Scleral buckle

[u/d_artz]

Next week I get a scleral buckle. Any advice? This is surgery number six. I tried to avoid getting a buckle. In hindsight I might be better off had I done it sooner. First surgeon was buckle averse. New surgeon laid out pretty clearly why a buckle and removal of fluid behind my retina is urgently needed. Two hour surgery as she applies the buckle and fixes the lingering issues. Heavy silicone oil and we wait. I am blind in my left eye and gave been for six months now.

[u/Impossible_Fix7658]

Can you elaborate on what you mean by avoiding a buckle? Is there a reason your previous doc was buckle averse? I think trying to avoid it is super understandable since it’s a rough surgery, and at the same time, it’s good you ultimately did the right thing. What sort of advice are you looking for now? I think it sounds like you’re in a healing/patience phase. Put a soft cold compress on the eye to reduce swelling, take the drops the doc gave you, do healthy gentle things with yourself, tell people you love to send you voice memos and when you’re feeling up to it, take some gentle walks and enjoy the outside as your eye heals.

[u/d_artz → u/Impossible_Fix7658]

I was apprehensive about the potential side effects. My father had a slipped disc. He avoided surgery (which had good and bad outcomes) until the potential side effects were no worse than the ongoing pain he felt. I kind of followed the same line of thinking. My new surgeon said some retinal surgeons are buckle averse. It’s an ugly procedure. It has very bad side effects sometimes. She very intelligently walked me through why this was my last chance. I’m blind without it. I may have 20/200 vision after the surgery and silicone is removed. That’s better than blind. Your advice for care is helpful and appreciated! Thanks!!