Well, I Reckon It's My Turn - Anxiety Is Now in Progress - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well, I Reckon It's My Turn - Anxiety Is Now in Progress

Ann-Hank · RV-Dreams Family Member

Don't worry Terry, Hank had both eyes done last spring and was able to see better on the way home from the procedure than before. He opted for the multi focal lens. Medicare won't pay for anything but the basic, we felt that not having to deal with any glasses at his age was worth the extra cost. He now has 20/15 vision and would do it in a heart beat again. We got an interest free loan for 24months to pay the extra charges. I don't recall the name of the program, but the "Northwest Eye Surgeons " office had all the info.
your in our thoughts, Ann

Ann-Hank · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hank would be happy to talk with you. I'm on my kindle, in a motel. We're getting solar installed the next couple of days and not able to send a PM. Hanks email is hankdavid33@gmail.com, send a phone number and he will call you. We should be back in the trailer by Thursday and have the computer back if you would rather email.
Hugs to you and Jo, Ann

Loretta · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry, prayers are coming your way. I know many people who have had the surgery and were pleased with the outcome. Being "young and healthy" is a plus.

rclvnv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry, Like you my life has been free or medical issues, until I was told pretty much the same as you, with the exception that I can wait till this time next year, but not longer.When we return to Nevada next year, I'll jave it done. My wife is a cancer survivor and we are blessed that all is well. Like you, I guess itsnow my turn. I too am very anxious. Friends having had the proceedure tell me not to worry. Right!

Jim01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Not to worry. I had both eyes done a few years ago and now my vision is better than it has been for years.

Everything will be fine. Take care.

Jim

janni · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have not had the procedure but have heard great success stories from others(including my Sis). Please keep us posted.

VanMar · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry,

Another one here who has had the procedure and had no problems. Unfortunately, several years ago, I had lasik surgery. Cataract surgeon said people who have had this done posed a little more challenge for cataract surgery but everything turned out fine. I remember the next day, after surgery on the first eye, standing on the second story deck looking down and being able to count the blades of grass...without glasses!! I opted not to go with multi-focal lenses and there are times I wished I had.

Prayers are with you my friend. Keep us informed.

Vance

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Prayers are with you Terry..............Better to get it all done before you hit the road. makes for a better journey

Thinking of you......the best of the Dreams Family!!

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well, it seems that a good night's sleep (instead of a troubled night the night before) has helped me some with the anxiety. While I'm not ready to say I have my "big boy pants" on yet, I at least found some about the length of Bermuda shorts. (Hey, who else remembers Bermuda shorts?)

I looked up the surgeon with whom we have an appointment and it appears he has a LOT of experience. He came to Oklahoma about 30 years ago and first worked under a doctor for two years before becoming a "partner" in the practice. In the early days, those two were about the only ones listed for the Southwestern United States. His website claims that he has done over 25,000 procedures and continues to do about 30 or 40 a week.

Thanks for all the comments, Guys. It definitely helps to know that all of you had good results. I've never had Lasic, so that appears to be no issue with my case.

Terry

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Prayers and best wishes are heading your way!! One of our friend's wives is going through this in Dallas right now and things are proceeding very well for her. Hoping your process goes just as smoothly.

JayKim-no regrets · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry, we will be thinking good thoughts for you too! Both my inlaws had it done in the last 12 months and both are very happy they did. It seems it's not such a big deal these days! Well, at least not for anyone else, right?

Huggs Kim x

Cindy T · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry,

It's great that you have a very experienced doctor who does this type of procedure on a regular basis. I also know several people who've had it done with no problems. I, too would be nervous about having anything done to my eyes, but I have no doubt you'll do fine. Best of luck to you!

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry: I have trouble if anything gets to close to my eyes; I also have about 20/500 without my glasses. Have been corrected with bi-focal lenses to roughly 20/30.
I believe you will be fine and knowing you have an experienced Optometrist should take the burden off you; prayers sent.

Fergizmo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry, like so many of the great folks we have 'met' on here, we feel like we know you. And would love to pray for you and to a positive outcome. Take care.

We will see you sometime....

sissys · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Terry, good thoughts going your way. we all get a wee bit tense from time to time, so just take that deep breath, and befor ya know it. it'll be done with. My Grampa had it done at age 90 ( in jan he turned 100, he did great, and he's still out walking 2 mi every morning, yea, his sight gets a little blury, but he said he was so glad he had it done. Anyway, best of luck. and yes, do remember bermuda shorts, and still wear them! ha take care, michele

nightsky · RV-Dreams Family Member

Positive thoughts are prayers heading your way, Terry. My Mom put off cataract surgery for as long as she possibly could, then afterward said she didn't know why she waited so long, it was a very easy procedure with minimal discomfort.

