UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi everyone

I had my Pre-op assesment today and although the nurse who saw me was very nice she was unable to answer ANY of my questions. All she kept saying was that I would find out the day of my Op. Very useful! When I asked if the Op was an overnight stay she replied 'we close at 5 so you need to be gone by then' extreamly reassuring lol!
Although I knew I was not seeing my consultant today I thought she might be able to answer some of my questions such as how long would I be likely to be off work? and is there anything I need to bring with me? but no nothing! A little worried now as I dont think I am going to get any of my answers until I am about to go under. Oh, and she didnt mention anything about the Pill, what meds I would be on, nothing

Any advice? Feeling a bit unsure of it all now

Many thanks
Lucy

Hi Lucy
Sorry today was so unhelpful. To try to answer some of your questions - most transplants are done on a 'day surgery' basis these days. I don't know what your hospital does, but others will sometimes keep the person in overnight if the operation ends up being in the afternoon rather than the morning. Time off work seems to vary from person to person, and on the sort of job. Some people here have taken a couple of weeks off, others have taken longer. I took 3 weeks off for each of my ops. I don't think there's anything you'll need to bring with you on the day (apart maybe from any medication you might be on). Afterwards, you'll probably be given an eye shield to wear at night (to stop you rubbing your eye in your sleep) and various eye drops. The main ones are the steroid anti-rejection drops which you'll need to take for some months, and you'll also probably have antibiotic drops for a few weeks. I was also given pupil dilating drops but that was over 20yrs ago, and I don't think most people get those now.
I hope that helps a bit, but if you're still concerned, could you ring the hospital and see if there's anyone else you could talk to before the op?
All the best
Anne

Thank you very much Anne

That has answered some of my questions. I feel that the nurse really should have been able to answer these with confidence!
Never mind, my last appointment with my consultant was a long time ago and i really cant remember a lot of the detail.
Lucy