

Sorry if I'm NOT being helpful Angels-delight, it's just difficult, for me, to advise in a Different Country to my own. (It's Bad enough, when we are both in England!)

What a Beautiful 'Name', you have chosen for yourself. I don't know if it is still manufactured but, when I was a Child (yes we DID have a 'Pet' Brontosaurus, in case you were wondering- REX, we called him😋) this was an 'Instant Whip' type product- just made with Milk.

Please Do let us know, how 'Things Go' will you Angels-delight. All that remains, is for ME to send YOU, our Very Best wishes.

AndrewT

Angels-delight profile image
Angels-delight in reply to AndrewT

Hi Andrew, I have had the best of 2 worlds, I was born in the UK a long time ago. I emigrated to Canada for a number of years making friends with several others who also emigrated from various parts of the UK. It is different here we have OHIP and various cover from insurance. We also have cut backs in the medical field and also in teaching. I am retired now and living close by my son and family. I enjoy living in Canada apart from the amount of RA pain I have. I was in aqua swim and Tia chi classes which lasted 10 weeks. It was especially for RA and I feel it helps, it closes for the school holidays and will start again in the fall if it is ok after I have eye surgery. I have a new cleaner starting soon and she may know someone who can put the drops in my eyes.

Angel delights happens to be named after my granddaughters. They are twins and absolutely adorable.

Well thank you for your help and I'm sure I will sort something out. I have mentioned it to the surgeon already and I will do the same to a nurse etc when I arrive in the hospital ward and see if she can help to get the surgeon to arrange for drops to be put in.

Thank you, I hope you keep well and enjoy summer in England.

Take care, Susan

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