I had my Vitrectomy surgery four weeks ago. The kaleidoscope (visual pun intended) of emotions has completely overwhelmed me. I really appreciate Kevin’s candor in this video. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am 2 weeks out from my vitrectomy and have been so frustrated by the lack of prep/expectations from the Retina specialist. I initially told my boss I'd be back at work in 4 days! I had a terrible reaction to the steroids so trying to heal without. My bubble/wobble is a little fun, but I had no idea I would be blind or how much time I should have taken off work. Still pretty knocked out and tired just from the stress of recovery and glad I found your video! It's made me feel like I"m probably on the right track (and yes, the surgeon has ticked his boxes that I'm doing ok considering I can't take the anti-inflammatories) So thank you! Hope your eyes are all well by now!
Hi Amy, I too had no idea it would be such a long process. I was frustrated and shocked with similar expectations of how he thought I'd possibly do my job effectively.
Thank you so much Kevin!! I just had my vitrectomy two days ago, Jan 6, after a failed laser surgery on Dec 2 and 4 2022. You are an amazing “light” on my/ our way through this challenging experience!! Yes, I too am grateful that I can have this miraculous surgery.
I'm 5 weeks past my Vitrectomy, Kevin does a good job of describing what the experience is like. My doctor spent time with me and explained what would happen and what to expect, so I was not to shocked right after surgery. Follow your doctors orders and recover with vision. The alternative without surgery is blindness.
Hi Beau, That's great, I'm glad you had a DR that was aware of what you would be going thru! I'd love if you'd elaborate on the types of detail your DR shared before the surgery and during your follow ups.
@@kbg3879 Thanks Kevin, at the 7 week checkup it was found the retina attachment did not hold, to much scar tissue, I'm only 3 days out from new surgery, this time remaining gas was removed, cataract removed, lens removed, more scar tissue removed, retina reattached, scleral band installed and silicone oil added. I had waited to long to seek the medical help with the retina maybe 2 months, so it was major damage. I'm just hoping for the best now. Please anyone reading this, do not be stubborn or stupid go to the eye Dr. as soon as you notice something wrong. So I'm doing what my doctor says and hoping for the best.
I’m currently at week 3 and seem to be where you are at 4 weeks. I feel the same about some of the Dr instructions. I wasn’t told to not lay on my back for a full 8 weeks till I called after several follow up visits. You explained exactly what I’m seeing. Thank you. Well done
I suspect no matter what we do, our natural lenses will be damaged by having the gas in our eyes, no matter how hard we try to keep it away from the lens.
I’m at a week after vitrectomy for a detached retina (macula off) and am at this stage too, so I guess it depends on different factors. My eye is still bloodshot, but clearing and I can see where the holes for liquid, light and instruments were made in my eye and stents put in. My eye is very watery and I can see the line, about 1/5th down, where the gas bubble is dissipating. Sometimes I see things upside-down which is disconcerting, but I’m not sure whether it’s water or gas that moves when you gently shake your head. I did four hours of ‘posturing’ then five more days of doing it as much as possible whilst upright. Today I could leave my eye patch off but still need to wear it at night until my two week check-up. When I close my good eye my vision is like looking underwater but I can see some detail. I can’t wait for everything to be clear again.
Kevin is God sent. Have no idea how helpful this is to me, thank you for the time and all the effort in making this video and sharing this information and how bravely you weathered the storm. Sincerely, thankful.
Hi Reggie, as I was going through this process and finding the info that a patient needs to hear in terms that make sense to a patient, simply were not out there, I thought this info would really help some people a lot. I'm glad it has been helping you to learn from what happened to/with me. Best O luck!
Hello Kevin, I also had the same surgery, without the buckle, three weeks ago. Thank you for making this video. As you relate, this is a very scary,unsettling experience, and I find your explanations and complete candor informative, helpful and comforting. You are making my recovery much more manageable.
@@kbg3879 I just had retinal detachment surgery about three months ago and I didn't have a buckle just reattach and a gas bubble in the eye that lasted for over two months but I can see at least had cataract surgery done on the same eye about five or six years before the detached retina
Hi, Kevin. I can't tell you how grateful I am to have stumbled across you! I'm 45 years old and about 6 weeks out from a cataract surgery that revealed a detached retina and giant macular hole. After having little more than the ability to distinguish light in that eye since my early 30s, I was deeply disappointed. My poor surgeon almost cried with me. The cataract itself was very dense, so despite 3 different clinics performing various types of scans, none of the pre-op imaging revealed the issues. So, what sight I did get back was like a funhouse mirror, and it soon began affecting my good (though still severely myopic) eye. As someone who spends her day on the computer, I found it nearly impossible to work. Thankfully, I was able to get in with a retina specialist who scheduled me for surgery the very next day. I'm now just shy of 5 weeks out from a vitrectomy with scleral buckle. The gas bubble is small enough to see in its entirety instead of just a horizontal line. I wake every day hoping it'll be gone. But I have to admit that I didn't appreciate what a process this would be or how much a mental and emotional toll it would take. I wear sunglasses to work, and I can't manage more than 5 or so hours before my eyes and/or head begin to ache. There are ghost images, strange lights, and (worst for me) a high degree of distortion in what I can now see. My retina surgeon was very happy with the 2-week checkup, but he didn't tell me what to expect, and I had no idea what to ask. I wish I'd run across your videos sooner.
Hi Write, I am really glad i could take off of work the first few weeks. It would have been so difficult early on to get anything done. I hope you are still seeing progress.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I am searching for answers here on youtube as it is Saturday and the surgeon is closed. ( I was scared panic.) I am two weeks and two days after my surgery. You just described everything in 16 minutes so much better than my surgeon. The only things they explained clearly to this point is face down first 7 days, now any side down Except on my back for next month. You have truly helped me. The jiggly thing really freaked me out. I jerked my head to avoid a damn fly and felt like my right eye was loose or flopping around since my vision in that eye wobbles. I will be sharing this video on my Facebook so that my family can better understand it. Side note they flagged my link to another video of the actual surgery after someone complained about the content. Thanks again sir for your time and help. I hope you are now doing well.
HI Jeff, I'm really glad my video helped you. I'm doing OK I suppose. I'm not living in fear, but, I do realize just how fragile my retina is, I know that sight is not a given for the rest of my life, so, I will enjoy the relatively good site I have now, while I can.
Hey Kevin, thank you so much for sharing all these steps of your journey. I just had my week 4 appointment where I learned that things look promising for a good outcome even after a severe mac-off retinal detachment. Your videos help so many people know that we're not alone and things just might get better after all. Thanks again for taking time to share!
Hi Kevin, I’m two weeks out from my retina surgery and vitrectomy and I can’t thank you enough for telling your story. It is very scary and I wish the surgeons would tell their patients what to expect. I can’t wait for the vision in my eye to come back.
I can't thank you enough for this. I had a similar op 8 hours ago and was going mad with worry, but your explanation of "blurry" helped me a lot. And I now know what to expect for the next few weeks. Best wishes for your recovery!
Thank you so much for these videos .You have changed what has been for me a terrifying ordeal, into something that is somewhat more bearable in knowing what to expect now and what I may experience in comparison. I am on day 3 after my surgery and I had a significant tear and small detachment and I'm frankly still terrified about what I will be able to see or not in the future...... Watching all of these videos just helps me it feel like I'm not experiencing experiencing it alone.. And it's great to see other people out there that can talk about it and share their experiences with.....
Hey Sharon, between the videos themselves, peoples comments, hopefully you can find some good info for your concerns. Even tho its far from fun, you know you are not the only one to go thru it. I wish you the best.
I may need surgery and I’m terrified. Had laser treatment yesterday. Supposed to have it again Friday when more blood clears(hopefully). Do you have any updates??
Kevin, your thoughtful, informative, and revealing first-hand account will no doubt be helpful to someone going through vitrectomy surgery. I am sorry that you are still in the wait-and-see stage.
I want to thank you so much. I have been searching for more information and real world experiences. I am just a few days shy of being two weeks post-surgery, and it has seemed like a nightmare. No one indeed explained the changes that would occur. A few days after surgery, I found out the pressure in my eye was well above the regular force, and I dealt with extreme pain, which can be detrimental to your site. My bubble is supposed to last eight weeks due to the macular hole and the fact that I had it for 27 years. I am just praying. I will be watching all of your past videos. Again thank you so much for your candidness.
Hi IFL, I’m glad if my story makes you feel less alone. I certainly was not prepared or forewarned of the process that was before me. I wish you the best through your recovery.
Thank you for sharing this experience! I had the vitrectomy 8/20. None of the doctors I saw told me I’d be functionally blind in my eye. The whole thing happened so quickly that I had no time to do any research. Your words describe exactly how I feel right now.
I think that is one of the problems, once you know you have a detached retina, you aren't waiting weeks for the surgery to fix it, and unless you already are an eye doctor, how are you going to know what's best for you and what will pass as you progress.
