[alsha]

#1058992

So I’ve spoken to a few of you on this board, and I have decided to have my orbital decompression in June.

I was just thinking that it would be really helpful for both me and future orbital decompression patients if we could compile a list of some side effects that occur after the surgery. That way, we can better mentally prepare ourselves. If you’ve undergone orbital decompression before, a comment would be greatly appreciated!

So far from people that I’ve spoken with, they have told me that some of their side effects include:

-double vision
-painful tear ducts
– facial numbness
-weird feeling in teeth
-light sensitivity
-constipation
-sensitivity to hot/cold beverages
-sensitivity to spicy food
-nerve damage
-dryness
-tongue sensitivity

[gatorgirly]

#1171414

I’m also interested in this topic. Which of the side effects you mentioned are permanent? And if they are only temporary, how long do they typically last?

I’m not naive, so I realize with any surgery there could be permanent complications – albeit serious or minor – but alsha asks a good question about which ones most of can expect after surgery.

Also, I’m pretty sure the constipation comes from the anesthesia and painkillers and is not directly related to the actual surgery…am I correct? Painkillers and I don’t get along well, so I plan on asking for a prescription-strength laxative to be filled along with my painkiller script. I have read from several of you not to try and be brave by avoiding painkillers and this is probably the one time I’ll actually want them and be willing to handle the side effects.

[Kimberly]

#1171415

Hello – I haven’t had an OD, but here is a bulletin from the Foundation that includes info on some of the potential complications:

(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. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://gdatf.org/about/about-graves-disease/patient-education/graves-disease-rehabilitative-surgery/

@gatorgirly – Hopefully, Shirley will chime in on complications caused by anesthesia vs. the actual surgery. My guess, though, is that you are correct.

[alsha]

#1171416

Gatorgirly,
You are correct. The constipation is from anesthesia and painkillers.
As for the other side effects, I THINK that they are supposed to be short-term, but as far as I know, they can last for a pretty long time. (months to years maybe?)

Kimberly,
Thanks for the link! I find it really informative

[snelsen]

#1171417

I wonder how much constipation is really an issue. I say that because this is a relatively short procedure, generally around an hour, in my experiences. Agree with the comments about pain meds. All opoids (narcotics) have a tendency to tell the lower bowel to go to sleep. To go a step further, the post op course after surgery regarding discomfort, having your head of the bed elevated, and using cold packs is the most important thing to do. The pain is related to the swelling, and if you keep your head up, the swelling and bruising are minimal. I think I had some Percocet, maybe took one to see what it was like.
Many of the other symptoms listed, are related to one of the cranial nerves which does control sensitivity in the mouth, teeth, tongue, hot/cold beverages, etc.
Sometimes it is pushed around, or moved a bit during surgery. In my own experience, I did not have any of that happen. But I know it can happen, and in most instances, it is temporary.
I think all surgeons will say (among all the other things) that double vision is a possibility. That did not happen to me. However, I had double vision before the OD. The really good thing about double vision as a complication, if it occurs, is that the magic strabismus surgery can correct it, and it is a super easy procedure for the patient, with instant gratification with mono vision again. I speak from experience on that one!

I read the reference Kimberly provided, and it is really good. A great reference to develop questions to ask the surgeon, too.

[sparerib]

#1171418

I had my orbital decompression a year ago this month. The main side effects I had were swelling and facial numbness along the outside of the eye on the face. I got a good tip from this board to put pillows under the mattress to elevate the head of the bed and to start several days in advance to get used to it. This helps to reduce the swelling more quickly. I followed the icing recommendations to the letter and the bed tip. The major swelling went away in a week or so, but it took most of the months of June and July for the swelling to totally disappear.

Most of the numbness is gone but there is some still present. I saw the doctor last week to discuss the eyelid surgery and told him I still had some numbness. He said it might disappear and it might never disappear. I have had many different kind of surgeries and I know that to be true. Numbness often takes much longer to disappear than what is told us, but one day you wake up and realize it is gone. The numbness is not really annoying nor does it impede the functioning of the eye in any way.

The other symptoms you mention, double vision was present for me before the surgery and is a muscle problem that might require a muscle surgery. I have been seeing a muscle doc to evaluate my need for that, but we have decided that it is quite intermittent and I am using glasses with prisms instead.

Light sensitivity is one of the major Graves eye symptoms and the orbital decompression would usually decrease it rather than increase it. I was unable to drive at night before the orbital decompression but now can. However, I still have some light sensitivity, cannot sit opposite a window if there is glare, cannot endure flurescents and will be having eyelid sugery to lower the lid to address this. That is usually required if the eye is really protruding. Mine is now minimally protruding but because of the light sensitivity, lowering the lid should do the trick. I hope that this is helpful.

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