Dave Buck · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well Terry, I'll add my 2 cent. A few years ago I went to get glasses and the Dr. told me that glasses weren't going to do me any good. She also said that my eyes were so bad that I probably wouldn't be able to get a driver's license unless I had cataract surgery. My eye Dr. recommended a Dr. that did cataract surgery every week. I did go with the Multi focal. I still have to use reading glasses for using the computer for a lot. Any I was to the point where I couldn't read road signs. I'd have to ask my wife to read them for me. They scheduled to mine a week apart because he said it would drive me crazy because of the differences in my eyes. I could see great the next day after the first eye was done and a week latter the second eye was done. It's amazing the difference it makes. The only problem I had was that things were so much brighter and I had to wear sunglasses for a long time when I was out in bright light. On the first eye I didn't even know that they did anything. I guess the Anesthesia wasn't as strong the second time I was just semi conscious with the second one and I could head everything that was going on though I didn't feel anything. Any way I can see better now without glasses that I ever could with glasses.
Guess that was more than 2 cents worth but that probably more than it's worth. Pray that all goes well. The Dr. tell you all the things that could go wrong but rarely do. Similar medical add on TV.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dave,

Well, you've just touched on the "other issue" that I have with regards to the process of cataract surgery. I was told by my optometrist that they would perform the surgery while I was still awake, but sedated. Therein lies my "other issue."

Back when I was getting all of my teeth pulled in order to get dentures, I informed my new dentist that I was VERY uptight about dentists. During our consultations, it was decided that I would have the remaining teeth pulled in four sessions. When it came time to do the first set, I was given Zanex (or is that Xanex) to alleviate the apprehension. The first episode was fine as I had no issues, but a week or two later when we did the second set, the Zanex/Xanex didn't work and I was gripping the arms of the chair very tightly and was very apprehensive the whole time.

Fast forward to set 3 and she (the dentist) decided to have me take the little blue pill (no, not that other blue pill) and put me to sleep. It was great in that I knew absolutely nothing about what was going on in the chair. (I was clearly "out of it" for several hours after that use of the blue pill with me remembering nothing that happened afterwards and until the next morning.) Set 4 saw me take the pill again and things started just fine, but I woke up when the dentist was only half done with the last remaining teeth, thus that last part saw me being very uptight again.

So, the issue is that it appears that "sedatives" have worked the first time, but not the second. Considering that the cataract surgery is done in two different sessions leaves me concerned as to what the second session will be like.

Terry

VanMar · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry and Jo wrote:
So, the issue is that it appears that "sedatives" have worked the first time, but not the second. Considering that the cataract surgery is done in two different sessions leaves me concerned as to what the second session will be like.
Terry

Terry,

When I had the lasik done, the Dr. gave me vallium. With lasik, as with cataract, the drops they put in your eyes will eliminate all sensations in your eyes. Don't know if the vallium was even necessary as I didn't feel a thing. I was not put under with general anesthetics for either surgery. The only problem I had was the goggles they gave me to wear to bed at night....couldn't sleep with them on so I took them off. Did not have a problem.

Quit stressing. This is routine stuff and you will be happy with the results. Besides, now you can get the really cool shades!! wink

Vance

Cindy T · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry,

Is there only 1 sedative that is used? Or could you ask for a different sedative for the 2nd session?

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

VanMar wrote:
Terry and Jo wrote:
So, the issue is that it appears that "sedatives" have worked the first time, but not the second. Considering that the cataract surgery is done in two different sessions leaves me concerned as to what the second session will be like.
Terry
Terry,
When I had the lasik done, the Dr. gave me vallium. With lasik, as with cataract, the drops they put in your eyes will eliminate all sensations in your eyes. Don't know if the vallium was even necessary as I didn't feel a thing. I was not put under with general anesthetics for either surgery. The only problem I had was the goggles they gave me to wear to bed at night....couldn't sleep with them on so I took them off. Did not have a problem.
Quit stressing. This is routine stuff and you will be happy with the results. Besides, now you can get the really cool shades!!
Vance

Oh, thanks, Vance. I've never had to worry about "cool shades" in the past and have gone with transitions lenses ever since they became available.

Now, I'm going to have to educate myself on what constitutes "cool shades."

I MUST be in style, mustn't I?

Terry

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Cindy T wrote:
Terry,
Is there only 1 sedative that is used? Or could you ask for a different sedative for the 2nd session?