Same here. My doctor saw me at 12:15 pm on Friday and threw me into surgery that night with no preparation or forewarning about the dramatic impact on my life. I couldn’t line up any recovery equipment or learn what to expect or research the doctor, hospital, or anesthesiologists to see if they take my insurance.
Kevin I had this surgery just yesterday. I’m the lucky one. Just one day with head down. Thank you so much for this video. It’s so good to hear from the patient perspective. It’s frustrating but I had already decided I wouldn’t see again from my right eye. Your video gives me hope. Thank again.
Thank you so much for this video, Kevin. I will be at week four on Wed. I really underestimated my recovery time-significantly. Similar to where you were at week 4, I can sort of see over the bubble. I had both the buckle and the bubble, like you did. I am also struggling because my other “good” eye that I am relying on (my left) was a weak “lazy eye” to begin with. So I can’t do many things with it while I am waiting for my right eye to heal. I am thinking a patch that I can wear under my glasses like you did would help me a lot. My work at a school is 85% computer based, and I am hoping I can get back soon; right now reading or seeing screens is very hard. Your video is really helpful to me because it seems few really understand this process. Thank you so much!
Your descriptions are such a good match for my early experience! I''m now at post-op day 10. Progressing along nicely, I think, with pretty much exactly your experience. It's autumn, so a couple of days ago I sent my wife to the Halloween store for an eye patch. And, just like you, I am much more comfortable without all that crazy input from the operated eye. I spent much of my career as a patient educator, preparing patients for open heart surgery and teaching them about self care when the go home and I !00% agree with your comments on the relative lack of good explanations on what to expect! VERY well done!
Hi David, Glad my explanations helped you. I'm very interested to hear more about what a patient educator does. I feel that effective patient education would be very helpful for this procedure.
Thank you so much for this video. I am going through this right now, and I am doing all I can to keep it together. Hearing about your experience helped.
@@kbg3879 into week 5, still have a (smaller)bubble and smeared effect but completely used to it by now. the patch was invaluable during the previous weeks but don't need it now. I need eye drops for pressure but hopefully that goes away soon. thank you for asking! have a great day.
You describe this excellent. I’ve been through six procedures now and I am so done with it all I’m keeping my head down the number six now I’m praying to God that we get all visions back thank you for this video it was excellent
Dear Mr. Geist, Thank you for sharing your experiences. I too am wearing a green medical alert bracelet given to me after my vitrectomy surgery at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia two weeks ago. This video was a comfort. Sincerely, Miriam
Kevin, thank you for your video. I suffered a "Giant Retinal Tear" and detachment. I went through 7 days of the head down ordeal and it was very annoying and bothersome. I wish more information was shared about what to expect and how to better prepare for the recovery. Thank you again for sharing your experience.
Love the video! Thanks so much for sharing. My surgery is scheduled for 6 hours from now and I am Uber nervous. No aftercare was provided but I am learning through our wonderful internet. Thanks again!
Hey Essence, I hope your surgery and early recovery are going well. You still have a road ahead of you, even if your surgery went perfectly. How's it going?
Thank you so much for this video. I am going to Wills Eye Monday for the same surgery and have been given so little information. You lowered my blood pressure by a million points. Thank you.
@@kbg3879 I am doing very good so far. I have regained about 70% of the vision I had lost so far and it is getting better day by day. . The worst part, aside from fear, was the face down positioning. Can you say back ache and muscle spasms? A small price when compared to my vision. Again, thank you.
Thanks for sharing that information, I'm now at week 4 following a vitrectomy with a gas bubble in my left eye. At the same time I had a cataract removed (that I wasn't even aware of) and a prescription lens inserted in the front of the eye. 14 days face down (55 mins each hour) which was very hard going, sleeping on my left side was allowed. Gas bubble I would guess is maybe 60% gone and I have reasonably clear vision from the top half of my vision down but a pond below that which is circular when looking down. I too went for a patch which I still use from time to time, also tried blacking out the left side of my glasses. Driving with one good eye, although legal in the UK was something I found to be quite unnerving so I've waited until the field of view was sufficient for binnocular vision of the road ahead. Fully agree about what you said about limited information being provided for after the procedure.
Hi WillBill, 14 Days face down!!! I guess I shouldn't have complained so much. Yes, the info from the Surgeons Office is short of what is needed to understand what will happen and what you should expect.
Had my Vitrectomy surgery this morning and your experience as to what to expect is so helpful to me. Thank you. My problem was a macular hole but same surgery, same instruction to remain face down for 4 or 5 days. Hoping my gas bubble dissipates before 8 weeks but I can understand that a patch would be helpful. Im looking forward to your update.
Thank you so much for this video! It helps me a lot to go through this! What and how you describe the visual sensations is spot on I 'm in my first week after retinal surgery.
I wish i had found your videos sooner. I am on week 5 of my recovery. I have been trying to be positive and accepting of what i am going through. About 40% of my vision is gas now. While i didn't expect to have the same vision as before, I was never told of the distortion and yellow tint that i might experience with my main field of vision coming back. I was also never told and never read online that i would probably require cataract surgery soon after. So now i find myself frustrated and sometimes angry, but these videos help. I appreciate my Dr and his staff, but many times it is nice to hear from others going through or have gone through the experience. So now i am off to watch the rest of your videos. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Michael, I really am amazed, in a negative way, that the entire Surgeon does not point people to educational materials and videos at diagnosis that explain in detail the very real and likely outcomes and the healing process. The surgery will be fast, but the rest will not be. I wonder how many DRs and Surgeons have seen my video and seen these comments from everyone. I wonder what their response would be?
Excellent, very helpful and timely. I just found last week that I had a detached retina and had surgery the following day (without the belt). I am experiencing the same frustrations as you with the same issues. I am going out today to get an eye patch. Like you, it will be very beneficial, and like you ,it was never suggested by my doctor. Thank you for this video, it was very helpful.
Thank you! This is extremely helpful. My dad had his right eye knocked out when he was 15, and he may be needing a vitrectomy in his remaining eye. Needless to say, the stakes are high! This video has armed me with a whole slew of extra questions we need to ask as we prepare to make decisions about his treatment, and then what sort of care he might need depending on the treatment plan we adopt. I'm going to go watch your other videos now!
Good afternoon! I had PPV done a year ago and I'm desperate because the eye without the vitreous is shrinking. The eye loses its shape and inflammatory processes occur, due to which the eye will have to be removed. It's not even a risk it's a fact.
Kevin, you are a Godsend. I'm on day four post-vitrectomy in my right eye, and I am entirely unprepared for my post-op blindness. My surgeon (and the generic handouts) did NOT adequately explain this serious disability. Initially, when I asked how soon I would notice improvement after surgery (I had a macular pucker which was causing annoying smudging), the doc said, "Form follows function. You should be able to notice improvement immediately." Instead, I have what your photos show. Here's the kicker: I'm a professional mosaic artist who does intricate work, with commissions lined up. I'm f-ed. That aside, I tremendously appreciate your honesty, smarts and articulation.
Hi Stacia, I think my surgeon would have allowed me to go back to work immediately. after the head-down period. I think it was up to me to say there was no way I could effectively do my job and I had no desire to get written-up. I hope you have come a long way since last month, my best to you.
I’m an artist too 😢 I also love beautiful views and scenery. The thought of being blind is the worst! I feel like I’d rather lose my legs than my eye sight 😢
Very helpful information. You're right, this is a scary thing. I'm about to have my Vitrectomy surgery in six days. All of the instructions thus far, have been so ambiguous. I am renting the retina surgery recovery kit, that will help some during the day. Thanks for the information about needing the patch.
First off, thank you. I wish I came across this video sooner considering I am in my third month of dealing with unsuccessful attempts at reattachments, and a 2 weeks removed from my 2nd surgery (vitrecomy) and 3rd procedure overall. You have described my journey so perfectly and look forward to watching your subsequent progress videos to grasp what lies ahead.
@Kevin Geist the process has been mentally challenging but all in all it is what it is. We will see what hand I'm dealt next and deal with the issues as they come. I can't say thank you enough for your videos especially when describing what I'm experiencing to those closest to me. Stay active, stay healthy, stay positive.
Thank you, Kevin, this was great. I had a surprise tear and emergency vitrectomy three days ago. Face down for a week, fortunately a friend had a folding massage table which I use most of the day. Trying to describe my post-surgery vision, my daughter asked if it’s like looking through thick vellum paper. Yes! Or think tinted waxed paper or a frosted glass window. This morning I woke up to see the mesh of my night eye patch, so I’m very near-sighted. I agree a day patch is great for reading or watching through good eye. Thanks again for this video!
I wish you a full recovery. I have a detached retina with surgery schedule in two days. Been thru my own personal pity party the last few days and am more than ready to get this procedure done.
