[Anonymous]

#1162916

Hi Julie – I had orbital decompressions done in Oct/96. Do not get discouraged, rest as much as you can – don’t be tempted to do too much – this is major surgery. I found that the bruising was almost completely gone by about two weeks. I ventured out with dark sunglasses on – boy did it feel good to be out after being housebound! My eyes remained swollen but going down noticibly for about 1 mo after. My runny eyes and feelings of bugginess were gone and I found that I wasn’t quite as sensitive to sunlight. Hang in there!!You should feel better soon. Remember to take it easy and be spoiled for the next little while. and oh yeah, patience, patience,patience!! ( These must be the buzz words for us GD sufferers!)

[Anonymous]

#1056244

Hello to everyone. This note is for anyone interested but especially for Debby J., Nancy, Jake and anyone who can shed light on results from Decompression Surgery. I apologize if there is recent information on this but I have been out of commission for a while re: the bulletin board.
My surgery was just a week ago today. I don’t know the technical terms and am having trouble reading my graves literature lately, but my surgery was not the extensive decompression surgery. Because I did not have much double vision, just mainly proptosis, (and the right eye much more bulging than the left), the Dr. did what he called a more conservative surgery, removing fat, bone from behind the eye and from the outer wall, leaving the sinus intact so as to avoid further eye problems.
Let me preface by saying that I am totally confidant in my Dr. and the fact that he consulted with several drs throughout US before tailoring my surgery, he also asked for another Dr. who specialized in the removal of the bone from the outer wall to assist him in surgery.
Surgery went well but I must say I was quite sick for several days after, probably my personal wimpy reaction to 3 1/2 hours of anesthesia. I am much better today, finally eating and starting to get out of the house.
I am having trouble dealing with the final outcome of the surgery, since the Dr. said we will truly not know for about 2 months. Much of the post op. swelling and bruising has subsided but he says the swelling behind the eye takes much more time to go down. I am trying not to get myself in for a big let down, but it is hard.
I would greatly appreciate hearing from any of you who have had surgery or can shed some light on this area. I apologize for not keeping up with all the posts but reading is a little tough just now and just before surgery I was running like a crazy person preparing house and kids as if I was going away and never coming back. Sorry, I told you I have become pretty wimpy, the surgery and even the decision for surgery were kind of tough for me because the graves has made me so sick at times.
On a lighter note, I wish everyone well. I am forever greatful to Jake, Debby, Nancy and everyone else who cares enough about all of this and gives tremendous support to people like me who have no other contact with other graves patients other than the Bulletin Board
Thank to any who care to respond…………Julie T..

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