Cataract surgery

[PJBinMI]

I am having cataract surgery in a couple of weeks and then again for the other eye two weeks after that. I've needed to schedule this for a year but have had so many appts and have been so tired I didn't see an opthamologist until two days ago. I was really surprised that I got appts so quickly......plus there is a lens that they can put in my eyes that will likely make glasses unnecessary! I've worn glasses since I was in the 9th grade, nearly 60 years, and feel kind of naked without them, but to be ab le to see well when I get up in the middle of the night will be wonderful! And I'll be able to wear OTC dark glasses. One of my husbands close friends just had one eye done and was surprised at how easy the procedure was and how clearly he could see with that eye. The opthamologist told me that I do not need to stop meds. They use light sedation, plus of course an injection to numb the eye. I found the whole experience, so far, very interesting and it was wonderful to be talking about a health issue unrelated to cancer and apparently not affected by it at all. So...I encourage anybody here whose vision has been limited by cataracts to look into surgery soon. I'll let you know how it goes and how my vision is after both procedures.

[Betbop]

Sounds really promising please keep us updated and good luck 😀

[Pachira]

I wish you well PJB for your surgery. I’m sure you’ll be fine as cataract surgery itself seems to be minimal. I had my cancer return in my L4 vertebrae in 2017 after having a double mastectomy in 2008 with no treatment. In 2018 I had a trabeculectomy for glaucoma as well as cataract surgery. The surgery was a breeze but not bending down and the follow up was tedious. My pressure didn’t decrease as much as they wanted and recently I developed a macular edema in that eye. I feel in great health with no pain and plenty of energy and I’m now being seen by a retina specialist. My Ca 15-3 has been rising this last year to 111. I felt it was inflammation in the eye that was causing it but they did see some possible progression on my last pet/ct but they’re not sure. My ophthalmologist wrote to my onc so he’s ordered an mri of the brain 12/22 and I’m having a ct scan this Tuesday. These complications are due to my glaucoma so I don’t anticipate you having a problem but if I could say that you should plan to just look after yourself after the surgery doing as little as possible. I also think that you should feel sure that you’re ready for the next surgery in 2 weeks and don’t be afraid to cancel if you have any doubts. The eye is a very sensitive piece of equipment and it’s a wonderful thing for-us to be able to see well. It’s great that you’ll be able to get rid of glasses after all these years. Had to laugh when you said about being able to see in the night lol. Take care and all the best.

[PJBinMI in reply to Pachira]

It sounds as though your eyes and my step daughters eyes have alot in common, not a good thing for either of you! Thank you for sharing your story with me and especially the positive words about eye surgery! So far, it sounds alot less daunting that other procedures I've had and I think I would rather do this than alot of other medical things! I've known several blind people and realize what loss of vision can mean, but also know there are worse losses. I hope you do well. I related to your comment about inflammation. I have an eczema like skin problem that two dermatologists and an allergist have not helped much and my onc mentioned in passing the last time I saw her that my skin may be reacting to overwhelming inflammation in my body. I hope your scans will suggest that, too! Good luck on that, and let us know how you are doing after the scans and doctor appts!

[TNVol]

Worked in ophthalmology for 20 years. You are going to be so happy with cataract surgery. I had mine about 5 years ago and went with monovision - right eye for distance and left eye for reading. Ratings may have changed but when I was still working, cataract surgery had the highest patient satisfaction rating of any surgeries. Hope yours goes well!

[PJBinMI]

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my note! I always think back to the cataract surgery my grandmother had decades ago, when patients had to lie still with sacks of sand next to their heads to help them not move. I don't remember how many days she had to be hospitalized but it seems crazy long now with the advances in eye surgery that we get to take advantage of! This eye care office had a real happy vibe to it and I liked everybody that I met there. They are committed to providing eye care "for all" and travel to alot of third world countries to provide this scarce care. I didn't think to ask if they would like my collection of old glasses........... Anyway, I was fascinated by the process of measuring all aspects of my eyes, or almost all. Amazing what modern tech can do! I hope your work in eye care was as enjoyable as it seems to be at this clinic! I admire people whose chosen professions make life better for people! And I sure believe that this surgery would be highly rated!

[mudakurag]

Hi PJBI had cataract surgery done when I was in my mid-fifties. It was not problematic. The funny thing was though I was young compared to all the other people .I don't think they remembered that my 'young' eyes would beore sensitive than those of the other older patients. As you get older the nerves around your eye get less sensitive I guess. The man next to me in pre-op was in his 90s. When I woke up I had a lot of pain and was nauseous. The nurses said it was because I was so young and my nerves were still sensitive !!!!! When I had the second eye done I made sure to tell the anesthesiologist to give me plenty of anti-nausea medicine and I had no problem at all. It is amazing how well you can see after the operation .My eyesight was pretty good to begin with but I was starting to need reading glasses which I didn't need anymore after the surgery. After what you have been through this surgery is going to be a walk in the park ,and it is going to be great for you to be able to see so well. Good luck.

[Shelly1009]

I'm a surgical nurse and have assisted in thousands of cataract surgeries. This will be a walk in the park for you compared to all the other treatments you've endured for MBC. They'll likely give you some Versed before you roll into the room. You'll still be awake and talking but you won't remember a thing. Patients who come back for their second eye always tell us they don't remember being awake the first time. 99.9% of our patients don't say anything out of the ordinary. But the 0.01% are hilarious. I had a 90 year old woman yell out to the whole room that she used to be a stripper when she was young. Totally out of the blue after someone asked for an IV pole. She heard pole and just went with it, LOL!!! Good luck.

[PJBinMI]

Thanks for your perspective! I've had Versed before and they are using it. What a great drug LOL. I'm pretty calm about the procedure itself but so much is going on right now. The cancer pay be spreading beyond the breast and bones and I have heart issues so my appts are multiplying. I had a PET this morning--first time I've had one in a long time.

[mariootsi]

Please update us after your surgery. I wish you well. It seems to be a very effective surgery.My boyfriend is scheduled for surgery in January.