I had a victro for retinal tear...blood filled the eye and l had a water and oil effect for vision till the op was done. They replaced my vitreous gel with a saline solution and then inserted the gas bubble....l felt like a builders level when l walked with bubble moving about. It amazes me...l was not told by my surgeon to be face down at any time. So the results, be patient, don't panic and fret about losing your vision in one eye. These doctors are brilliant...thank God for them.You will see again as good as before.12 months later they had to do cataract surgery on same eye.All good now. 8 weeks after final surgery l had to get new glasses for reading.During the eye test my opto said l had 20/20 vision when looking at the chart without glasses which l only use for reading and my cell phone.Do not be negative and mope about going blind.Thats a bigger battle than the surgery.Good luck.
Hi Rodney, it is important to keep a good attitude. I don't want to say everyone will have a good result, but, you are correct that many will have a good recovery. Best wishes in your recovery
@@kbg3879 lm fully recovered now with great vision.l recall that in your video you said you had a retinal detach for about a month.When mine tore and bled l had surgery within 48 hrs.You only have a small window of time to ensure a good outcome. One month with a retinal detach and no vision loss is very unusual. EVERYTHING WOULD DO WELL TO PROCEED WITH HASTE TO EVEN THE SLIGHTEST ALTERATION TO VISION.
Thank you for sharing. I will be having a vitrectomy next week and also an eye injection first that is freaking me out! And the thought to having to be face down has my anxiety up. Thank you for sharing this video and I hope your recovery since this video has gone well. I will have this done to both eyes but starting off with my left since its the worst. Thanks again!
I am at the "We need to do something before you lose your sight" stage. Regular eye guy is pretty sure. He's sending me to a retinal specialist who can fix whatever he finds. Like yourself, I'm not keen on surprises. So I started researching and up this popped. Thank you for your very succinct, humorous take on a dicey situation. I'm not happy camper but am grateful to hear a patient's perspective instead of the textbook version.
Thankyouu kevin My mother had the same surgery with buckle and bubble in her right eye First she had victrectomy 2 months ago and suddenly had the retinal detachment Now i'm getting what she must have been going through from past 4 months. And the retinal detachment surgery is quite painful and depressing to see for us as family even! So much pain and her eyes have been bleeding post the surgery even! She is literally having the bloody tears! I wish doctors could have explained us and her what she will be going through post the surgery But thankyouu for explaining it deeply!❤❤ God bless And a speedy recovery to you too🫶🏻
I am at a month with the 8 week gas bubble as well. It was comforting to hear you're top vision is streaky and wavy because I am experiencing the same.
@@kbg3879 Vision is ok with a slight waviness. It also take a few minutes to get working as good as the other one in the morning. I have a cataract slowly forming, but it beats being blind. Thanks for asking. Hope you are well.
Thank you very much sir. I had this procedure 2 days ago. Your insight was very useful and informative. It was a great help to me. I tip my hat to you.
I'm on day 3 with my head down. I really appreciate your effort. Very comforting. Presently I think I'm ahead of where you were post surgery. I will be getting an eye patch tomorrow. Presently my eye is like a super micrscope. I can see VERY clearly on close up but have the wiggly wobbly stuff at far sight. Thanks again for doing the video. You've made a difference for me.
Hi TwoHappy, I am guessing we all have some similarities and some differences. I'm glad to know this story of mine has made a difference and hopefully make to you feel a bit less isolated.
Hi Kevin, I'm on day seven, and so far track almost exactly to your experience, except I did not have the buckle. This is such valuable information you have posted. It's also been helpful to hear your experiences 4.5 months out and 1 year out. Knowing what happened to you helps keeps me from expecting too much or panicking too much when that blurriness is more than expected. I hope to add comments in the future to share my progress too.
@@kbg3879 Update #1 - This is day eleven. I had my followup on day eight. Doctor said all is healing fine. Up until day three, I couldn't really see anything out of my bad eye. After that, at the right angle, I could see my hand waving in front of me when my head was tilted slightly downward, but couldn't make out my fingers. Probably day eight, I could see my hand and make out my fingers, but still very blurry. Today, if I look straight, I see the horizon line caused by the gas bubble and can see my fingers above the line and nothing below it. If I look down, then I can see my blurry hand...probably looking through the gas bubble. Dr took me off Antibiotic drops and is having me start reducing the anti-inflammatory week by week. He also added an eyedrop due to increased eye pressure. I hope this eyedrop is just temporary. No more head positioning after day eight, but still should sleep on side or face down only. Don't sleep on back. Loger lasting gas used in my case so per the doctor, expect that to fully be absorbed by my body in three more weeks.
I had laser surgery on my left eye for a hole and torn retina. I had to buy my own patch as I couldn’t bear light. I too wasn’t told I’d need a patch but it helped a lot. I’m keeping it as I’m awaiting another appointment to see what happens next. Thanks for the info, I hope your eye is a lot better now. Stay safe.
My husband had the same experience with his left eye, along with a tear repaired with a laser in his right eye, about 4 weeks ago. Thank you for helping me understand what he’s going through.
Thank you so much for this video because the way you describe vs the way my Dr describe is a world difference. I'm sitting here crying bc I thought something was wrong with me. My Dr did not describe anything to me aside from don't sleep on your back, sleep on your side/stomach (I didn't have to lie face down at any point) and tell him if I can only see black. I've used a patch to lessen my headaches from eye strain of trying to process two pieces of information. Thank you so much for this video.
Hey Britanny, thanks for remarking : "the way you describe vs the way my Dr describe is a world difference" It is why I made the videos. I don't think DRs take care to think about the things that are going to be very traumatic (emotionally and physcially) as they go thru this process. I'm glad it helped some.
I’ve just watched all of your videos, very interesting and thanks for sharing them. I’m currently 10 days after surgery and I do have some vision which is quite clear at the top away from the bubble but I have the distorted wavy lines you mention.
Kevin, the fact that physicians care only about their tick-off boxes is sooooo true. I experienced it when my 2 implants failed the graff and I had to do everything from scratch. Not an ounce of empathy shown at all!!
I am at 1 week since surgery. My Dr. told me absolutely NOTHING other than the date and time to show up. I did not know about laying face down until he finished the procedure and turned me over on the operating table. Not really the time to tell me that I will be face down for 5 days. Only through CZcams I am learning what the procedure is and what to expect during recovery. Thanks for making this video.
Had my surgery 4 days ago. Pain can be managed. I am ok with it. I have had toothaches before and this is less pain than that. However, I am still adjusting. This is a very serious operation and like most I am struggling with many things. Some are common problems. I am recently divorced so my help is limited. You need some type of help eventually. After a divorce is when most men lose pretty much everything. To top it off my ex who is a Nurse Practitioner just tested positive for Covid-19. She was my one and only help. I have two teen children they can help, but one has Special Needs. So this is my therapy. Thanks for posting.
When it rains, it pours. Mark, it's no walk in the park, but, it can be done. I hope you got the face down chair, it's worth it. Ask your doctor about any alternative positions that might be OK if face down becomes unbearable, especially for sleeping. Buy yourself a subscription to audible or line up a bunch of podcasts. Good Luck!
Thank you. I’m on week 3 after macular hole repair and am having similar experience. I also found the eye patch helps because I was extremely dizzy without it. We’ll have to wait and “see” when full vision returns. Good luck!
I appreciate your courage, it's not easy to experience that kind of health problems especially when it comes to the eyes!...I hope your eye will recover very soon! Fatima from Hellotalk.
I am 3 wks post op of a scleral buckle procedure and just got the knees that I’m probably going to need a vitrectomy with the oil and your video really helped reassure me. Thanks for sharing your experience.
@@kbg3879 thank you, got the final say yesterday, 4/20 is my date. It will go well, if this I’m confident. Hope you’re doing well also! Again thank you for sharing, you made me feel much more at ease with it.
I just had this surgery 5 days ago. I have probably watched your videos everyday 😂. They are extremely helpful. My vision is still very blurry in my right eye but I know it’s still very early in this process. Thank you for uploading and sharing your experience.
Hi Jamar, It is evident by your response that you've watched my vids and I wouldn't doubt the vids of others too. Hopefully the worst part is over for you, whether it is or not, wishing you the best on your journey to recovery.
