WhatFinger


Cataract surgery, American Healthcare

My eye is on you, now, go to sleep



As we begin to age, I thought it would be a good idea making you aware of a minor set back you can avoid. After finding out late last year that I had cataracts in my eyes, yesterday became a day for my first surgery to remove them.

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The right eye being the most effected became the first to attack.  Arriving to out-patient surgery at 12:30 P.M. for the procedure at 1:15 P.M. gave plenty of time.  Bp, temp., blood sugar, change to surgical gown and IV drip connected by the anesthesiologist along with all remaining questions about medications and the procedure were asked and answered.  Scheduled to take 20 to 40 minutes, the O.R. became available around 2:00 P.M. (45 minutes late) Done under local anesthetic with a mild sedative there was very little discomfort.(minor was lessoned by my indicating to Dr.)   During the procedure which seemed to take a little longer than the 20 to 40 minute I did hear the Dr. call for another lens she needed in the proper size and also some discussion (in technical terms) with another Dr.   Finally after bandaging the eye and covering it with a protective patch she sat me up and said she was sorry it took so long, but there were some problems.  I asked what time it was and was informed 6:30 P.M.  She explained the problems.  First when removing the cataracts in this eye (two types, suspended and surface) the suspended broke into many pieces and took some additional time to remove.  The next part was putting the new lens in position.  When doing so the lens broke into multiple pieces necessitating a larger incision to remove all the pieces.   When inserting the replacement lens she said I moved and the instrument scratched the cornea causing bleeding which was exasperated by the Plavex,(anti coagulant) I was taking.  I had asked her more than a month earlier whether I should quit taking it (with cardiologist approval) before the procedure.  She indicated it wasn't necessary as very rarely was there any bleeding.  This was one of those rare occurrences.     Finishing up, except for one small section (stitches) and indicated it would have to be re-done later after the clotted blood cleared and we could see what type of damage was done.  She then went out to speak with my wife.   When I returned today and the bandage was removed the nurse began the check up asking how clear my vision was.  I said what vision.  She then got that hand held plastic utensil and told me to cover my left eye and look through the right eye.  Asking again, "How is that", I said how is what?  She said your "vision." I said, "I told you there is no vision." OK, the Dr. will be here in a moment.   When the Dr. entered and shined her small examining light into the eye and I did see some light. Indicating that the area I was seeing light from was where the blood clot had mostly cleared.  A good sign however she wanted me to return Friday (tomorrow) as she would be there to see me even though it was her day off.  She didn't want to go into the weekend without some surety that the eye was stable.  An additional medication was added making is four different drops, including one that dilates your eye.  This is only every 12 hours.  Two are every four hours and one ever 2 hours.  All except when I go to bed during the night.   This afternoon I began seeing light and shadows along with an outline U in shape from the inside of the eye, indicating the stitches.   In spite of this scare, I like her and will at this time trust her through this eye procedure, against the angst of my wife and son.  But my reason for writing this unless there is a reason not to , when and if the occasion arises ask for a "General" anesthetic. And bye the bye, even with our “ego” believing we have the best medical system, with the best results does not mean improvements need not be done.


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Ian Jay Germaine -- Bio and Archives

Something to say in retirement to keep the sanity we have come to love.  I’m a conservative and marketer, since age 5 and Vietnam Vet. 1964-1968 U.S.N..  Living in the Houston area 32 years with a Multi-National Oil Co., SF Ca. for 10 years, in Fla. 18 years and born in N.Y.
My historical family are Russian Jewish immigrants circa 1912 Ellis Island.  Now is the time to say what is on my mind.


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