Tomorrow I will start my week of living face-down. No, I'm not trying some wacky test of physical and mental endurance. This adventure is thanks to a macular hole that requires a vitrectomy, which will be performed tomorrow. In case you're curious, it involves two incisions in my left eye, the removal of most of my vitreous and peel of my retina, followed by the insertion of a dissolving gas bubble. If that doesn't sound bad enough, it's actually the lest objectionable part of the experience. I will have to be in a face-down position - 24 hours a day for at least a week. This will be interspersed with short 5-10 minute breaks which allow me to unfold myself and put in eye drops.
As is the case with most medical procedures, the info handed to you at the doctor's makes it sound so very easy. Outpatient surgery, rest at home in various rented chairs and sleep aids, and voila! Problem solved. That may have worked back in the day when no one could blog their post surgical experience, but today we can find out the truth with a quick Google search. The first blog I found revealed there is much neck and shoulder pain from the face-down positioning. Fortunately the blogger shares her tips for alternating wine slurped through a straw, Benadryl and the occasional over-the-counter sleep aid to make it through. The second recounted how the one week recovery stretched into over 90 days and multiple surgeries. Not a good scenario to ponder before the big day. There are some nifty pieces of rented equipment that help you stay "compliant". Basically a massage chair, a mirror that allow you to watch TV, and a large wedge and head support to let you "plank" through the night.
Having never been hospitalized (if you don't count giving birth) or treated for anything more serious than a bladder infection - I have the feeling I'm not going to be a good patient. My dear husband has a rough week ahead - and I do think it will be harder on him than the week after his quadruple bypass last year.
I'm confident that this little adventure will be used by God for my good. I've decided to blog the recovery and hopefully be able to see not only improvement in my sight, but gain a better perspective on my life.
Philippians 4:13 got me through birthing our youngest daughter without any pain meds, and I pray it again and trust in God's mercy and sovereignty in ALL things!
"I can do all things through him (CHRIST) who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
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