graft

[cherishu2]

They are finally going to do my graft in the right eye.
My left eye is worse now as i have scarring so they need to sort the right out.
They are giving me a scerel lens (whatever its called) in the left. But they cant fit any to the right.

I know how they do the op, but what can i expect afterwards.

Whats the best to expect and whats the worst.
Im really upset that i have to manage for heavens knows how long with only the left eye. Vision isnt exactly great in the left.
My kids are only young and i dont know how ill get by. But its the only choice left.
Trace

[GarethB]

Hi Trace,

Let me first reasure you that the operation itself is by no means as bad as you think.

You will feel discomfort post op from where the operation has been done as your eye lids would have been pulled back to do the op and there may well be some inflamation. As the medication kicks in and you get used to having stitches, in most cases things setle quite quick.

As to best or worst to expect depends if you are having a full or partial thickness graft.

I have only had full thickness grafts as the other was not available at the time. Vision improvements vary from beeing far worse to suddenly being able to see.

Remember that the graft is to provide a surface that is easer to correct the vision. Basically post op you will have a range of eye drops and creams to use while the cornea heals. You may well be light sensitive so a good pair of sunglasses at the ready post op is advisable.

As the cornea heals the surgeon may or may not remove some stitches. This is to get the cornea to heal in the best possible shape with as few creases as possible. This makes sight correction easier later on.

Once your vision has settled which can be from a few months to near 2 years you will eather have good uncorrected vision, but more usually good corrected vision with glasses.

With kids, a good thing to have post op is a pair of safety glasses from the local DIY store just to help protect your eye or a clear eye shield.

Just being nosey, how old are the kids?

Hope this helps.

Gary

[cherishu2]

Thanks gary.
my youngest are 4, 4, 3. The 2, 4 yrs olds are children i have custody of (grandaughter & stepson).

Which terrifies me, because im worried ill lose custody if it came to another battle, because of my sight.
my 2 oldest will be a help as they are 15 and 9.
my 20 yr old is awol so counts him out.

[John Smith]

Trace,

I wouldn't worry too much about that. As Gareth (Gary!! ) said the idea of the graft is to make your vision better. Sure, you will go through a healing process, and that will take some time to heal fully... but you'll be back on your feet and most likely seeing no worse than you do now within a couple of weeks.

[cherishu2]

Thanks john i feel a bit better now.Scared though cus im a wus
Nothing to lose though is there really.
Let you know when it happens peeps.

[Anne B]

Hi trace

I am in the same situation at the moment. I have Three children aged 2,4 and 8. Sometimes it is really hard but recently i have started to ask for a bit more help from friends and family and things have been a bit better.
I have also been offered a graft and decided to have it. I feel happier just knowing i am going to have the graft and there is a good chance of having some decent sight.
As for recovering this has got to be the best excuse i have had to lay in bed since i had children So i am going to get as much help with the kids as possible. Is your 3 year old at pre school, and are your 4 year olds at school yet?

Take care
Anne

[cherishu2]

Hi anne. They all start sept.4 yr olds school ect.
Luckily i have a supportive partner who can cope with it all.
Im so upset at the moment because of my left eye getting worse. As i need to rely on that one.
Wouldnt wish this on my worst enemy i can tell ya.
Hey anne maybe we can give each other a shoulder to moan on eh?

thanks
Trace

[Anne B]

Hi Trace,

Please, don't start me moaning, i will never stop. I am the same they are going to graft my right eye , but my left eye is hopeless.
I am sure things will seem easier when your children are settled in at school. My youngest starts pre-school in September for 2 mornings a week. My op is on the 18thSept so this will make things easier for me and my husband.
The consultant told my husband to take 2 week off work.
Feel free to moan to me at any time

Anne

[cherishu2]

Anne how long were you on the waiting list?

Also anyone any ideas on what i can buy to help me visually whilst i only have my c**p left eye working.
I enjoy reading and the puter and stuff.
And of course where to buy stuff from.
tia

[Anne B]

Hi ,
I have gone private now. But Moorfields said it would be around November.

Anne