What to do after Facedown Recovery

[@Linda-s5j9d]

Steve, I have my ERM vitrectomy tomorrow. I plan to watch your videos over and over! So helpful. Thx!

[@Retinarecovery]

All the best Linda! Remember to take it one day at a time! Please reach out if you have any questions! ~ Steve

[@Linda-s5j9d]

@@Retinarecovery thank you, I will! The surgery went well. The nurses were so kind, made such a difference. I will see Dr. Borne tomorrow to remove the patch and start the eye drops. So far, I am good. Thanks again for our helpful tips!!!😁❤️🙏

[@Retinarecovery]

@@Linda-s5j9d I love your diligence! I don't always see it and am so glad you are taking this seriously. Keep pressing on as you stay focused on the goal! ~ Steve

[@Linda-s5j9d]

@@Retinarecovery thanks, I am staying positive…and hopeful.

[@Linda-s5j9d]

@@Retinarecovery Thank you!

[@sharonmair2299]

2:32 I’ve just finished face down last week for 3 days . I rented the kit which was a great help . I did not put face up at all in these days . There is so much different advice out there and everyone is slightly different in the circumstances . Videos etc are useful but I only went by what my doctor said and his staff , if I wasn’t sure I asked them . My gas bubble is half way down and yes I’m bored doing nothing but I will not risk my vision . Life will return soon

[@Retinarecovery]

Thanks Sharon for the comment. Putting in the hard work is so worth it despite it being hard. We'll done on following your Ophthalmologist’s protocol. You are very correct regarding the different advice. A local hospital here has 4 Surgeon’s and they each have different protocols. In having helped over 4000 people recovery from surgery, I begin to see themes for my repeats. In my observation, my repeats are people who are back doing too much, too soon after. surgery. I recently read that even with cataract surgery, it can take up to eight weeks before our eyes properly heal. Thanks again Sharon for the comment. I wish you the best as you continue your journey. ~ Steve

[@Linda-s5j9d]

Good attitude! Thank you!

[@gloriakurkowski101]

Your videos are a necessary part of recovery. Now my husband will stop thinking I'm nagging him about his position for recovery. You also gave him the inspiration that he needed to hear. Again, thank you so much.

[@Retinarecovery]

Thanks Gloria for your feedback. I often tell people that I don't want repeat business. How is that for a small business :) ? There are definitely themes that I see in the very few repeats that I have. Recovering once is definitely enough. I knew that during my recovery that there was no way that I wanted my wife, as my caregiver, to go through this again. I hope the encouragement is motivation to keep forging ahead and focused a) on the task at hand and b) the goal ahead so that you don't have to resort to duct tape to keep him down. Keep pressing on!! Please touch base anytime. ~ Steve

[@4444marla]

My doctors have really explained nothing to me and I am now recuperating after the seven days and lying on my back because I get sciatica on my side and on my stomach I don’t sleep so I’m tortured. For how long? Can you give more advice??

[@missmayflower]

Thanks so much. These things need to be said. In my research into what recovery will be like, I see so many people in the comments sections who do not want to comply with their doctor’s instructions or wanting to take shortcuts or “cheat”. I’m left wondering why on earth you’d want to risk blindness.

[@Retinarecovery]

Well said!!! I feel like beating my head against the wall when someone doesn't trust their Surgeon for the best result. A Surgeon sets you up to maximize your recovery but it is we who have the task of doing what we are told to do! Thanks for stressing that point and for interacting on several of the videos. We keep learning together! 👍👍 ~ Steve

[@djd924]

A helpful video. Had my surgery this morning (August 2024) and will do my best! Thank you!

[@Retinarecovery]

Trust the process!!! I had my surgery July of 2014! I've now seen over 4000 people recovery and there continue to be themes to successful recovery. One other tip is to ensure you stay away from foods that might be inflammatory to your system. For me, these would include corn and I am now suspecting gluten 🤦🏼‍♂️. I wish you the best! Feel free to reach out by email if you have questions. [e-mail] ~ Steve

[@SuperOnedimple]

Hi Steven! Thank you for the emails and especially this video! Very informative and helpful. I hope I won’t have to do a repeat surgery as I am really trying my best and it’s not easy!

