April 2014
I have never heard my doctor say these words. Ever. The flood of relief that rushed through my body was overwhelming.
"I can't say it won't happen, because we cannot be 100% sure, but you're past the point of major concern. If something was going to re-detach, it most likely would have happened by now. You're pretty much out of the woods."
Unbelievable. He pushed my appointment out four months. That's the longest I've will have gone without seeing him!
Between January and now, I did have an emergency appointment for some weird flashes and flickers I was seeing. He said it was from the small amount of the leftover vitreous gel tugging on my retina and separating. However he also said that it was not a concern and that as long as it didn't change or become worse, that it would be fine and would go away. PHEW.
On the cataract scale, I have a "dense" one. Which is the thickest portion on the scale. It's hard to see in the bright light because my pupil closes down so much that the only area of my lens receiving light has a thick cataract on it. In the dark it's a little easier to see, but still is not normal. We'll be revisiting this issue at a later date, since it's still a little early for a cataract surgery.
All in all, good news though! I've really acclimated to my vision being different, and it's worked because my right eye was unaffected. But it has been a work in progress.
I'm on the other side of this, for the time being at least, which makes me feel like I'm on top of the world.
Hi Tasha - thanks so much for making this blog! I have caught up on all posts to date - as you can guess, I have been going through treatment for a retinal detachment too! (since April 2015). I initially had the buckle, 6 months later had to undergo vitrectomy (Oct.) I had no symptoms -mine appears to be chronic (bottom of eye) and found only during a routine eye exam - I am in my late-30s, so I'm not ancient either :)
ReplyDeleteI am at the 5 week mark post-vitrectomy and so far things look great now - except I definitely have a cataract forming which I was warned about and expected.
Can you let us know how your cataract surgery went? I will be facing the same thing too - always helps to share experiences.
Thanks, Fred!
Hi Fred! Sorry for my delayed response, between the holiday and end my busy season at work it's been a little hectic! My detachment was also in the bottom of my eye- and as you've read I hardly had symptoms as well! I'm happy to hear things are going well for you!
DeleteMy cataract seemed to have formed very quickly too, and I have been meaning to update the blog with my cataract adventures. I've had it removed and it's AMAZING the difference in my vision. My was so dense, and I had two- so they had to replace the lens, and put a hole in the back portion of my existing part of my lens to remove that cataract. Compared to the other two surgeries (the buckle and the vitrectomy) this was A BREEZE. Seriously, it was nothing. I was scared of it, of course, but it was so quick, and simple, and virtually painless. I had my surgery in January of this year, so about 2 years post- vitrectomy. I could have gotten it done sooner but couldn't take time off work earlier than that. I, as you, was warned about it formed, but mine did happen very quickly. The gas concentration was so high that it did quickly induce the cataract.
I'm going to work on a post today about the cataract removal- this was a good reminder that I need to do that! :)
Keep in touch if you have any other questions or anything at all!