UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi Everyone

It's been a long time since I posted on this site,probably 3 or 4 years.

I have had KC for approx 20 years, recently over the last couple of years it has got worse, My left eye which was always the worst no longer tolerates any kind of lens and I haven't worn one in the left eye for a few years relying on the reasonable sight in my right eye aided by rigid lens.

It was recommended by my consultant a year of so ago to have surgery in the left eye but I was reluctant due to the fact I would no be able to return to my present job as I work in a Custody centre and come in to contact with violent members of the criminal public. i therefore decided to make do with just the right eye and could manage quite well.

However over the last year the right eye has deteriorated and I have had ulcers etc and been to Casualty numerous times and a lot of time off work.
Yesterday i saw my Consultant Mr Boase at QA in Cosham and he has said its time for Surgery. He has referred me to a Mr Anderson at Southampton general hospital for him to look at the possibilty for intacs in the right eye and also for him to look at the left eye for his opinion.

I have now come to terms with the fact I will have to have surgery and not be able to return to my job, work maybe able to place me in another position we will have to wait and see. Maybe i will be able to retire early with pension on medical grounds and then get myself a part time job somewhere with less stress!!

I would love to hear from people in similar position and even meet up with someone locally...I have never met anyone yet with KC.

I will keep you all updated now and will visit this forum regularly to gain as much info as possible.

Best wishes to all KC sufferers!!!
Bob Hillcock

PS I live in the Hampshire area

Hi Bob and welcome back!
I did talk to a custody officer a few years ago who rang the KC Group telephone number - I wonder if that was you? It's good to hear that you've been managing all this time and of course your employers are bound to do all they can under the Disability Discrimination Act to find you an alternative position after surgery. But as people have said on this forum before, as one door closes, another opens, and there are definitely things to be said for less stressful jobs! Good luck, whatever you decide.
If you're not on our mailing list, do join (see my post to Elizabeth). Our latest newsletter includes one of our member's experience of Intacs, and there will be more Intacs stories on our 2007 Conference DVD which we will be sending to all our members in the next few months.
I hope you'll hear from other members in your area. You are, of course, more than welcome at our London meetings if that's not too far for you to travel (there's a social meeting this Sunday).
All the best
Anne

Hello Bob

Welcome back. One door closes, perhaps another is opening. Sorry about the cliché, but sometimes they do express a shared experience.

All the best

Andrew

Sorry to hear your job is in jepoardy. My brother worked in the same profession and he enjoyed it but he said it was stressful and physical, so I can understand why the surgery could be a problem. I hope you find something you enjoy and good luck with the surgery.