Thank you for making this video. I have surgery this week and I've never had any surgery before so I'm a little nervous, I greatly appreciate you sharing a firsthand account and your insight
@@kbg3879 so far so good I suppose, I've been trying to keep my head down as much as possible and it seems like I'm getting a little bit more vision back in my left eye as time goes on. Wasn't experiencing too much discomfort until the last couple days, had an appointment this morning and the pressure in my eye was high, they gave me a few more eye drops and pills to take with a follow up tomorrow to make sure the pressure is going down. Going a little stir crazy at home but thankful for Netflix and CZcams 😂
I thank you for this video I had surgery June 1 2021 and been worried about what im seeing which is exactly what you explained your seeing in this video but now im seeing a small bubble circling the big bubble so wierd but i feel so relieved to know this is probably normal and the process can take longer than i expected. So appreciate you taking time to make this video
I never really noticed anything until June 2022 where I was driving home from work at night and I could barely see anything out of my left eye. it was a pain going through the initial process of trying to figure out why the vision on my left eye was distorted and as if someone put shades over it. I called my eye doctor for a check up but they weren't helpful at all and just said, "That sounds quite concerning you should go to your primary doctor," and hung up. Then I called my doctor but I wasn't able to get an appointment until September which, luckily, she was able to get a referral to another eye specialist, but I had to wait 2 weeks to hear back. Now in October, went to the office and determined that there was a tear in my retina, but they couldn't specify and referred me to a retinal specialist THANK GOODNESS I was able to be checked in on the same day. The doctor did a thorough check and told me I had a retinal detachment in BOTH eyes, the left was more severe while the right was minor and I was able to postpone a procedure until my left eye recovered. It was incredibly concerning too because it's rare for really young people to have it suddenly. He encouraged to get it done ASAP, and two days later, my eye got fixed. It was fun wearing the eyepatch since I got back to work a couple weeks later and had good jokes and laughs with my coworkers. I did go through the laser (not lasik) procedure on my right eye just last month on the 21st, and it felt like I was at a club but the lights were right in my eye, but it was an incredibly speedy recovery.
Hi Sua, I don't want to ask your age but maybe you can share what decade of life you are in. I was in my 50s. I think most folks are in their 50s and 60s. If you under 40, I wonder if you know why you had this issue, in both eyes, so young. If you'd like to share that.. My best wishes for good vision.
Yesterday had vitrectomy done . I m concerned but hopefull. Retina was half detached and rest little tears. Thank you for your side of it. 🍀 May repair be fully 😀
Keven, this is more info that I got from my doctor. I have a detachment and a macular hole. vitrectomy, buckle and long-acting bubble. I'm 5 weeks in and am struggling. No info makes it harder. THANK YOU!
Yes, it sure does. I found I got more info from other patients than I did from the DR and the office staff. My case was different in that I did not have a macular hole. I would be glad to hear about your progress a few months down the road.
Had one 10 years ago. Absolutely brutal recovery. Had a great Doctor do the surgery. Very difficult and time consuming recovery. About one month to fully recover.
Hi sorry it took so long to get back to you. Had the surgery just over a week ago and all is going well just letting things heal. Patch on the eye when sleeping and five kinds of drops 4 times a day but that's ok all is well. Thanks for checking in. Should be able to see what the prescription for glasses in about a month. Seeing 2 doctors so I guess they have to get together and figure it all out. Thanks again for the contact It's nice to know other people have done this and had good results........Lonnie
Thank you! I don't like this one bit, but I'm in my 2nd week after total retinal reattachment, and everything you said is just what is happening to me. Your Photoshop skills are extraordinary, salute. I sometimes drive, but whether I choose to drive or not depends on Popeye's Fried Chicken. One way or another, I'm super careful. Your video helps me, sir. Thank you.
Thank you you have just explained just what is happening in my occasion . My sur gery was not as serious as your but I was blind for 51 years and they were able to give me vision but all the after stuff is the same. no phy activity for me for at least 6 weeks. Good luck in the future...
Glad I found this. I am in week 4 exactly. I 'believe' I am seeing more light now but no detail of anything. My doctor said she put a larger than normal gas bubble and used a longer lasting gas 'nitrous oxide' so I still do not know what to expect on recovery from this. I had 2 weeks of face down 90% of the time. That was tough but this is tougher in my view. Equilibrium gets thrown off some. I've thought about a patch because florescent lights bother me a lot. Hard to think about this taking a year but, it helps to be prepared at least. My macula was off too so not sure what to expect on vision down the road. Thanks for the information. I describe my vision as taking a plastic milk jug, putting water in it and holding it up to your eye where the water line is half way in the line of vision. That's what I see.
Hi Mark, I was lucky that my macula was not affected. I’m really interested to hear about your recovery since your macula was off. I really found that the patch cut down on the confusion caused by the poor vision in my gas bubble filled eye. I’m guessing you will almost certainly have a cataract caused by the gas bubble being there n your eye for so long. That is operable, but another surgery. Good luck!
I’m 2 years in and now I’ve got dry eye and pulsing from bright lights. Curved lines are also present from scaring.Every time I asked I was told you will see that. Within 4 months I started developing a cataract. I’ve had cataract surgery. I pray you will get your full vision back. I had a vitrectomy 10/19.
Hey Cary, I hope you are doing OK. I'm wondering if you are seeing improvements or when your improvements stopped. I feel that by one year out, I saw no improvements.
I had my Vitrectomy surgery four weeks ago. The kaleidoscope (visual pun intended) of emotions has completely overwhelmed me. I really appreciate Kevin’s candor in this video. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am 2 weeks out from my vitrectomy and have been so frustrated by the lack of prep/expectations from the Retina specialist. I initially told my boss I'd be back at work in 4 days! I had a terrible reaction to the steroids so trying to heal without. My bubble/wobble is a little fun, but I had no idea I would be blind or how much time I should have taken off work. Still pretty knocked out and tired just from the stress of recovery and glad I found your video! It's made me feel like I"m probably on the right track (and yes, the surgeon has ticked his boxes that I'm doing ok considering I can't take the anti-inflammatories) So thank you! Hope your eyes are all well by now!
Hi Amy, I too had no idea it would be such a long process. I was frustrated and shocked with similar expectations of how he thought I'd possibly do my job effectively.
Thank you so,so much for sharing your experience; it’s really helped me.
Thank you so much Kevin!! I just had my vitrectomy two days ago, Jan 6, after a failed laser surgery on Dec 2 and 4 2022. You are an amazing “light” on my/ our way through this challenging experience!! Yes, I too am grateful that I can have this miraculous surgery.
Hi Elaine, I hope things go well for you thru the healing process. Glad this info helps shed some "light" in dark times.
I'm 5 weeks past my Vitrectomy, Kevin does a good job of describing what the experience is like. My doctor spent time with me and explained what would happen and what to expect, so I was not to shocked right after surgery. Follow your doctors orders and recover with vision. The alternative without surgery is blindness.
Hi Beau, That's great, I'm glad you had a DR that was aware of what you would be going thru! I'd love if you'd elaborate on the types of detail your DR shared before the surgery and during your follow ups.
@@kbg3879 Thanks Kevin, at the 7 week checkup it was found the retina attachment did not hold, to much scar tissue, I'm only 3 days out from new surgery, this time remaining gas was removed, cataract removed, lens removed, more scar tissue removed, retina reattached, scleral band installed and silicone oil added. I had waited to long to seek the medical help with the retina maybe 2 months, so it was major damage. I'm just hoping for the best now. Please anyone reading this, do not be stubborn or stupid go to the eye Dr. as soon as you notice something wrong. So I'm doing what my doctor says and hoping for the best.
I’m currently at week 3 and seem to be where you are at 4 weeks. I feel the same about some of the Dr instructions. I wasn’t told to not lay on my back for a full 8 weeks till I called after several follow up visits. You explained exactly what I’m seeing. Thank you. Well done
I suspect no matter what we do, our natural lenses will be damaged by having the gas in our eyes, no matter how hard we try to keep it away from the lens.
I’m at a week after vitrectomy for a detached retina (macula off) and am at this stage too, so I guess it depends on different factors. My eye is still bloodshot, but clearing and I can see where the holes for liquid, light and instruments were made in my eye and stents put in. My eye is very watery and I can see the line, about 1/5th down, where the gas bubble is dissipating. Sometimes I see things upside-down which is disconcerting, but I’m not sure whether it’s water or gas that moves when you gently shake your head. I did four hours of ‘posturing’ then five more days of doing it as much as possible whilst upright. Today I could leave my eye patch off but still need to wear it at night until my two week check-up. When I close my good eye my vision is like looking underwater but I can see some detail. I can’t wait for everything to be clear again.
Kevin is God sent. Have no idea how helpful this is to me, thank you for the time and all the effort in making this video and sharing this information and how bravely you weathered the storm. Sincerely, thankful.
Hi Reggie, as I was going through this process and finding the info that a patient needs to hear in terms that make sense to a patient, simply were not out there, I thought this info would really help some people a lot. I'm glad it has been helping you to learn from what happened to/with me. Best O luck!
Hello Kevin,
I also had the same surgery, without the buckle, three weeks ago. Thank you for making this video. As you relate, this is a very scary,unsettling experience, and I find your explanations and complete candor informative, helpful and comforting. You are making my recovery much more manageable.
Hi Brian, I'm glad they've helped you. Hope things are progressing for you.
@@kbg3879 I just had retinal detachment surgery about three months ago and I didn't have a buckle just reattach and a gas bubble in the eye that lasted for over two months but I can see at least had cataract surgery done on the same eye about five or six years before the detached retina
Hi, Kevin. I can't tell you how grateful I am to have stumbled across you! I'm 45 years old and about 6 weeks out from a cataract surgery that revealed a detached retina and giant macular hole. After having little more than the ability to distinguish light in that eye since my early 30s, I was deeply disappointed. My poor surgeon almost cried with me. The cataract itself was very dense, so despite 3 different clinics performing various types of scans, none of the pre-op imaging revealed the issues.
