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Cataract operation

Posted , 4 users are following.

legless66
legless66

Hi I have been to the hospital and they told me I could have the operation if I wish or leave it to see if it get worse.  I am 65 years old and am disabled and use a wheelchair all the time and have many health problems which afects my confidence in a big way.  My questen is can I have a full anesthetic in Hospital to have the  operation?  That way I might be brave enough to have done.  confused

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • gill70346
    gill70346 legless66

    Posted

    I am 66 and like you disabled though no so bad -I only have to use my wheelchair outside the house.  I am just writing to let you know that I had my cataract assessment appointment yesterday and I was actually offered a choice of either local or general anaesthetic. I chose local as I always have a very bad reaction to general anaesthetic but at least there was the option. The operation is to be October 10th so do no even have to wait very long!
  • mrsmop
    mrsmop legless66

    Posted

    Hi legless66, discuss it with your Ophthalmologist.  I know exactly how you feel about local anaesthetics!  I had my eye done when I was 40 and was told that I had to have General.

    They will tell you that any general anaesthetic isn't without risk and I think that is why they prefer to do older peoples eyes under a local.

    Good luck.

    • legless66
      legless66 mrsmop

      Posted

      Thanks for your advice.  It could also be due to the cost

    • mrsmop
      mrsmop legless66

      Posted

      and reducing the waiting list, ops done under LA are obviously speedier than those done under GA

      Hope all goes well

    • legless66
      legless66 mrsmop

      Posted

      Hi again.  When u had it done was the experience ok?
  • bagladyNYC
    bagladyNYC legless66

    Posted

    I honestly don't know how much anesthetic I was given, but don't think I was completely out with the first one. I remember seeing a bright light. I think I was out for the second one. About three days later, I had a blood clot in my left leg. I had been on Tamoxifen for five years (minus 8 days) and clots are a side effect with that med so I will never know what caused it.

    My first one was given when I was in my early 70s. The last one a few years later.

    I'm pretty much of a chicken, too, but I have learned that general anesthesia is risky when given to older people. I will avoid it if I possibly can from now on. Google it. 

  • 1946Gent
    1946Gent legless66

    Posted

    Hi

    i had the op in January. I requested GA but was persuaded by the consultant to have LA. The worst part is the thought of it, the actual op is a doddle. You will feel nothing and are only aware of a bright light 

    Go for it!

    • legless66
      legless66 1946Gent

      Posted

      HI  The only trouble is I cannot lay on my nack because of the pain I have and cannot keep still so the way I  see it is the full GA
    • gill70346
      gill70346 1946Gent

      Posted

      Hope you are right - I have my cataract operation on Friday afternoon by LA. However for me it could well be more complicated as I have uveitis, and also have had a macular aneurysm, and raised intraocular pressure in the same eye about 8 years ago.
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