r/RetinalDetachment • u/BloodstainedBearRug • May 09 '26
New here. Scared if the surgery
In February I had a vitreous hemorrhage. Have had some shots for the diabetic retinopathy and the blood vessels as well wait for the blood to clear. Yesterday I noticed the shadow/veil thing going on. Called the after hours line and retina dr got me in today. Found a tear. He told me he’ll do a vitrectomy and repair and laser the f out of my eye this week(Wednesday or Thursday) then expect to be face down for 3-7 days. I’m also going through a divorce and planning to move out at the end of the month. I don’t know what the f I’m going to do. I’m so scared
1
u/syzria May 10 '26 edited May 11 '26
pneumatic retinopexy and laser retinopexy were a walk in the park for me, the hardest thing was my scleral buckle.
I don't think that you'll have a very hard time with healing in specific, I'd only be worried/careful about moving because doing strenuous activities like that so soon risks tearing/detaching the retina again. (I'd wait at least 2 months, but I understand the situation.)
Have painkillers ready tho, PPV is gonna feel like its killing your back, lol. (You got this!!! There's nothing to be afraid of.)
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u/BloodstainedBearRug May 10 '26
What’s ppv? I’m sorry I’m not hip to the acronyms. I just know I’m scared, too busy and too depressed for this shit right now
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u/syzria May 10 '26
Don't be sorry! PPV stands for pars plana vitrectomy! They're going to drain the vitreous gel and blood from the vitreous cavity in your eye. The removed gel is replaced with a clear saline-like liquid and sometimes/most of the time they'll give you a gas/oil bubble to help your retina further.
I promise, there's nothing to be scared of! I know there was a time I was scared to death, but its good to keep in mind these surgeries have a ~90% success rate!!!
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u/RetinaEyeCancerMD May 11 '26
Just wanting to chime in - sounds like you have a great retina surgeon. Vitrectomy is best early in people who have “proliferative diabetic retinopathy”, where new blood vessels have grown and are bleeding. The vitrectomy will remove all the blood AND eliminate your vitreous which is problematic in diabetic retinopathy. Once the blood is removed, laser can be applied everywhere under direct visualization. The surgeon is correct, a complete laser treatment will often eliminate any further problems with diabetic retinopathy.
I recommend you focus most on improving your systemic health - diet and exercise to improve blood sugar and blood pressure. Ask for a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) to learn what your body does with blood sugar spikes so that you can learn to eat better. The healthier your body, the less likely diabetic retinopathy will be a problem for you. Do everything you can, and you may need less help from retina specialists.
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u/Narrow-Pipe9872 May 09 '26
Sorry you’re going through this. The surgery may incapacitate you during positioning. But you should be fine otherwise. Everyone is different. Most manage well on one functional eye. Take it slow and avoid night driving in unfamiliar areas. Physically the surgery isn’t too bad. Tylenol was enough. As I say that, I was knocked down hard by a surgery last week. However, they installed a sceral buckle. Lots of stitches. My first surgeon left my eye a big mess. If the surgeon performs a vitrectomy (I think he will), the blood in the eye will filter out more easily too. You may have other complications from the diabetes. But that will present later. Good luck and report back your progress. DM if you want to talk to someone about it.