So, what sight I did get back was like a funhouse mirror, and it soon began affecting my good (though still severely myopic) eye. As someone who spends her day on the computer, I found it nearly impossible to work. Thankfully, I was able to get in with a retina specialist who scheduled me for surgery the very next day.
I'm now just shy of 5 weeks out from a vitrectomy with scleral buckle. The gas bubble is small enough to see in its entirety instead of just a horizontal line. I wake every day hoping it'll be gone.
But I have to admit that I didn't appreciate what a process this would be or how much a mental and emotional toll it would take. I wear sunglasses to work, and I can't manage more than 5 or so hours before my eyes and/or head begin to ache. There are ghost images, strange lights, and (worst for me) a high degree of distortion in what I can now see. My retina surgeon was very happy with the 2-week checkup, but he didn't tell me what to expect, and I had no idea what to ask. I wish I'd run across your videos sooner.
Hi Write, I am really glad i could take off of work the first few weeks. It would have been so difficult early on to get anything done. I hope you are still seeing progress.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I am searching for answers here on youtube as it is Saturday and the surgeon is closed. ( I was scared panic.) I am two weeks and two days after my surgery. You just described everything in 16 minutes so much better than my surgeon. The only things they explained clearly to this point is face down first 7 days, now any side down Except on my back for next month. You have truly helped me. The jiggly thing really freaked me out. I jerked my head to avoid a damn fly and felt like my right eye was loose or flopping around since my vision in that eye wobbles. I will be sharing this video on my Facebook so that my family can better understand it. Side note they flagged my link to another video of the actual surgery after someone complained about the content. Thanks again sir for your time and help. I hope you are now doing well.
HI Jeff, I'm really glad my video helped you. I'm doing OK I suppose. I'm not living in fear, but, I do realize just how fragile my retina is, I know that sight is not a given for the rest of my life, so, I will enjoy the relatively good site I have now, while I can.
Hey Kevin, thank you so much for sharing all these steps of your journey. I just had my week 4 appointment where I learned that things look promising for a good outcome even after a severe mac-off retinal detachment. Your videos help so many people know that we're not alone and things just might get better after all. Thanks again for taking time to share!
Hi Kevin, I’m two weeks out from my retina surgery and vitrectomy and I can’t thank you enough for telling your story. It is very scary and I wish the surgeons would tell their patients what to expect. I can’t wait for the vision in my eye to come back.
I cannot believe they don't explain the process and the timing of it. Actually, I can believe it. My best to you Robert.
I can't thank you enough for this. I had a similar op 8 hours ago and was going mad with worry, but your explanation of "blurry" helped me a lot. And I now know what to expect for the next few weeks. Best wishes for your recovery!
Blurry, how can they even call it that.
They should tell us : At first you will be blind with the ability to see light and color.
You're very welcome!
Hello Kevin! I'm really impressed by this thoughtful testimony!... Thank you very much!
Hi Serge, I'm glad you find it useful
Thank you so much for these videos .You have changed what has been for me a terrifying ordeal, into
something that is somewhat more bearable in knowing what to expect now and what I may experience in comparison. I am on day 3 after my surgery and I had a significant tear and small detachment and I'm frankly still terrified about what I will be able to see or not in the future...... Watching all of these videos just helps me it feel like I'm not experiencing experiencing it alone.. And it's great to see other people out there that can talk about it and share their experiences with.....
Hey Sharon, between the videos themselves, peoples comments, hopefully you can find some good info for your concerns. Even tho its far from fun, you know you are not the only one to go thru it. I wish you the best.
@@kbg3879 thanks so much.... its 3.5 weeks and still can't see out of it...
I may need surgery and I’m terrified. Had laser treatment yesterday. Supposed to have it again Friday when more blood clears(hopefully). Do you have any updates??
Kevin, your thoughtful, informative, and revealing first-hand account will no doubt be helpful to someone going through vitrectomy surgery. I am sorry that you are still in the wait-and-see stage.
It is so much better now, almost a year and a 1/2 later. I've adjusted to it.
@@kbg3879 why had retina detachment in the first place? Was it due to weight lifting or boxing? Thanks BJ AUSTRALIA
@chavale2 that's what I'd like to know.!
I want to thank you so much. I have been searching for more information and real world experiences. I am just a few days shy of being two weeks post-surgery, and it has seemed like a nightmare. No one indeed explained the changes that would occur. A few days after surgery, I found out the pressure in my eye was well above the regular force, and I dealt with extreme pain, which can be detrimental to your site. My bubble is supposed to last eight weeks due to the macular hole and the fact that I had it for 27 years. I am just praying. I will be watching all of your past videos. Again thank you so much for your candidness.
Hi IFL, I’m glad if my story makes you feel less alone. I certainly was not prepared or forewarned of the process that was before me. I wish you the best through your recovery.
Thank you for sharing this experience! I had the vitrectomy 8/20. None of the doctors I saw told me I’d be functionally blind in my eye. The whole thing happened so quickly that I had no time to do any research. Your words describe exactly how I feel right now.
I think that is one of the problems, once you know you have a detached retina, you aren't waiting weeks for the surgery to fix it, and unless you already are an eye doctor, how are you going to know what's best for you and what will pass as you progress.
Same here. My doctor saw me at 12:15 pm on Friday and threw me into surgery that night with no preparation or forewarning about the dramatic impact on my life. I couldn’t line up any recovery equipment or learn what to expect or research the doctor, hospital, or anesthesiologists to see if they take my insurance.
@@erob65 LMAOOOO niggas strapped u to that chair and took ur money😂😂😂 nah fuck that bruh
Kevin
I had this surgery just yesterday. I’m the lucky one. Just one day with head down. Thank you so much for this video. It’s so good to hear from the patient perspective. It’s frustrating but I had already decided I wouldn’t see again from my right eye. Your video gives me hope. Thank again.
Hey Phillip, I know it is early in the process, but, I hope it is going well and I'm glad my experience gave you a little hope.
Thank you so much for this video, Kevin. I will be at week four on Wed. I really underestimated my recovery time-significantly. Similar to where you were at week 4, I can sort of see over the bubble. I had both the buckle and the bubble, like you did. I am also struggling because my other “good” eye that I am relying on (my left) was a weak “lazy eye” to begin with. So I can’t do many things with it while I am waiting for my right eye to heal. I am thinking a patch that I can wear under my glasses like you did would help me a lot.
My work at a school is 85% computer based, and I am hoping I can get back soon; right now reading or seeing screens is very hard.
Your video is really helpful to me because it seems few really understand this process. Thank you so much!
HI Michael, I also work on computers so, it was a trial with only one eye. Glad that it helps.
Your descriptions are such a good match for my early experience! I''m now at post-op day 10. Progressing along nicely, I think, with pretty much exactly your experience. It's autumn, so a couple of days ago I sent my wife to the Halloween store for an eye patch. And, just like you, I am much more comfortable without all that crazy input from the operated eye. I spent much of my career as a patient educator, preparing patients for open heart surgery and teaching them about self care when the go home and I !00% agree with your comments on the relative lack of good explanations on what to expect! VERY well done!
Hi David, Glad my explanations helped you. I'm very interested to hear more about what a patient educator does. I feel that effective patient education would be very helpful for this procedure.
I wish you soonest recovery. Your openness and readiness to talk about this disease are much appreciated!
Thank you so much. I hope you are progressing well. It is scary to have one's sight reduced.
Great video! Thank you for your insight and for sharing your history.
Hi Kstart,
I'm glad it was helpful to you. Hope your recovery is coming along well.
Thanks, Kevin. I am having this surgery next month. Your video has helped me tremendously. Thank you so much!
Glad it was useful to you.
Comment lists at four months old. How:rebui doing?
Thank you, I had a vitrectomy two weeks ago and I can identify totally with your description of recovery
I hope it was helpful to you
@@kbg3879
Very much so, thank you 🙏
Four months later how is it?
Thank you so much for this video. I am going through this right now, and I am doing all I can to keep it together. Hearing about your experience helped.
You are so welcome Nicole, It is scary as all getout.
Thank you for making this video. I am in day 2, currently watching this in a face down position. Love the patch idea.
Hey Paul, how’s your healing going? Did you try the patch ? Hope you are doing well.
@@kbg3879 into week 5, still have a (smaller)bubble and smeared effect but completely used to it by now. the patch was invaluable during the previous weeks but don't need it now. I need eye drops for pressure but hopefully that goes away soon.
thank you for asking! have a great day.
You describe this excellent. I’ve been through six procedures now and I am so done with it all I’m keeping my head down the number six now I’m praying to God that we get all visions back thank you for this video it was excellent
Loulla, Hope things are progressing well for you. I'm glad this info was a help.
