DALK Scheduled

General forum for the UK Keratoconus and self-help group members.

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John Smith
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
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Postby John Smith » Mon 03 Jul 2006 9:06 am

Jay,

This is partially on consultant's advice, and partially on past experience. After my PK graft I didn't feel able to return to work for 4 weeks. I was off for 6 weeks before Accenture's occ. health would allow me back in the building!
John
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jayuk
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Postby jayuk » Mon 03 Jul 2006 9:10 am

Blimey! 6 weeks!!.....Result lol....didnt you get bored?...I dont think I can hack more than 7-10 days off.....id go mad!....but then its better to rest then risk any issues with the recovery I guess!......
KC is about facing the challenges it creates rather than accepting the problems it generates -
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John Smith
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
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Postby John Smith » Mon 03 Jul 2006 9:12 am

I was bored out of my skull! :lol:

Probably why I wanted to go back to work before they thought I was ready!

Make sure you have a large collection of audio books on hand before the graft...
John
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jayuk
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Postby jayuk » Mon 03 Jul 2006 9:15 am

Lol...I think ill be ok in that respect as this time Ill be able to see with the current PK'd eye.....last time was a bit difficult as I couldnt see full stop for a few weeks!....and the lens I was using was coming to the end of its life!...

This time I expect a better experience......although the procedure is longer......with the PK i was in and out in 45 mins, but I am told that DALK can last 2 hours.

J
KC is about facing the challenges it creates rather than accepting the problems it generates -

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John Smith
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
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Postby John Smith » Sun 23 Jul 2006 11:58 am

Well, my graft date has finally come through. It's for Friday August 11th. Only three weeks away! :shock:

I'm now getting that familiar feeling mixing anticipation and dread! I want the graft to happen, but simultaneously the prospect is indeed a little scary! :roll:

So it looks like I'm the first of the forum quartet to have my graft... unless Andrew has a date yet...?
John
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Anne B
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Postby Anne B » Sun 23 Jul 2006 2:09 pm

Great news John. :D

I know how you feel. I really want my graft, but i am also dreading it. Its all i can think about. I am dreaming about it every night and its not until september!! :roll:

Anne
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asylumxl
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
Vision: On the waiting list for a graft

Postby asylumxl » Sun 23 Jul 2006 8:32 pm

wow these procedure sounds kinda hoorific, stitching your eye shut :shock: its like something from a horror movie.

wish you all the best though!
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jayuk
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Postby jayuk » Wed 09 Aug 2006 7:36 am

John

Good luck with the DALK......and let us know how it goes when you can!

J
KC is about facing the challenges it creates rather than accepting the problems it generates -

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Matthew_
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Postby Matthew_ » Wed 09 Aug 2006 8:39 am

Can I ask a stupid question? What's a DALK, I got a sense of whats involved but could anyone explain it for me?

PS Is pressure an issue. The pressure in my eyes is exceptionally low, like everything else about my physiology ie low pulse rate, low blood pressure etc Generally this is a good thing,I am assuming the same is true for my eyes?
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John Smith
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
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Postby John Smith » Wed 09 Aug 2006 8:55 am

Hi Matthew,

DALK is a "Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty". Basically, the lamellar grafts are partial-thickness - not all of the cornea is transplanted.

In my case, I'm having the top three layers (of five) of my cornea removed, and layers 2 and 3 from the donor cornea stitched into place. I will then have my eyelid stitched shut (just a single stitch so I can still instil eye drops) for a week to allow my eye to grow a new layer 1.

The result is that I'll have a nice new cornea, with my own cells surrounding the foreign ones... this leaves very little room for rejection.

More details on DALK are on my surgeon's website: http://www.chadrostron.co.uk
John
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