[socalguy]

#1059170

Hi, I have my right eye OD scheduled in less than 2 weeks. I would like to hear from people on the forum that have HAD orbital decompression surgery.
My right eye will have a 3 wall decompression. I understand that after that the surgery my eye maybe off on it’s own until strabismus surgery. I want to know if anyone has had reoccurring sinus infections OR any other side effects. My doctor has told me that I will not be able to blow my nose for ONE month. I can’t imagine that. How did you get through that? Did anyone patch the post OD eye until the strabismus surgery?

Any pearls of wisdom to help me through the first surgery will be greatly appreciated.

[Kimberly]

#1172692

Hello – I haven’t had an OD, but you might use the “search posts” function in the top right-hand corner of the screen. If you search for terms such as “OD”, “decompression”, “sinus”, etc., you will find stories from other patients who have been in a similar situation. Shirley (snelsen) has been great about documenting her experiences through various surgeries.

The good news is that *not* all patients will require strabismus surgery after OD — double vision is a possible complication of OD surgery, but is not a given.

One of our volunteers (and the founder of the “Greater Than Graves'” fundraising project) had OD surgery early this year, and was able to go right on to the eyelid surgery a few months later. She has been posting her experiences here: http://greaterthangraves.com/2011/blog.html

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

Wishing you all the best!

[hollygsmith]

#1172693

Hi! This is my first time posting. So many of the posts that I have read over the past months have really helped me get through some tough times, so I hope this can help you feel a little more at ease about your upcoming surgery. I had orbital decompression surgery 7 weeks ago. I had a 3 wall decompression on both eyes at the same time. The main side effect I had was numbness on my right cheek and nose. I’m happy to say that as of yesterday I have full feeling back in my cheek and my nose has been tingling quite a bit, so I think it’s almost there. My oculoplast had told me that the numbness would likely go away but that it could take several months. She had personally never had any patients with permanent numbness, but said it could happen. I have not had any double vision from the OD surgery, so I am looking forward to eyelid surgery in a few months to achieve the final results. I know what a horrible disease TED is and how scary it is in the days leading up to OD surgery, but just try to think of the positive outcome the surgery will have and remember that you are not alone!

[socalguy]

#1172694

Thank you for your reply Holly. All the previous issues with thyroid medications seem like nothing compared to the surgery. I’m glad to hear that you’re doing well after TWO 3 wall surgeries. Where do you live? Not many drs will do both eyes at the same time. It seems to be done more in Europe. It’s been almost 3 years coming to this moment. I’m even staying away from friends with colds just to make sure there’s no reason to postpone the surgery. I’m in Southern California and I’m having the surgery at Jules Stein. 8 days and counting. Thanks.

[socalguy]

#1172695

Thank you for your reply Holly. All the previous issues with thyroid medications seem like nothing compared to the surgery. I’m glad to hear that you’re doing well after TWO 3 wall surgeries. Where do you live? Not many drs will do both eyes at the same time. It seems to be done more in Europe. It’s been almost 3 years coming to this moment. I’m even staying away from friends with colds just to make sure there’s no reason to postpone the surgery. I’m in Southern California and I’m having the surgery at Jules Stein. 8 days and counting. Thanks.

[hollygsmith]

#1172696

I’m actually in southern California too-San Diego. As far as having OD on both eyes at the same time, I think a lot of it has to do with the surgeon’s preference. I’m sure they take each individual case into account as well. I was happy to have them done at the same time since it meant only going under anesthesia once and only going through one recovery process. I’m sure there are pros and cons to both ways though. Good luck with your surgery!

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