Dear Mr. Geist,
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I too am wearing a green medical alert bracelet given to me after my vitrectomy surgery at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia two weeks ago. This video was a comfort.
Sincerely,
Miriam
Hi Miriam, I am glad it helped and hopefully you feel less alone.
@@kbg3879 Thank you for your kind reply. Likewise good luck for a full recovery and I hope you and yours emerged from TS Henri unscathed.
Kevin, thank you for your video. I suffered a "Giant Retinal Tear" and detachment. I went through 7 days of the head down ordeal and it was very annoying and bothersome. I wish more information was shared about what to expect and how to better prepare for the recovery. Thank you again for sharing your experience.
Glad it helped! I had a hard time finding this type of info when I went thru it.
Love the video! Thanks so much for sharing. My surgery is scheduled for 6 hours from now and I am Uber nervous. No aftercare was provided but I am learning through our wonderful internet. Thanks again!
Hey Essence, I hope your surgery and early recovery are going well. You still have a road ahead of you, even if your surgery went perfectly. How's it going?
This was such a great help. I’ll have my Vitrectomy surgery in three days.
Hi Faye, I hope your surgery went well with no surprises.
Thank you so much for this video. I am going to Wills Eye Monday for the same surgery and have been given so little information. You lowered my blood pressure by a million points. Thank you.
HI GG, How did things go at Wills Eye. I'm glad you got a bit of comfort from my info.
@@kbg3879 I am doing very good so far. I have regained about 70% of the vision I had lost so far and it is getting better day by day. . The worst part, aside from fear, was the face down positioning. Can you say back ache and muscle spasms? A small price when compared to my vision. Again, thank you.
Thanks for sharing that information, I'm now at week 4 following a vitrectomy with a gas bubble in my left eye. At the same time I had a cataract removed (that I wasn't even aware of) and a prescription lens inserted in the front of the eye. 14 days face down (55 mins each hour) which was very hard going, sleeping on my left side was allowed. Gas bubble I would guess is maybe 60% gone and I have reasonably clear vision from the top half of my vision down but a pond below that which is circular when looking down. I too went for a patch which I still use from time to time, also tried blacking out the left side of my glasses. Driving with one good eye, although legal in the UK was something I found to be quite unnerving so I've waited until the field of view was sufficient for binnocular vision of the road ahead. Fully agree about what you said about limited information being provided for after the procedure.
Hi WillBill, 14 Days face down!!! I guess I shouldn't have complained so much. Yes, the info from the Surgeons Office is short of what is needed to understand what will happen and what you should expect.
How many days did gas bubble stayed in your eye
Thanks for honest & thoughtful review of what to expect.
Hey Pete, Glad it was helpful!
Had my Vitrectomy surgery this morning and your experience as to what to expect is so helpful to me. Thank you. My problem was a macular hole but same surgery, same instruction to remain face down for 4 or 5 days. Hoping my gas bubble dissipates before 8 weeks but I can understand that a patch would be helpful. Im looking forward to your update.
Hello how it's you vision now ?
I'm very interested to hear your progress. I'm so lucky my macula was ON.
Already one year.
Did your macular hole close?
How about your vision.
Thank you so much for this video! It helps me a lot to go through this! What and how you describe the visual sensations is spot on I 'm in my first week after retinal surgery.
Hey Ringer, so glad to know this series was useful for you. Thanks for telling me.
I wish i had found your videos sooner. I am on week 5 of my recovery. I have been trying to be positive and accepting of what i am going through. About 40% of my vision is gas now. While i didn't expect to have the same vision as before, I was never told of the distortion and yellow tint that i might experience with my main field of vision coming back. I was also never told and never read online that i would probably require cataract surgery soon after. So now i find myself frustrated and sometimes angry, but these videos help.
I appreciate my Dr and his staff, but many times it is nice to hear from others going through or have gone through the experience.
So now i am off to watch the rest of your videos. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Michael, I really am amazed, in a negative way, that the entire Surgeon does not point people to educational materials and videos at diagnosis that explain in detail the very real and likely outcomes and the healing process. The surgery will be fast, but the rest will not be. I wonder how many DRs and Surgeons have seen my video and seen these comments from everyone. I wonder what their response would be?
Excellent, very helpful and timely. I just found last week that I had a detached retina and had surgery the following day (without the belt). I am experiencing the same frustrations as you with the same issues. I am going out today to get an eye patch. Like you, it will be very beneficial, and like you ,it was never suggested by my doctor.
Thank you for this video, it was very helpful.
Hey Tango, I hope you are able to function a bit better with the patch. It is sure a long road when your vision is compromised .
Getting ready to go through this. Thank you for the information.
Hey Deb, Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for this info, it's very helpful.
You're very welcome!
Thank you! This is extremely helpful. My dad had his right eye knocked out when he was 15, and he may be needing a vitrectomy in his remaining eye. Needless to say, the stakes are high! This video has armed me with a whole slew of extra questions we need to ask as we prepare to make decisions about his treatment, and then what sort of care he might need depending on the treatment plan we adopt. I'm going to go watch your other videos now!
Hi Abigail, I hope your dad has good results. I'm sure he and you are very concerned. Best wishes thru this process.
Good afternoon!
I had PPV done a year ago and I'm desperate because the eye without the vitreous is shrinking. The eye loses its shape and inflammatory processes occur, due to which the eye will have to be removed. It's not even a risk it's a fact.
Kevin, you are a Godsend. I'm on day four post-vitrectomy in my right eye, and I am entirely unprepared for my post-op blindness. My surgeon (and the generic handouts) did NOT adequately explain this serious disability. Initially, when I asked how soon I would notice improvement after surgery (I had a macular pucker which was causing annoying smudging), the doc said, "Form follows function. You should be able to notice improvement immediately." Instead, I have what your photos show. Here's the kicker: I'm a professional mosaic artist who does intricate work, with commissions lined up. I'm f-ed. That aside, I tremendously appreciate your honesty, smarts and articulation.
Hi Stacia, I think my surgeon would have allowed me to go back to work immediately. after the head-down period. I think it was up to me to say there was no way I could effectively do my job and I had no desire to get written-up. I hope you have come a long way since last month, my best to you.
I’m an artist too 😢 I also love beautiful views and scenery. The thought of being blind is the worst! I feel like I’d rather lose my legs than my eye sight 😢
Very helpful information. You're right, this is a scary thing. I'm about to have my Vitrectomy surgery in six days. All of the instructions thus far, have been so ambiguous. I am renting the retina surgery recovery kit, that will help some during the day. Thanks for the information about needing the patch.
Hi Cynthia, yeah, I really appreciated having the patch to help me focus on the good data. I'm glad you found this a help.
Helped immensely!!! Thank you.
Glad it helped!
Thanks so much! I am at week 2, and I agree with you about the doctor's instructions.
Hi Priscilla, hope you are doing well. How’s the recovery process going for you ?
First off, thank you. I wish I came across this video sooner considering I am in my third month of dealing with unsuccessful attempts at reattachments, and a 2 weeks removed from my 2nd surgery (vitrecomy) and 3rd procedure overall. You have described my journey so perfectly and look forward to watching your subsequent progress videos to grasp what lies ahead.
Hey Mark, sounds like your road has been so much rougher than mine. I do hope the 3rd time/procedure was the charm and your are progressing.
@Kevin Geist the process has been mentally challenging but all in all it is what it is. We will see what hand I'm dealt next and deal with the issues as they come. I can't say thank you enough for your videos especially when describing what I'm experiencing to those closest to me. Stay active, stay healthy, stay positive.
Thank you for your video. I just had this surgery and appreciate the information! It was very helpful to understand what to expect.
HI MVBA, glad it helped.
Thank you, Kevin, this was great. I had a surprise tear and emergency vitrectomy three days ago. Face down for a week, fortunately a friend had a folding massage table which I use most of the day. Trying to describe my post-surgery vision, my daughter asked if it’s like looking through thick vellum paper. Yes! Or think tinted waxed paper or a frosted glass window. This morning I woke up to see the mesh of my night eye patch, so I’m very near-sighted. I agree a day patch is great for reading or watching through good eye. Thanks again for this video!
HI TM, I'm glad you found my story helpful, All the best in your recovery process.
Just had the surgery last week in my left eye and found this to be very helpful. Thank you!
HI Anas, I'm glad it was help.
I wish you a full recovery. I have a detached retina with surgery schedule in two days. Been thru my own personal pity party the last few days and am more than ready to get this procedure done.
Good luck tomorrow. Sight is pretty dang important. Mourning the loss of some or all capacity, permanent or temporary is totally understandable.
Thank you so much for this Kevin. I am 2.5 weeks post vitrectomy and I'm terrified. This is helpful.
HI MrsMuera, It is a scary experience. You've got a long road ahead still. Wishing you a good outcome.
So scary, going through hymphema myself in both eyes. Bless you for taking this video. Gives us strength!😊
Glad it was helpful Richard.
Very helpful. Just had the same procedure. Seeing the same things.