CIndy,

I will use the initial consultation with the clinic to find out what all the options are. From what Vance mentioned about the eye drops, it might not matter.

But, I think I am about ready. In my job, I have to enter a lot of data into computers and some of those forms are getting really heard to read because the text fonts are so small. I never realized just how "fuzzy" things were before. I guess the gradual process of the vision getting worse just wasn't noticable.

Terry

sdman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry. just wanted to share my story wiyh you.

I had cataract surgery a few years ago, however just in one eye. Kinda weird, I know. Anyway, the sedative they used put me into sort of a dream/awake state. I remember siting in the operating room and getting a little claustrophobic and I was saying as much to the Doctor. The Doc and the anesthesiologist just said that would go away in just a minute. The Doc and the anesthesiologist started talking to each other about going to Vegas and their adventures there. I could hear them the whole time. I was focused on the inside of my eye that amazingly I could see somehow. It seems that somehow I was looking at the surface of my eye in some sort of reflection. It looked like the surface of the moon close up. I had no pain or even any anxiety. I was just a happy camper watching my eye and listening to the Docs talk. Then, all of a sudden the lights came on and they were done. I didn't know they had started yet! I looked at the clock in the room and it was not fuzzy anymore. Wow!

Afterward for a few days if I remember right, I had to be real careful not to move my eyes quickly. It was a very easy operation to go through. Millions of times lest painful than dental work. If fact there is no pain at all.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT!

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry, Don’t worry, as many others have said, the surgery is not that bad and the results are wonderful! Regarding anesthesia: Ask about the “no memory” drug. I don’t know the name of it, but it puts you in a very relaxed state. A “twilight” type of thing. During both of my surgeries, I remained conscious and could respond to the doctor, so they tell me. I can’t remember a thing at all. I also took a nap during the surgery! Great stuff and you are not under general anesthesia.

As a photographer you should be looking forward to getting this done, and not mentioned yet is your renewed sense of color. All colors seem so intense when the fuzziness is removed.

I have been near sighted all my life and had to wear glasses all the time. Now, I am far sighted and only needed cheap “readers” for reading. The rest of the time I don’t need any glasses at all! I look back on my surgery one of the best things that happened to me! My eyesight is the best it has been in years!!

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

This family of RV'ers is the greatest. You guys are already alleviating a lot of my concerns with the surgery. I'm now looking forward to "mapping" my eyeballs. Since we got the news that this is needed, I've been a lot more conscious of the fact that my vision is at least a little bit fuzzy. For some time, I've had the issue of wanting to get up and clean my glasses with the hope of seeing things clearer, just to find they aren't that dirty.

Now, with the comment of more vivid colors, I think I will soon be looking forward to this surgery. Who knows what surprises I will find in some of the photos I have already taken.

Thanks to all of you for lifting my spirits and helping me with my anxiety.

Terry

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

The part I liked best was that my night vision improved by a bunch.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry,

I consider myself a 'sorta' expert on eye surgeries as I have had 8 procedures on one eye in the last two years including a cataract. They were all a piece of cake and I am as phobic as you about eyes and dentists.

One of my sons is a doc and he warned me that there are a lot of "cataract mills" out there one of whom offered to remove cataracts from his mother-in-law who had severe glacoma - a big no no if its not under control!

He strongly encouraged me to go to the best guy in his town. I had 4 retina surgeries, 3 laser treatments, and a cataract removal. As I had a damaged macula on the retina that had detached he refused to do the multifocal implant for the cataract. He said there is a 10-15 % loss of vision (I forget if it was in clarity or light) but said I needed all the vision I could save. A good doc will be conservative and it's a simple 5 minute procedure where you feel nothing.

I'm all done now and get my prescription for new glasses in two weeks - yippee - cuz right now I see two different golf balls when I'm lining up my putts!

So if anyone wants a great opthamologist doc in Tucson or a great dentist in Sedona, let me know.

Sherry

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well, Terry, he went to a good medical school!
http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_David_B_Mallory/credentials

Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Sunday 7th of April 2013 09:22:39 PM

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

WestWardHo wrote:
Terry,

I consider myself a 'sorta' expert on eye surgeries as I have had 8 procedures on one eye in the last two years including a cataract. They were all a piece of cake and I am as phobic as you about eyes and dentists.

One of my sons is a doc and he warned me that there are a lot of "cataract mills" out there one of whom offered to remove cataracts from his mother-in-law who had severe glacoma - a big no no if its not under control!