[@Retinarecovery]

My pleasure. Thanks for allowing us to be part of your recovery. All I can say is "Trust the Process"! ~ Steve

[@kenmabie8029]

Thank you for the guidance & encouragement.

[@Retinarecovery]

You are very welcome Ken! The journey is worth it. Keep pressing on! ~ Steve

[@prastich1]

Very helpful, thanks, John (Wales UK)

[@margaretwitten9984]

Thank You. Just found out I have to have this done immediately. This helps understand post-op.

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Margaret, All the best as you begin this journey. Every surgeon is different in their post facedown recovery. In 6 years of providing equipment, encouragement and hope I've seen being cautious truly sets you up to maximize your recovery. Feel free to reach out at anytime! ~ Steve

[@brianburke2140]

Thank you. Common sense ain't that common. As routine as surgery is for the surgeon, it is a novel experience for me! I have worked hard to recover this far, (ten weeks) and am still looking forward to better vision. One Day at a time as they say. I do wish I could be more active, though. Patience.

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Brian, you are so right! Be encouraged though as you have put in the hard work. I created this short for you! All the best! kzbin.infoXJWbbPgeugM

[@sharonsmith2812]

thank you so much Steve...you are the best.. what you told me when you picked up your equipment has helped so much....I AM DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING....glad I asked you questions or would have never know....Again, thank you so much.....so much..

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Sharron, I trust that you are seeing progress. Thanks for the opportunity to come alongside and help coach you through your recovery. We all have the same goal in mind. All the best ~ Steve

[@EllaHablaSpanglish]

Good advice! Thanks!

[@Retinarecovery]

Thank you. There are themes that I see as a third party provider of facedown equipment. I very much take the approach of "Recovery without Regrets".

[@study-with-me-upsc]

What an amazing channel. My father just got an emergency visrectomy surgery with gas bubble yesterday. I will share the advice i find here to him.

[@Retinarecovery]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Please reach out if you have any questions. If interested I also have answers to FAQs on our website: www.retinarecovery.ca/frequently-asked-questions/ All the best, Steve

[@Retinarecovery]

I'm checking in to see how your dad is doing.

[@judithfriend1050]

Thank you for your information. I had emergency surgery so didn’t prepare. I was told 45 mins down, 15 up to do what I want. I would look forward to these 15 min breaks and go for a walk etc bUt now I am thinking I should rest more. My surgery was 6 days ago, I hope I have been doing it right. I feel the hospital really didn’t give e enough information and it is only through doing my own research that I have worked it out...but that took 5 days😊😬 my throat is so sore after surgery because of the tubes

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Judith, you are most welcome. Every surgeon has a different protocol. I constantly lean toward being extremely cautious and reinforcing what my own experience was. Was it overkill? Perhaps. Do I have regrets? No. I would encourage you to take it easy. As for walking, some surgeon's suggest doing so around your house. Be patient as you continue your recovery journey. Please reach out at anytime. ~ Steve

[@marybanks8642]

Thanks Steve for all the info. Mary

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Mary, I have appreciated your perseverance and positive attitude walking this journey. Keep pressing on as you remember the goal. ~ Steve 👍😎

[@yahayaibrahim8887]

Very good info.

[@Retinarecovery]

All the best as you walk through recovery. ~ Steve

[@debraminshew7569]

Thank you for your advice,!4

[@Retinarecovery]

My pleasure! It is so worth it!

[@ivana.sanchez4254]

Very helpful... thanks

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Ivan, I'm glad it was helpful! It's tough doing nothing but in my opinion and observation so worth it. Keep pressing on! ~ Steve

[@ivana.sanchez4254]

@@Retinarecovery My surgery was 13 days ago...

[@Retinarecovery]

@@ivana.sanchez4254 What type of protocol was given to you? Often I find that protocol post-facedown until the next appointment varies between surgeons.

[@ivana.sanchez4254]

My retinologist ask me to be in the supine position for at least three weeks

[@Retinarecovery]

@@ivana.sanchez4254 I think that would have drove me crazy. What is the reason for being face up?

