Retinal issues after cataract surgery

I relate and sympathize. It's so frustrating!

Thank you so much. A wealth of info and it sounds like a description of me! Yes...surgeon did send me to retinal specialist and he said no detachment or degeneration. Surgery was appx August 20, 2016 and September 6, 2016.

First eye opened a whole new world of color. Second eye took all that away and then the trouble started. While I don't think the retina doctor would diagnose purposely incorrectly, I really get the impression eye doctors always say the same thing. It isn't hard to imagine why. If the best laser machines are so expensive that some clinics have to share, it's in their best interest to back each other. Maybe I'm reaching cuz in so blooming mad 😡! Thanks again

It is too bad that the retina specialist also could not come up with a good explanation for your vision Issues.

It is bad enough to have a vision issue but to have no explanation for it is even worse. If possible, you should try to see another opthamologist, who also does cataract surgery, for him / her to check your eyes and give you a good explanation for your problems. Once he/she comes up with a good explanation, then hopefully he/she can also suggest at least some solution to the problems.

at201

I totally agree with you. I DID get a second opinion and that is when I began to wonder about eye doctors covering for each other. The only person that raised an eyebrow when asking me questions was the guy who takes you through the paces before seeing the eye doctor. He asked me how I had my vision adjusted if not with a laser. I don't really know what he meant.

The doctor gave me the same spiel as my surgeon.....can pass a driver's vision check. She told me there was a strand of fluid in front of my right eye. This was funny because I have the same curtain sensation in both eyes, etc.

I asked her repeatedly if she thought my near vision was uncharacteristically poor. She gave in eventually when I wouldn't give up and agreed with me that it wouldn't be something many people would choose. The lack of near vision coupled with the mediocre distance vision, wasn't typical. Had I not been unrelenting though, I would't have gotten that much!!

Glad to hear you don't have MD. Hopefully you can get an appointment with cornea specialist soon.

July 5th. I am very happy with the date. Had to wait longer to get appointment with retina specialist but I guess that was because we went there ourselves. Had we called or gone through a referring doctor it would have taken longer

MD would definitely not be great. 🎉👀🎉🎉. So glad to hear you escaped that! I didn't realize you had the "contact lens" sensation., as well. I am so glad to hear it. Not that you have it!! Just that it's a bit of confirmation I'm not crazy!! Is that, along with floaters, typical of retinal issues and, if so, is it a typical side effect of cataract surgery?

You hit the nail on the head by saying that the doctors cover for each other.  Well at least they don't ask you whether you weren't warned about what could happen etc.  But ... the new ones would try to nudge you in the correct direction or so I'm finding out.

And guess what.  For the first time in 14 years my first eye doctor calls me at home!!!!  Never never has he called himself.  His staff have called re appointments and the usual after surgery questions but never him.  Now he wants to know whether I want to come in next week to discuss the starbursts and halos which he even refused to acknowledge existed!!!!! Ahhhh my appointment with the cornea specialist has got him worried I guess.  I did not answer the phone as I was on another call but he had left a message on my cell phone. Well, he can stew because I am not going back there ever!!!!

Save the message you may need it if you end up suing him

The thought did not cross my mind Sue.An, what I thought was that he would not want bad reviews. When I wanted to get a second opinion his staff weren't co-operative about sending my reports across so I threatened to rant on fb - honestly😉. My papers were sent within 20 minutes of my call.

But, you do make a good point. If he had botched my eyes, the least he can do is pay for the repairs. No amount of money can pay for the living hell we're all going through emotionally and physically.

You are so right that money can't undo anything but if you need to pay another specialist if he was in any way responsible you'd want/need to be compensated. Doesn't hurt to keep the message or anything else. Protect yourself.

I most certainly will.  Thank you

😂 LOL! Calling you at home...go figure, right!?!?

Doesn't it feel kind of good knowing that your Doc is getting a little comeuppance?

I've never thought to mention my surgeon gave me his CELL PHONE #. I don't remember when he did, so not sure why he did it. And, may lightening strike me if I'm lying---I called his cell one time and the only reason was that he had actually scolded me for NOT contacting him directly after I'd used the triage line at the clinic to reach him. If I'm lying, I'm dying......he answered his phone, we talked for a while, and he indicated to me that he couldn't answer whatever my question was as he was IN SURGERY!

That's what he said. While I can't really believe it, why would a physician say something so unnerving? In retrospect, that comment was probably instrumental in my belief that something did go wrong during my operation. 👀

Hi - yea go figure!!!  I'm still reeling over the surprise of his high and mightiness deigning to call me.

Do you recall whether your doctor was chatting with someone on his cell phone while operating on you

Who knows. Maybe he thinks surgery is a great place to practice multi-tasking.....a little laser, a little research, a bit of blogging, a few phone calls, 😬 oops!! back to patient!

Actually, with my first eye, I remembered nothing. Anesthetist told me he'd be giving me less for the second eye as "you're brain is used to the surgery now, so you won't need as much". ( I would have thought the opposite to be true)

I woke up at some point, however, cuz I remember very bright lights and Dr. Fulden telling me very firmly that I had to lay still even though I had no idea I was moving. I heard someone say "give her more....".

