[Caffer1962]

#1060512

Left eye on 1/26/15, right eye a month following. Thought I would wait until after the holidays. Apparently, it will take 2-4 hours for each one and an overnight stay in the hospital, which is an hour away. Scared, but ready!

[scanders]

#1183041

Congrats on finally moving forward! It looks as if it’s been a long road for you, and you’re more than ready! (Mine is scheduled for Friday, both eyes. Same day surgery. An hour or so per eye I’m told. Mostly ready, but still a little nervous… sounds as if you can relate.)

[gatorgirly]

#1183042

Congrats on making the next step! Any reason why you’re having them done separately? I know plenty of people do, so I’m just curious as to your reasons. I chose to have both done at the same time so that I only had to go through it once, but I had (and needed) SO much help afterward. My dad and brother waited on me hand and foot for the first 72 hours as one eye was patched shut. They wanted to patch both eyes but knew I couldn’t deal with that so they stitched only the one that required more extensive work.

I was “strongly encouraged” to stay overnight, but they allowed me to go home on the condition I not to try get out of bed at all without help for the first 24 hours. In retrospect, I probably should have stayed overnight because I was really sick from the anesthesia and know I was a big burden on my family. You’ll feel better knowing you have round-the-clock care by people who do this every day

Good luck! It is a long, difficult journey but you’re almost there!

[Caffer1962]

#1183043

My doctor said he would not do both eyes at once. Maybe because I’m so severe? I have a November appt. and have lots of questions. I’m bulged out 24mm, maybe that’s why?

[Caffer1962]

#1183044

Please let me know how it goes! Prayers for you!

[snelsen]

#1183045

Having 2 eyes done at once, is pretty darned depended on how severe Ted is, and how many walls are done on each eye. I don’t think many docs do both at once. I remember when gatorgirly had this done, but need to ask her again the severity of her TED. I needed help and support for the first week with one eye but i live by myself. Shopping, cooking, bending over, laundry, were all things that I could not do.
Shirley

[gatorgirly]

#1183046

My proptosis before surgery was 23mm in the left eye, 25mm in the right eye.

[snelsen]

#1183047

Hi gatorgirly, it sure has been a long haul for both of us,and others on the forum. I am thinking that the number of muscles they manipulate, which bones they remove, i.e., how many “Walls” they do, relates to the recovery period.
Been a while, I would need to ask about this again. How are you? Job ok?
I don’t know if GDTF will ever have a national conference again, but I sure did love them. If they do, I’ll go wherever it is.
Shirley

[gatorgirly]

#1183048

Certainly we aren’t comparing apples to apples when we talk about our eyes and our TED severities, but I was told my OD was one of the most extensive either of my surgeon (oculo-facial and ENT) had ever done. I know I had a more difficult recovery than most people, but I am truly glad I had both done at once even if one at a time would’ve been easier. I don’t do well when I’m told to sit still, rest, don’t lift, etc.

Nonetheless, surgeons and patients decide together what is best and caffer you will do just fine! Your recovery will likely be a lot easier only dealing with one eye at a time.

Thanks for asking Shirley – I will send you a quick PM and also keep my eyes peeled for another conference on the east coast. I’m in Boston now.

[Fenixx]

#1183049

I don’t know how to post on here… If some help could be provided I’m sorry if I take away from the current poster. I just got diagnosed Monday and I could stand some conversation.

[Kimberly]

#1183050

Hello – Your first post had to be approved by a moderator before it went live; it’s now been approved. We unfortunately have to do this to keep spammers from clogging up the forum.

You can find additional info on posting here:

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window)

http://gdatf.org/forum/topic/42254/

Take care!

[Caffer1962]

#1183051

I had the 2nd eye done on Monday. MUCH more difficult than the first and accompanied by severe double vision, which really threw me into a downside since the first one went so well. Follow up next week. In the meantime, resting, icing, and foggy tape on my glasses. My other concern is that my surgeon is leaving the practice to deal with family issues and does not know when he will be returning, if at all. Makes one feel very vulnerable.

[Kimberly]

#1183052

Thanks for the update – sorry to hear that the second procedure was more difficult than the first. I understand about needing to deal with family issues, but hopefully, your surgeon has provided you with an additional contact for followup!

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