[@janicestanley8925]

I just finished my posturing. My doctor told me I could pretty much go back to normal,walk , PT therapy…does this make sense? Also I feel light headed when I walk around…

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Janice, Sorry for the delay. I totally missed the notifications. Re: Light Headedness - Yes, sometimes this happens. I personally experienced it as well. Re: Getting back to normal - I know of some surgeon's that allow their patients to go back to regular life immediately. Through my personally experience of being facedown as well as watching 100's of others recover I'm just not comfortable rushing back to 'regular life. We all heal differently. The level of damage to our eyes is also different. I like to lean on a 'No Regret' recovery so t hat 6 months down the road people can look back and be thankful for their eyesight. Walking? Some surgeons allow a short, slow 10 minute walk. In my case with a retinal detachment, I was 10 weeks of no activity. I strongly believe you increase your maximum recovery by taking it easy. Thanks for the questions. All the best as you continue your recovery. ~ Steve

[@janicestanley8925]

@@Retinarecovery thanks for advice, how did you cope with the lightheadedness?

[@Retinarecovery]

@@janicestanley8925 I found that it gradually went away. With that said, I don't eat a whole lot of processed food. I know that I will become lightheaded if I am lacking salt in my diet ... blood pressure drop??? not sure. It would be worth a chat with a functional medicine doctor. (Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor and so only thinking out loud here). Also, because I would feel off balance because of the bubble in my eye, I would continue to wear my eye shield on my surgery eye. I hope this helps you move forward. Again, remember that I am not offering medical advice here but only sharing what I've found is working for me even 7 years later. Thanks for the questions. Feel free to reach out again. ~ Steve

[@janicestanley8925]

@@Retinarecovery the shield would really help, my nurse told me they don’t want me wearing a patch due to chance of causing moisture in the eye….

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi @@janicestanley8925 I appreciate you letting me know of your protocol. I am only aware of one Surgeon in Southern Ontario that doesn't provide an eye shield post surgery. I'm puzzled by the reason as many highly encourage it to be warn. I would always follow the advise given by your surgeon's office although it doesn't hurt to ask again. ~ Steve

[@mohammadarman3424]

Hello sir ,I had a surgery for repair the detached retina and a macular hole 2 wks ago with silicon oil in my eye . My vision is too much blurry now that I'm not able to count fingers at 1 meter .Is this normal recovery? And now after 2 wks can i sleep on my back ? Seeing Flashes of light with operated eye even after surgery is normal ?

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Mohammad, Keep in mind that we all heal at different rates. I have people that are able to see at 1m at the 2 week mark and others that cannot. Patience is the key. Your experience is also slightly different from mine. A gas bubble that was absorbed by my body was used instead of the silicone oil. Since oil was used, it remains in the eye so you are always looking through it which will keep you from seeing with extreme clarity. Keep watch for multiple floaters or flashes and whenever in doubt, give your surgeon a call. Again, patience is the key. I expected coming out of surgery to have immediate clarity and was scared when for 4 days I had no sight due to blood in my eye. Thanks for the question. Feel free to reach out again. All the best in your recovery ~ Steve

[@johnnye6090]

I'm 42 and just had surgery. Please tell me my life will get back to normal?

[@sophiesnooks]

How are you doing now?? I have surgery scheduled in 4 days 😢

[@johnnye6090]

@@sophiesnooks no so good I had complications and lost the vision in my eye. I hope your well

[@stevek343]

​@johnnye6090 how ya doing today?

[@technohow6494]

Can you watch videos via a tablet device when doing face down

[@Retinarecovery]

First, sorry for the delay. To answer your question, yes BUT only if your Surgeon allows it. My Surgeon indicated that I was fine to review emails as long as I didn't feel like I was straining my eye. ~ Steve

[@technohow6494]

@@Retinarecovery Thank you

[@Retinarecovery]

@@technohow6494 You are most welcome. All the best! ~ Steve

[@jtassie2011]

I will be having surgery to fix a macular pucker. Does that involve getting a silicone or oil bubble inserted into my eye?