That episode is always at the back of my mind, as is the fact that he gave me his cell phone #. I also don't believe my right eye was sufficiently dilated. It's intimidating to debate with a physician!! What to do😜😜

Janet my surgeon will just give me Ativan to deal with nerves but I will be awake for the procedure. He will number my eye with drops and from what I have learned from two other patients of his I won't feel any pain just a bit of pressure. I wonder why you were put completely out for surgery. Perhaps your surgery was different? Did you have stitches afterwards?

Instead of Ativan some surgeons put an IV in but give you mess to calm you but you're still awake for the procedure.

Sue.An

Glad you mentioned that. When he talked to me about the surgery. he said that I'd just get something for nerves and numbing drops, as well.

It may have ended up being different because I didn't have laser. Mine was traditional---scalpel.

No stitches nor did I have any pain.

Did you receive Ativan via an IV drop or was it a pill? Thanks

I haven't had my surgery yet. But filled my prescriptions over weekend. I got Ativan in pill form. I read on these forums some surgeons used an IV instead. I don't think I will have an IV but will know for sure once I am going through it.

Sue.An I had an iv both times. I think i was awake most of the time but I do remember the first time I could feel the pressure and I told the doctor and he increased the anaesthesia. Lord, I don't remember how many types of drops were put into my eye - and injections too. But I was not scared in the least bit.

In fact - call me crazy - when the 2nd (left) eye was done I asked whether I could see the gadget they use to keep the eye open. Honestly the techs did not know how to respond. They asked whether I was sure and then showed it. No big deal.

Why am I telling you all this? No idea😉. Just want you to know its a totally painless procedure. The very very best of luck to you

Hi - sure hoping I get an IV as well as Ativan (got prescriptions filled over weekend - only 2 Ativan pills). Pretty certain that won't do). Had IV for colonoscopy which although I was awake for procedure still kept me out of it.

Coming to conclusion this anxiety and going back and forth with decision is more about my personality. My friends tell me it's like a long hallway with many doors with one at the end open. I still want to open and peak through each one before getting to last door. Lol I would be terrible on that game show Let's make a deal. Although this cautious and curious nature of mine serves me well in a lot of circumstances it isn't helping for this one.

I watched the surgery on you tube - can't believe they can do that to you awake and it's painless. I read somewhere on the forum someone said they'd rather do this than cleaning teeth at dentist. Guess in 2 weeks I will find out. Wish there were drugs to help with anxiety for next 2 weeks. But those would not be good for surgery - lol. And whatever brains I have left want to keep.

Thanks for your support. Nice to have it from people who've been there and are there.

Oh no. I wrote a long reply, grandson called, answered the phone and lost the message.

Honestly, truly and honestly - painless procedure. Hang in there, we're all rooting for you.

You know what am absolutely terrified of getting done? Been putting it off for many many years but may have no choice anymore. The "c" thing that you've had

Yeah that 'C' thing wasn't pleasant. Are you able to private message me at my email address through this site? I can give you details. The procedure itself isn't too bad (especially if they give you an IV). If they don't it is more uncomfortable. Hardest part was 24 hour prep and drinking that awful liquid.

Thanks Veepee.

That's what I'm dreading the most. she prep

Will try to pm you

I can't find your email address. Can you find mine? Can't we just give it here?

There is an envelope to right if posting. I will send you a PM.

Found it and sent you pm

Thanks Veepee - got your message and just sent you one back. Again these forums are so helpful and great support. Don't feel as alone.

It is natural to be anxious before any surgery, specially a cataract surgery. However, even though it may look scary on the tube, it is painless. I did not take any sedative before the cataract surgery, declined the offer of an IV with an anaesthesia etc just before the surgery. Did not feel the slightest pain. Loved the fact that I was aware of whatever was going on during  the surgery.

You should do whatever you need to do to be comfortable at the time of the surgery, but doing it to avoid the pain is not a good reason. You won't feel any pain irrespective of whether or not you take a sedative or be on IV.

Thanks for that. Most people are saying they had an IV so was concerned. I decided to ask on a discussion forum for Disney fans as there was a thread from someone on cataract surgery and DCL trip (Disney cruise line). Most aren't unhappy posters there so got another perspective. However everyone there did recall having an IV. Although I am guessing most are from USA. Perhaps things done differently where I live in Canada. Having lived in different province CEPs - there is a difference even between those.

For a good number of us pain is between our ears - lol. Going to try some meditation or maybe they allow you ear buds to listen to something. Good that you wanted to hear. Guess if all going well it could be comforting- just don't want to hear oops.... lol.

Sorry take out CEPs- meant provinces plural.

I have another question about surgery itself. I vaguely recall from first visit with surgeon asking if I would be awake for procedure and I seem to remember that he would need me to follow some instructions. Is this that IOL is in correct position or c entered over pupil?

It has been a few months since the surgery, but I don't remember being asked any questions during the surgery (other than whether I am comfortable). There is no way for the patient to know whether the IOL is positioned correctly at the time of the surgery. The surgeon is the only one who can determine that.