@anita, I've never had a retina tear, but about 1-1/2 years ago I had a hole in my macula. The hole was repaired by implanting a gas bubble, which functions as a "bandaid" that creates a seal over the hole. It didn't hurt, and I found it pretty fascinating to see the colors as he was doing the surgery. (I was even commenting to my doctor a lot as he was operating, at one point joking that the pretty colors made me think I was back in the 60's. I found out later that they didn't give me enough anesthesia).
The worst part about it was having to keep my head in a face-down position for three days following the surgery (there are things you can rent that help with that). In my particular case, the face down position was necessary to ensure that the gas bubble would seal the hole. (I don't know if a gas bubble, or face-down position, is required for healing a retina tear.) I was told that I couldn't fly with a gas bubble in my eye. It took about 4 weeks for the bubble to completely go away. It was a strange experience and a PIA, but manageable. The bonus of that surgery was that it also eliminated the floaters I had in that eye.
I dealt with the healing process by telling myself that I could expect to have full vision restored (i.e. no bubble) in a month (it was). I also realized how much they can do now to restore your vision, and felt very grateful to be alive now, when such medical miracles are available to me.
About three weeks ago I ended up needing cataract surgery in that eye. The only issue for me with cataract surgery is heightened light sensitivity. The bonus is that colors are truer and much more vibrant.
What I would suggest is to ask your doctor whether you need surgery, and if so, the risk in waiting until you return from your holiday to address it. Since it's a partial tear and the retina isn't detached, it might be possible. I'd also ask the doctor if the tear could repair itself, without surgery. In my case I was told that I could wait a bit, but since I'm a worrier, I chose not to. I scheduled the surgery about 7 weeks before we went on our beach vacation. Other than needing to wear sunglasses and avoiding windy days on the beach, it was fine.
I'm really sorry about this, Anita. And to top it off, the timing sucks. You will be okay. I'd just get more information, and take it a step at a time. Please keep us posted, and take good care of yourself. I'm sending healing light your way.
@michele-b-here-in-the-forum
Your post was wonderful as always and the photos exquisite. One photo was too large for the site so it had to be removed. We need to keep them to below 20 kb or they cause problems. I have an app that compresses them but it only compresses so far.
Thank you. It is a partial detachment, though, and that scares me. I see the doctor again on Thursday. The thought of blindness is petrifying and that word has been used as a possibility if I don’t take care of this.
Thanks, Jeanne. Laser for a partially detached retina might be newer. I’m not sure. I don’t know what caused it as I’ve had great vision and no predispositions to it. I have a friend that needed her head down for 3 days as well. That would make me loonier than I am.i know I can’t fly if it’s a gas bubble. Knowing I could go blind, as the doctor said, if I don’t get it treated, is one of my worst fears.
Anita
@anita, I understand your fear. I had it too, which is why I chose to have the surgery earlier rather than later. I do understand that with a serious eye problem like detachments, holes and the like, the possibility of blindness would certainly exist if you don't address it.
You questioned why this occurred for you. In my case, my doctor blamed my aging eyes. Macular holes are more common than we think. I don't know the reason for retinal detachments; I think it's a mixed bag.
My question for the doctor would be, is this something that you need to address now, or could it wait until you get back? See what he says on Thursday, and go from there.
❤️
Yes, I think he said that blindness is a possibility if not taken care of. He retires on Thursday. What timing. But I think he will tell me then how it’s healing. It’s amazing that he sees about 60 people a day. It seems insane. Because I took a minute to put on my jacket, he went to another room!
The ones at the old address are. Somebody dumped about six kittens. I caught four of them which will get neutered soon. They are in the house now. I'm having a little trouble with new cats at my new place, but when I moved back to my old property three years ago, I had about ten cats neutered, and brought them with me. I only have two or three new kittens here, but I can't catch them.
You have such a big heart, Elaine. If you are having them neutered at your own expense, please do look into free programs through feral community, and stray cat coalitions.
We took in community cats and one feral one that I was able to tame bit by bit and had ours all neutered at our expense years ago at low cost clinics but now most humane societies have low cost programs and feral, abandoned, cats and kittens are taken in by foster families then adopted out. They humanely "box trap" the feral cats checking boxes twice a day.
We can also borrow these boxes call their number for pickup and vets donate the spaying, then release them in home locations.
Buts its best to actually get them into loving homes with others and recoup medical care needed, test for feline disease through their adoptiln fres so they aren't spreadibg disease etc.
You're so caring but you can't worry and care so much when it then makes you sick with worry.
I know for me, once my heart feelings get going on causes it's easy to not see the bigger picture and exhaust myself trying to care for too many when sometimes it's me that really needs someone's care.
This is what my heart tells me about yours. Kindred spirits who both need more self care. Big hugs to you ?
Thanks for your nice comment and an oh phooey for my photos. On my phone they loaded perfectly with no clue to me about sizing.
Visually they were the same size. Perhaps it was two combined that did it.
I see now that Bluebelle used one photo per two posts. Smart woman ? Now, I know. Haha. So thank you!
Trying loading again for the gorgeous deleted one and again no size shown to me.
Hoping the just a one is ok.
unbelievable, you are the best. There are free programs that I think will even help you trap them - http://spayok.com/okspay.php