Glad it helped
Thank you
Very helpful
We pray for healing!
❤
You are so welcome, my best to you John
Thank you much for this video! I'm heading to this surgery soon, too. I appreciate the information!
HI N, I hope all went well for you. Best of luck on the recovery
I had a victro for retinal tear...blood filled the eye and l had a water and oil effect for vision till the op was done.
They replaced my vitreous gel with a saline solution and then inserted the gas bubble....l felt like a builders level when l walked with bubble moving about.
It amazes me...l was not told by my surgeon to be face down at any time.
So the results, be patient, don't panic and fret about losing your vision in one eye.
These doctors are brilliant...thank God for them.You will see again as good as before.12 months later they had to do cataract surgery on same eye.All good now.
8 weeks after final surgery l had to get new glasses for reading.During the eye test my opto said l had 20/20 vision when looking at the chart without glasses which l only use for reading and my cell phone.Do not be negative and mope about going blind.Thats a bigger battle than the surgery.Good luck.
Hi Rodney, it is important to keep a good attitude. I don't want to say everyone will have a good result, but, you are correct that many will have a good recovery. Best wishes in your recovery
@@kbg3879 lm fully recovered now with great vision.l recall that in your video you said you had a retinal detach for about a month.When mine tore and bled l had surgery within 48 hrs.You only have a small window of time to ensure a good outcome.
One month with a retinal detach and no vision loss is very unusual. EVERYTHING WOULD DO WELL TO PROCEED WITH HASTE TO EVEN THE SLIGHTEST ALTERATION TO VISION.
Thank you for sharing. I will be having a vitrectomy next week and also an eye injection first that is freaking me out! And the thought to having to be face down has my anxiety up. Thank you for sharing this video and I hope your recovery since this video has gone well. I will have this done to both eyes but starting off with my left since its the worst. Thanks again!
What is the reason for your vitrectomy? I'm guessing you don't have a detached retina. I wish you the best.
Sic months later according to the comment. How are you?
I am at the "We need to do something before you lose your sight" stage. Regular eye guy is pretty sure. He's sending me to a retinal specialist who can fix whatever he finds. Like yourself, I'm not keen on surprises. So I started researching and up this popped. Thank you for your very succinct, humorous take on a dicey situation. I'm not happy camper but am grateful to hear a patient's perspective instead of the textbook version.
Hi NLee, I'm glad its helpful for you, doesn't hurt if you find it entertaining. Good luck
Thanks for being so honest
I try
Wow…. Thanks so much for sharing just completed vitrectomy today and appreciate you taking the time.
Wow, then your journey is just beginning. Hope it goes relatively well for you.
Thankyouu kevin
My mother had the same surgery with buckle and bubble in her right eye
First she had victrectomy 2 months ago and suddenly had the retinal detachment
Now i'm getting what she must have been going through from past 4 months.
And the retinal detachment surgery is quite painful and depressing to see for us as family even!
So much pain and her eyes have been bleeding post the surgery even!
She is literally having the bloody tears!
I wish doctors could have explained us and her what she will be going through post the surgery
But thankyouu for explaining it deeply!❤❤
God bless
And a speedy recovery to you too🫶🏻
HI Goswamis, I hope your mom is progressing well. I didn't have a lot of pain in my case. I am lucky. Is her eye still bleeding at this point?
I am at a month with the 8 week gas bubble as well. It was comforting to hear you're top vision is streaky and wavy because I am experiencing the same.
Thats normal. I will tell you what happens to me. Are you ok now?
Hey Terrence, how are you doing at this point? I hope you've progressed nicely.
@@kbg3879 Vision is ok with a slight waviness. It also take a few minutes to get working as good as the other one in the morning. I have a cataract slowly forming, but it beats being blind. Thanks for asking. Hope you are well.
@@terrencekoranda487 I also have to kick start it some morning with an eye wash or just wait around 15 minutes until it starts working.
Thank you very much sir. I had this procedure 2 days ago. Your insight was very useful and informative. It was a great help to me. I tip my hat to you.
Hey Dan, I’m really glad it helps.
I'm on day 3 with my head down. I really appreciate your effort. Very comforting. Presently I think I'm ahead of where you were post surgery. I will be getting an eye patch tomorrow. Presently my eye is like a super micrscope. I can see VERY clearly on close up but have the wiggly wobbly stuff at far sight. Thanks again for doing the video. You've made a difference for me.
Hi TwoHappy, I am guessing we all have some similarities and some differences. I'm glad to know this story of mine has made a difference and hopefully make to you feel a bit less isolated.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am one week after a victrectomy. This was so useful. 💕
Hi Linda, It is such a long road back, but, we have no choice. I hope you are making slow and steady progress.
Ty sir ..I am on week 4 don't know about you but I felt so alone when it happened to me.. thank you so much for sharing.. give me hope..
All the best Dogofwar, I'm glad it helped you feel less isolated. I hope you have a good result.
Hi Kevin,
I'm on day seven, and so far track almost exactly to your experience, except I did not have the buckle. This is such valuable information you have posted. It's also been helpful to hear your experiences 4.5 months out and 1 year out. Knowing what happened to you helps keeps me from expecting too much or panicking too much when that blurriness is more than expected. I hope to add comments in the future to share my progress too.
Hey Steve, Glad my info is helpful and I'm sure comments of your progress will help other ppl going thru this too. Best of luck over the coming weeks.
@@kbg3879 Update #1 - This is day eleven. I had my followup on day eight. Doctor said all is healing fine. Up until day three, I couldn't really see anything out of my bad eye. After that, at the right angle, I could see my hand waving in front of me when my head was tilted slightly downward, but couldn't make out my fingers. Probably day eight, I could see my hand and make out my fingers, but still very blurry. Today, if I look straight, I see the horizon line caused by the gas bubble and can see my fingers above the line and nothing below it. If I look down, then I can see my blurry hand...probably looking through the gas bubble. Dr took me off Antibiotic drops and is having me start reducing the anti-inflammatory week by week. He also added an eyedrop due to increased eye pressure. I hope this eyedrop is just temporary. No more head positioning after day eight, but still should sleep on side or face down only. Don't sleep on back. Loger lasting gas used in my case so per the doctor, expect that to fully be absorbed by my body in three more weeks.
I had laser surgery on my left eye for a hole and torn retina. I had to buy my own patch as I couldn’t bear light. I too wasn’t told I’d need a patch but it helped a lot. I’m keeping it as I’m awaiting another appointment to see what happens next. Thanks for the info, I hope your eye is a lot better now. Stay safe.
I am lucky I had a friend who recommended a patch. It really does help to cut down on the bad data.
My husband had the same experience with his left eye, along with a tear repaired with a laser in his right eye, about 4 weeks ago. Thank you for helping me understand what he’s going through.
HI AR, glad it was useful. I'm curious did your husband watch/listen too? Was he less stressed by it than you?
Very useful to know,god bless you and safe recovery,thank you
Hi Nesreen, I am glad it was helpful to you. I wish you a good recovery as well.
Thank you so much for this video because the way you describe vs the way my Dr describe is a world difference. I'm sitting here crying bc I thought something was wrong with me. My Dr did not describe anything to me aside from don't sleep on your back, sleep on your side/stomach (I didn't have to lie face down at any point) and tell him if I can only see black. I've used a patch to lessen my headaches from eye strain of trying to process two pieces of information. Thank you so much for this video.
Hey Britanny, thanks for remarking : "the way you describe vs the way my Dr describe is a world difference" It is why I made the videos. I don't think DRs take care to think about the things that are going to be very traumatic (emotionally and physcially) as they go thru this process. I'm glad it helped some.
I’ve just watched all of your videos, very interesting and thanks for sharing them. I’m currently 10 days after surgery and I do have some vision which is quite clear at the top away from the bubble but I have the distorted wavy lines you mention.
Kevin, the fact that physicians care only about their tick-off boxes is sooooo true. I experienced it when my 2 implants failed the graff and I had to do everything from scratch. Not an ounce of empathy shown at all!!
Hi Eric, it is a frustration. I do wonder how DRs are as patients. Especially when they are a patient in a field that is not their specialty.
I am at 1 week since surgery. My Dr. told me absolutely NOTHING other than the date and time to show up. I did not know about laying face down until he finished the procedure and turned me over on the operating table. Not really the time to tell me that I will be face down for 5 days. Only through CZcams I am learning what the procedure is and what to expect during recovery. Thanks for making this video.
That is really, really sad. This is extreme from your DR, but, no doubt you are not alone with a story this egregious
Had my surgery 4 days ago. Pain can be managed. I am ok with it. I have had toothaches before and this is less pain than that. However, I am still adjusting. This is a very serious operation and like most I am struggling with many things. Some are common problems. I am recently divorced so my help is limited. You need some type of help eventually. After a divorce is when most men lose pretty much everything. To top it off my ex who is a Nurse Practitioner just tested positive for Covid-19. She was my one and only help. I have two teen children they can help, but one has Special Needs. So this is my therapy. Thanks for posting.