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Joanie, Thanks for the question. I'm unsure how many people require a silicone or gas bubble after the repair of the macular pucker. I do know that in some cases it does require surgery involving both thee inserted bubble and a facedown protocol. I wish I could be of more help. ~ Steve

[@jasminetorres7723]

I had surgery 8/11 and I’m having a problem with the gas bubble. It moved so my pressure went up instead of down. Please advise what I can do to lower the pressure? I’m so scared it’s not helping. Thank you

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Jazzmyne, I'm sorry to hear of your challenges. I'm obviously not a surgeon so the important thing is to get in touch with their office. When our renter's have a pressure issue it is accompanied by pain and is addressed by either another series of eye drops or through an oral medication. Please let me know how it goes. ~ Steve

[@niranjanas5946]

Hi thanks a lot.i aam completing the third week of the surgery.i was regular in yoga and walking before the surgery.the surgeon gave me permission to continue my regular routine.(of course cooking etc)I am still wondering what liberty should I take.can you guide pls

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Niranjana, I'm so sorry for the delay in responding. I have had the busiest 6 weeks I have ever had delivering and picking up equipment. In regards to your question, I was a total of 10 weeks post-vitrectomy. In my case with a retinal detachment my surgeon wanted me do very little. As for most of my renters, light housework is allowed but trying to avoid bending and lifting is often advised. In my observation, as long as the bubble is in the eye you shouldn't return to your 'normal' activities that require you to strain. There are themes to when I see our renters have a second surgery. All the best. Again, sorry for the delay! ~ Steve

[@niranjanas5946]

@@Retinarecovery hi Steve thank you very much for your reply.Though the surgeon gave me permission to do all my regular routine I was not doing so.I have a buckle and oil drop in my eye.I have that tight feeling even now but to a lesser extent..After reading your reply I feel that I am right.Also decided to go easy on this and wait till the recovery of the second surgery.Thank you so much .

[@Retinarecovery]

@@niranjanas5946 Sometimes we need the peace of mind that we have done all we can to maximize our eyesight ... no regrets a year down the road. With that said, you would have more liberty to do things with the oil bubble in place but again there is nothing wrong with slowing returning to normal life. Thanks again for the update. This is helpful for others who might be following along. All the best ~ Steve

[@niranjanas5946]

@@Retinarecovery thank you Steve.

[@francesr48]

I am single sighted (the other is artificial)with a macular hole. I haven’t been able to find any info on how much more difficult(if at all) this makes recovery period

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Frances, I'm sorry for the journey that you find yourself facing. What specific questions do you have? What are you wondering about? I'm here to help as needed. ~ Steve

[@francesr48]

Im keen to hear other single sighted experiences regarding how they managed especially if they have affected sight for a lengthy period and anything they may have done to help ensure a successful procedure. Without the backup of another eye i don’t want to make any mistakes and your info and others is my “second opinion”research . I have learned that with medical professionals you have to ask the right questions to get the right answers or you do end up with missing information. Your info was great thanks especially the regarding exercise- that’s a mistake I almost certainly would have made.

[@Retinarecovery]

@@francesr48 Thanks for the extra info. I'm going to do what I can to reach out to some past renters. Hopefully, this will be easier than I think. Feel free to reach out anytime as you wait for my reply. As for my thoughts, everything I present is on the low risk, no regrets end of recovery. Perhaps it is overkill at times but I know that my Surgeon was taking precautions with me. Anxiety is no doubt a challenge as you walk through your recovery. Whatever you can do to keep your mind off of your situation is best. A reminder that listening to some clean comedy on Dry Bar Comedy's KZbin Channel is a much better option than listening to the news. The old proverb, 'laughter is the best medicine' definitely applies here. Your mind is definitely an important battleground. Keep pressing on Frances as you do your research. I'll see what I can do. ~ Steve

[@Retinarecovery]

@@francesr48 Sorry for the delay. I received one response. "... eyesight is still pretty blurry we hope this is just temporary. Most of the gas is out of his eye already but vision still limited so doing the simplest tasks still a bit of a burden. Waiting is the hardest part but taking baby steps helps morale eg. Barbecue dinner gives a sense of accomplishment I just check the meat is cooked thoroughly ... enjoying the smells of nature does wonders for your mood." I hope this helps ~ Steve

[@elterrifico9522]

Hi from Toronto. Are you running a face down business of some kind? Thanks

[@Retinarecovery]