He strongly encouraged me to go to the best guy in his town. I had 4 retina surgeries, 3 laser treatments, and a cataract removal. As I had a damaged macula on the retina that had detached he refused to do the multifocal implant for the cataract. He said there is a 10-15 % loss of vision (I forget if it was in clarity or light) but said I needed all the vision I could save. A good doc will be conservative and it's a simple 5 minute procedure where you feel nothing.

I'm all done now and get my prescription for new glasses in two weeks - yippee - cuz right now I see two different golf balls when I'm lining up my putts!

So if anyone wants a great opthamologist doc in Tucson or a great dentist in Sedona, let me know.

Sherry

Well, what a relief that I have no worries here now. I don't play golf.

As for the surgeon that I'm going to, he seems to be one of the pioneers in this part of the country (see an earlier post in this thread). When Jo set up the appointment, she asked if they wanted our charts from our current optometrist, one we have used now for almost 20 years. The lady at the new doctor's office said that the new doctor (Dr. David Mallory) prefers to do his own examination to be sure that things are done right. He'd rather have his own understanding of the patient's eyes than what another doctor has stated.

While I would prefer to be in a position to not have to have glasses as well, I will defer to the judgement of the new doctor.

The funny thing is that now that I know what my "fuzzy" problem is all about, I almost imagine that the fuzziness is getting worse.

My, but the mind does play tricks on us.

Terry

Buzz · RV-Dreams Community Member

Terry, We'll be holding you up in prayer!! Buzz will be needing the surgery also. On one hand we want to wait as long as possible, but on the other we're thinking he should have it before retiring (and our insurance changes). God will never leave you or forsake you! You can always count on Him!

adeline and ed · RV-Dreams Family Member

I had mine both done about !0 years ago and can pass my drivers test to qualify for no glasses needed.I can only suggest that get the best possible, and to check into different types of lens,to suit your needs.Good luck and I,m sure you will be glad you did it.....

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well, since we are talking of the credentials of the good doctor, here is his website:

Dr. David Mallory

Since he has been able to be married to the same lady for 26+ years, and Jo and I have managed to stay together for 44 years, maybe we can manage to tolerate each other on a professional level.

Terry

bigboomer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry,

Our prayers and thoughts are with you both for great outcomes with your health issues.

Best regards,

Les and Sue

Jim and Cindy · RV-Dreams Community Member

Terry,
I too had cataract surgery on both eyes. I was amazed at how bright things were again. My vision also improved. I know you are a little nervous, but there's very little to it and it goes fairly fast.
I will keep you in my prayers!
Good luck!

sewingjana · RV-Dreams Community Member

New to this forum, but I know lots of people who have had this done and are really glad they did. My husband has the start of cateracts and he can hardly wait until he can have it done. I am praying that you have peace about this whole situation. Thanks for all the info y'all have given on this forum. I really appriciate it.

rkm · RV-Dreams Community Member

Hi Terry,

I have not had this done but, know several folks who have and all have been very pleased with the outcome.

I can relate to the anxiety thing....so do what is right for you. For me it would be "wake me when it's over doc"! haha

DW and I will keep you in our prayers. Let us all know how it goes.

rkm

waltben · RV-Dreams Family Member

I had 20/400 at about 12 that lasted until I got into my 50's. My eyes got 'better' to about 20/300, until I found I had a centered small cataract in my left eye that impacted my seeing greatly at age 68. Had first the left eye done late last Nov., then the right early Dec. In both instances, the patch was off the next day and I could see. My surgeon had to go back into my left one to remove some debris (could have waited a month or two and it would have dissolved, but he offered and I took it). I'm 20/20 now, although still not used to needing reading glasses. The surgeries are the safest of any and it actually takes longer to be prepped and anesthetized than for the actual surgery. Absolute piece of cake - just wish I'd been able to get new lenses back when I was a lot younger!

Wayne and Deanna · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi, Terry (and Jo!). We have been MIA, but catching up a little this morning and wanted to say that you will be in our prayers as well. I too have heard great stories of cataract surgery outcomes, and I'm certain you will be the next one. We have some personal experience with anxiety, and we know just how to pray for you because of it. :) May God continue to bless you and heal your vision. So glad you have Jo to be right there with you... What an awesome RV family to share concerns with, and gather information.

Tinkerbell55 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Hi Terry,

I think the unknown is what frightens us the most. The relaxants they use will put you in a wonderful place :) When you see the colors, you will want to have the other eye done immediately LOL Its simply amazing.

In the meantime, I'm sending you prayers for strength and peace of mind. I am also saying prayers that you doctors hands will be guided to perform their best work for you.