When it rains, it pours. Mark, it's no walk in the park, but, it can be done. I hope you got the face down chair, it's worth it. Ask your doctor about any alternative positions that might be OK if face down becomes unbearable, especially for sleeping. Buy yourself a subscription to audible or line up a bunch of podcasts. Good Luck!
Thank you. I’m on week 3 after macular hole repair and am having similar experience. I also found the eye patch helps because I was extremely dizzy without it. We’ll have to wait and “see” when full vision returns. Good luck!
I think I would've gone nuts without the patch. How are you now?
I appreciate your courage, it's not easy to experience that kind of health problems especially when it comes to the eyes!...I hope your eye will recover very soon!
Fatima from Hellotalk.
Thank you so much. It is much better and I can function well. Still, I would take back my old vision if I could.
@@kbg3879 I hope you'll feel better!
M still on my 4 weeks . Great explanations. Thank you.
I appreciate your feedback Monique, and am glad it helps.
I am 3 wks post op of a scleral buckle procedure and just got the knees that I’m probably going to need a vitrectomy with the oil and your video really helped reassure me. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Best of luck Flyer, I know it is a scary journey. I hope the best for you.
@@kbg3879 thank you, got the final say yesterday, 4/20 is my date. It will go well, if this I’m confident. Hope you’re doing well also! Again thank you for sharing, you made me feel much more at ease with it.
I just had this surgery 5 days ago. I have probably watched your videos everyday 😂. They are extremely helpful. My vision is still very blurry in my right eye but I know it’s still very early in this process. Thank you for uploading and sharing your experience.
Hi Jamar, It is evident by your response that you've watched my vids and I wouldn't doubt the vids of others too. Hopefully the worst part is over for you, whether it is or not, wishing you the best on your journey to recovery.
Thank you for making this video. I have surgery this week and I've never had any surgery before so I'm a little nervous, I greatly appreciate you sharing a firsthand account and your insight
Hey Benji, I hope your surgery went well. The recovery road can be long. How’s yours going?
@@kbg3879 so far so good I suppose, I've been trying to keep my head down as much as possible and it seems like I'm getting a little bit more vision back in my left eye as time goes on. Wasn't experiencing too much discomfort until the last couple days, had an appointment this morning and the pressure in my eye was high, they gave me a few more eye drops and pills to take with a follow up tomorrow to make sure the pressure is going down. Going a little stir crazy at home but thankful for Netflix and CZcams 😂
Thanks. Very helpful
You're welcome!
I'm in day 3 after my eye surgery. This video is very useful. Thank you.
Hi R. Glad this info is helpful. My best.
I thank you for this video I had surgery June 1 2021 and been worried about what im seeing which is exactly what you explained your seeing in this video but now im seeing a small bubble circling the big bubble so wierd but i feel so relieved to know this is probably normal and the process can take longer than i expected. So appreciate you taking time to make this video
I'm glad these videos have been a help to you. Hopefully you progress nicely.
Did your macular hole closed?
How about your vision?
I never really noticed anything until June 2022 where I was driving home from work at night and I could barely see anything out of my left eye. it was a pain going through the initial process of trying to figure out why the vision on my left eye was distorted and as if someone put shades over it. I called my eye doctor for a check up but they weren't helpful at all and just said, "That sounds quite concerning you should go to your primary doctor," and hung up.
Then I called my doctor but I wasn't able to get an appointment until September which, luckily, she was able to get a referral to another eye specialist, but I had to wait 2 weeks to hear back.
Now in October, went to the office and determined that there was a tear in my retina, but they couldn't specify and referred me to a retinal specialist THANK GOODNESS I was able to be checked in on the same day. The doctor did a thorough check and told me I had a retinal detachment in BOTH eyes, the left was more severe while the right was minor and I was able to postpone a procedure until my left eye recovered.
It was incredibly concerning too because it's rare for really young people to have it suddenly.
He encouraged to get it done ASAP, and two days later, my eye got fixed.
It was fun wearing the eyepatch since I got back to work a couple weeks later and had good jokes and laughs with my coworkers.
I did go through the laser (not lasik) procedure on my right eye just last month on the 21st, and it felt like I was at a club but the lights were right in my eye, but it was an incredibly speedy recovery.
Hi Sua, I don't want to ask your age but maybe you can share what decade of life you are in. I was in my 50s. I think most folks are in their 50s and 60s. If you under 40, I wonder if you know why you had this issue, in both eyes, so young. If you'd like to share that.. My best wishes for good vision.
Thanks for the info. Very helpful
glad it helped
Yesterday had vitrectomy done . I m concerned but hopefull. Retina was half detached and rest little tears. Thank you for your side of it. 🍀
May repair be fully 😀
Hey Nan, Best of luck! I hope you are healing well.
thank you I'm about to have same surgery you explain it well
I'm glad you found it useful
Thank you! I’m on week one, so this is so helpful
Glad it was helpful!
@@kbg3879 Everything you described was exactly right-on and gave me peace of mind that my recovery is progressing as normal.
@@kathyh9792 Terrific! That's why I made the video! I think losing my sight was a scarier thought than dying.
Doing well, thank you
Keven, this is more info that I got from my doctor. I have a detachment and a macular hole. vitrectomy, buckle and long-acting bubble. I'm 5 weeks in and am struggling. No info makes it harder. THANK YOU!
Yes, it sure does. I found I got more info from other patients than I did from the DR and the office staff. My case was different in that I did not have a macular hole. I would be glad to hear about your progress a few months down the road.
Had one 10 years ago. Absolutely brutal recovery. Had a great Doctor do the surgery. Very difficult and time consuming recovery. About one month to fully recover.
HI MM, a month to fully recover!!! Lucky you! Hope you continue to do well
So far ok just go slow. Take it seriously. Also be wary if you have a detached retina in one eye, 25% more likely to have one in the other.
Hi sorry it took so long to get back to you. Had the surgery just over a week ago and all is going well just letting things heal. Patch on the eye when sleeping and five kinds of drops 4 times a day but that's ok all is well. Thanks for checking in. Should be able to see what the prescription for glasses in about a month. Seeing 2 doctors so I guess they have to get together and figure it all out. Thanks again for the contact It's nice to know other people have done this and had good results........Lonnie
Good to hear Lonnie, hope things continue to go as planned.
Thank you! I don't like this one bit, but I'm in my 2nd week after total retinal reattachment, and everything you said is just what is happening to me. Your Photoshop skills are extraordinary, salute. I sometimes drive, but whether I choose to drive or not depends on Popeye's Fried Chicken. One way or another, I'm super careful. Your video helps me, sir. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful Ted, thanks for letting me know hearing about my experience aided you.
Depends on Popeye’s! Lol I understand this 100%
Thank you you have just explained just what is happening in my occasion . My sur
gery was not as serious as your but I was blind for 51 years and they were able to give me vision but all the after stuff is the same. no phy activity for me for at least 6 weeks. Good luck in the future...
Hi Lonnie, sounds like your case was very difficult if you were blind for 51 years. That's hard for me to imagine. How is your vision progressing?
Glad I found this. I am in week 4 exactly. I 'believe' I am seeing more light now but no detail of anything. My doctor said she put a larger than normal gas bubble and used a longer lasting gas 'nitrous oxide' so I still do not know what to expect on recovery from this. I had 2 weeks of face down 90% of the time. That was tough but this is tougher in my view. Equilibrium gets thrown off some. I've thought about a patch because florescent lights bother me a lot. Hard to think about this taking a year but, it helps to be prepared at least. My macula was off too so not sure what to expect on vision down the road. Thanks for the information. I describe my vision as taking a plastic milk jug, putting water in it and holding it up to your eye where the water line is half way in the line of vision. That's what I see.
Hi Mark, I was lucky that my macula was not affected. I’m really interested to hear about your recovery since your macula was off. I really found that the patch cut down on the confusion caused by the poor vision in my gas bubble filled eye. I’m guessing you will almost certainly have a cataract caused by the gas bubble being there n your eye for so long. That is operable, but another surgery. Good luck!
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m scared. But this helped calm my nerves
Hi Latoya, It is something that is hard to be prepared for, hope all goes well for you.
I’m 2 years in and now I’ve got dry eye and pulsing from bright lights. Curved lines are also present from scaring.Every time I asked I was told you will see that. Within 4 months I started developing a cataract. I’ve had cataract surgery. I pray you will get your full vision back. I had a vitrectomy 10/19.
Hey Cary, I hope you are doing OK. I'm wondering if you are seeing improvements or when your improvements stopped. I feel that by one year out, I saw no improvements.
Thank you for the video. The information will help me with my wife's surgery.... Patience is
Virtue
Hopefully things went well for her surgery, she's in for a longer journey than most ppl realize.
Spot on. Exactly my experience at week 6. Toronto Canada.
HI Jack, I hope there is some comfort in knowing that you are not alone.