Thanks for the question. Since 2015, we've been running Retina Recovery Inc (not to be confused with n Alberta company that used our name) and providing equipment, support and encouragement as people recover facedown. We are located in Waterdown, Ontario. You can learn more here: www.retinarecovery.ca/facedown-recovery-our-experience-with-a-detached-retina Thanks, Steve

[@barbhill2954]

When can I crochet

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Barb, thanks for the question. When I asked my surgeon about looking at a screen/phone he said I was fine as long as I wasn't straining my eye. I think the same principle applies here as well. ~ Steve

[@saeeda3008]

What about being onthe phone

[@Retinarecovery]

That would be up to your surgeon. My surgeon indicated that it was OK as long as I didn't feel that I was straining my eye. The position of your head and the following the prescription eye drop protocol is the most important part of the recovery. All the best, Steve

[@saeeda3008]

What about silicon oil ,?

[@Retinarecovery]

My experience from past renters is that your protocol after the facedown time is not as restrictive because the silicone oil provides a constant pressure. With that said, once that oil is removed from the eye I would be slow to resume regular activities. I feel it is better to err on the side of caution and have no regrets. When in doubt, always ask your Surgeon. Thanks for the questions Saeeda. All the best. ~ Steve

[@AsgarAli-cd9yj]

Hi Steve, How much time it took you to get clear vision? Is your vision clear without glasses?

[@Retinarecovery]

@@AsgarAli-cd9yj Thanks for the question. I developed a cataract quite quickly after my vitrectomy. In fact, my sight was sharper at month one than it was at month 3. Post cataract surgery I do have 20/20 vision although this isn't always the case for everyone. Healing takes time so remember what you see at month 1, 2, or 3 isn't necessarily where you will settle. I hope this makes sense for you, Steve

[@AmritSingh-fv2gp]

Hlo sir my retinal detachment surgery is done on 8/02/2021 with c3f8 gas .now when i get my clear vision .my vision is started but it is foggy plzz help

[@Retinarecovery]

Hi Amrit, sorry for the delay in responding. First, I would always connect with your Ophthalmologist to ensure there isn't an issue. With that said, my vision at month 3 wasn't as clear as it was at month 1. In fact, I couldn't even see the big letter E on the wall during my follow-ups. I learned that my cataract had developed very quickly which was causing my issue. For me, I wouldn't have called it foggy but it definitely wasn't clear vision. I hope this provides some home. Please let me know what you find out. ~ Steve

[@AmritSingh-fv2gp]

So when u will get clear vision??

[@Retinarecovery]

@@AmritSingh-fv2gp My clear vision only came after having cataract surgery. I would find out though from your surgeon if that is the reason for the unclear vision. You want the peace of mind that there is no other issue. ~ Steve

[@AmritSingh-fv2gp]

My doctor also suggested me for cataract surgery plzz tell now ur vision is good after cataract

[@Retinarecovery]

@@AmritSingh-fv2gp a definite YES!!! My recommendation is to take it easy as your body heals. I was told no driving for 2 days and no lifting for a week. I felt pressure in my eye after lifting 50lbs at the two week mark after surgery. I extended myself to 3 weeks. I hope this helps. It's better to be safe than have regrets. ~ Steve

[@megha9626]

Sir i had scleral buckle after how many days will i get best vision plzz tell sir

[@Retinarecovery]

Thanks for the question. I know very little about the scleral buckle. I do know that everyone's recovery time is different. We all heal differently. Your vision will also depend on how much damage there was to your eye prior to the surgery. Secondly, if you have not yet cataract surgery, a cataract will be developing. For instance, at month one my sight was better than at month 3 due to the cataract development. I would encourage you to touch base with your ophthalmologist if you have any concerns. All the best, Steve

[@megha9626]

@@Retinarecovery Sir are you able to read clear the smallest letters through operated eye and how is your vision now

[@Retinarecovery]

@@megha9626 I did have to have cataract surgery. After the cataract surgery I have 20/20 vision. Not everyone has the same result. Be patient with your recovery as it takes times for the eye to heal. ~ Steve

[@megha9626]

@@Retinarecovery Yes but it's been 2 months sir

[@AmritSingh-fv2gp]

Hi priti hows ur vidion now??