Journal entry by Judy Schmidt —
I am in recovery mode from my Corneal Transplant surgery two weeks ago. This is a slow process and nothing can hurry it along. The first six days post-op I had sleeping position restrictions, eye patch at night and the need to lay down on my bed, on my back with my head slightly hanging down to have the air bubble (I mentioned in my last post) change position to help assure the transplanted tissue was adhering all around. I was to do this for 15 minutes of every waking hour initially, for 45 minutes within a two hour period, four times a day in layer days. There are no stitches with this transplant. The physics of the air bubble keeps the two new layers of the back of the cornea in place.
I also have what is referred to as a bandage contact lense in that eye. There were some irritated surface areas on the front of the cornea they called stretch marks. The lense protects the cornea from irritation from the constant blinking of the eyelid. That remains in place until my appointment later in May.
The day of surgery the air bubble was inserted. At follow-up visits it was determined not all 360 degrees of the transplant were adhering so more air was inserted, on two different visits. The air naturally dissipates over about three days. After the air was inserted is when the “Hang Time” as I called it was part of my daily routine. Daily routine also includes various eye drops once to four times a day. Let me tell you I have a paper schedule I followed/follow to make sure I keep this all straight. Daily routine also includes that I can not drive yet and don’t have any idea when my vision will be good enough.
Dick is a pretty good chauffeur….I may have to get him a cute hat!
My vision in the operative eye is very blurry, rather like being in dense fog so the two eyes operating together don’t make reading a simple task. I find I partially close the operative eye and that helps. Also, am very light sensitive and wear sunglasses most of the time…..on gray days and inside, too.
We are now up at the cabin for a time and are glad to be here. Leaves just starting to come out here and there are lots of dry grasses where green will eventually show up. Some critter has nibbled off most of the rhubarb but Dick is mounting his attack for the problem. That pie we imagined may not come to happen…..
This a slow recovery and I knew that but when it actually happens, then one really understands the meaning of slow. I am careful with my expectations. My doctor and the staff have been excellent in providing information as well as answering ALL my questions.
The blurriness will improve slowly and that timeline can be clarified in the fact I can have a refraction for new lenses in my glasses in July.
Thank you for your prayers and support. I am again most grateful,
Peace for Today, Hope for Tomorrow, Trust in the Lord
❤️
Judy
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Judy Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Judy's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
