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Addie · 02-22-2012, 12:34 AM

I have known for about five years now that I had cataracts developing. I know they have to ripen. Well at the beginning of this month, I went to have an eye exam, and the opthamologist decided it was time to get them taken care of. I can't stand to even have the eyes lens machine come near my eyes for an eye exam. And to have eye surgery has me shaken up. I am not afraid of surgery. When I had the open heart surgery, the doctor said the main reason I came through so well was my attitude before I even went into the OR. I was completely relaxed. All my vitals were right on normal, even through surgery.

But this is different. I have to be awake for the eye surgery. I have had day surgery on my hand, and no problem. I was a little ticked off that they put up a screen and I couldn't watch. I was sitting up the whole time and heard every word. No problem. I don't know which is worse. Having the surgery while I am awake, or saying no and allowing myself to go blind. I have an eye appointment with the eye surgeon on March 5th. The closer the day comes, the more upset I become. If they would put me to sleep, I would be calmer than when I had the heart surgery. But they tell me I have to be awake so I can talk to them.

I am also concerned because I have had three heart attacks already. I am afraid that being as upset and nervous as I am that I will have another one before and/or during. I can't seem to get this under control.

**Zhizara** · 02-22-2012, 04:24 AM

If they won't knock you out, can't they give you something that will keep you calm and relaxed?

Addie · 02-22-2012, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zhizara

If they won't knock you out, can't they give you something that will keep you calm and relaxed?

I don't know. I have to have more discussion with my doctor. When I had my teeth removed, I had them all taken out with just novacain and wasn't nervous at all. I even have had oral surgery with just novacain. Calm as could be. I have been awake all night. And now I am getting sick to my stomach over it. I think I need to go see him today. The idea of seeing a needle or knife coming at my eyes is terryfying to me. I know I can't go on this way until the surgery.

Margi Cintrano · 02-22-2012, 05:07 AM

@ Addie,

Firstly, think positive.

I know numerous people who have had this surgery and it is quite routine with a rapid healing time, and back to normal.

My neighbor Inés, who is now 89 had undergone this type of surgery two years ago, and she too felt the same way --- as you do at this moment.

Try a bit of: Author Louise Hays - You can heal your Life

Louise Hays had undergone, a life threatening illness, alot more than a routine eye operation. She went through a series of cancer operations, and is a survivor.

Calm down ... that is 1st ... You shall be fine. Believe ...

Cancer is probably the worst of all evils.

The sun is shining and you shall conquer.

Kindest,
Margi

**Zhizara** · 02-22-2012, 05:56 AM

While you're upset like this, try to avoid caffeine. It aggravates your agitation.

jennyema · 02-22-2012, 06:57 AM

I have the same issue with the dentist and anyone touching my knees. Everything else is totally fine.

My dentist prescribes Xanax for me which really calms me down, though I am pretty flatline for the rest of the day.

Valium works too.

Worth asking about.

Like Margi says, find your inner Addie calm!

Good Luck!

**PrincessFiona60** · 02-22-2012, 07:07 AM

Talk to your Primary Doctor today about this and get an order for Xanax. It would be beneficial to you to have it each night until the surgery. This is NOT a failing...it is self preservation, I don't like anything coming at my eyes, either!

GB · 02-22-2012, 07:37 AM

I don't have much to offer other than support, so I will give you that. Also, think about wearing headphones and listening to some music to distract you during the operation. That might help a little.

Claire · 02-22-2012, 07:38 AM

The one thing you have to concentrate upon is ... would you rather be blind, or worry and be be blind, or both, or neither. Zero in on your vision. How will you live without that. I'm all for taking the minimum amount of anesthesia available. But this is a surgery that is very common. Take as least as you can live with. I assume that your regular physician knows what is going on. If you don't like and trust him, change your PCP, then start over. BUT, if you do like and trust him/her, and he says this surgery will be good for you, then go for it. I, personally, would do one heck of a lot to keep my vision going. Just make sure your heart specialist knows what is going on. Otherwise, I'd say, in my very limited experience, go for it. Deep us updated. I don't know how old you are, but I have a freind who lost her vision due to macular degeneration. Seriously, you don't want to go there.

Claire · 02-22-2012, 07:43 AM

Oh, by the way, your eyes are not as sensitive as you think they are. They don't feel as much pain, as, say, the base of your fingernails, a jab to the base of the fingernails can make you pass out from the pain. Eyes? I've had a couple of eye diseases, and there can't be that many pain receptors in them. It's startling more than painful, to have someone dealing with your eyes.