Reporting from the other side

[mohammadkam]

Hi All,
I find I would only visit and post on this forum when I was unsure about what to do with my KC treatment or when I felt frustrated. I had told myself that I really should make a conscience effort to contribute more often to the forum as I recall it was the feedback I received to my posts and meeting some of the members at a local meeting that helped me make my decision to go ahead and have a graft.

Anyway after having my first date for surgery cancelled in December I finally had surgery for my graft (DALK) a week ago. I was really groggy and out of it initially due to the anaesthetic. The affects of this lasted a couple of days.

I had quite a bit of pain for the first couple of days. I also had very sharp pains when the eye was exposed to any kind of light, when making any eye movements, blinking and also when having my eye drops. I found I kept my eye closed for the first few days as I found this more comfortable for me. I had been told to lie on my back for the first 48 hours. I found this to be really difficult and found it difficult to sleep in this position.The pains levels and sensitivity to light are improving on a daily basis. The pain levels are not nearly as bad as I thought I would have.

I have been to see my consultant for my post op. Although it was too early to tell for signs of infections or rejection the consultant was happy with the state of the cornea and the sutures. There is no improvement in vision yet but it is early days. I am due to see the consultant again in under three weeks.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped me on this forum. I would also encourage all to ask any questions they have or to share their experiences as you will most likely help someone or provide some form of support.

I have to now take precautions to ensure that the graft is not infected or rejected. Although it is very early days and things can change very quickly I am glad I went ahead with having a graft.

Will try and keep you all updated on my progress.

Kamran

[CrippsCorner]

Thanks for coming back and posting about what happened, as you say, often we never hear the resolutions of things! Good luck for the future and of course, let us know

[Anne Klepacz]

Just wanted to add my thanks too. Making the decision to have a graft is never easy, so I'm sure your 'report from the other side' will be helpful to others in a similar situation. And reading your account brought back memories of my first graft when I remember keeping the curtains drawn for the first hour or so each morning so that I could adjust to the light gradually. Back then, my hospital used to issue all graft patients with dark glasses on discharge (budget constraints have put a stop to that!)
It's good to hear that your eye is getting more comfortable now. All the best with your recovery and good healing!

[mohammadkam]

Thank you both for your kind wishes. As a further note, health permitting, I will also be attending the next meeting in West Midlands (taking place on 16th April) to discuss my experience of having a graft. I understand that John Thatcher has already announced this get together and I would encourage as many people to attend so that we can share information and our experiences.

[Matt_Offord]

Kamran,
Thanks for this, it will be really helpful for those about to go through similar experiences. It all sounds very familiar to me having gone through the same operation. Good luck with your recovery, I hope that, like me, you will enjoy great vision in the future. I am sure you have been told that it is a long road. But I wish you well.

[mohammadkam]

Thank you Matt.
Glad to hear you are enjoying good vision following your graft. If you dont mind me asking can I ask how long ago you had your graft and whether you had any issues after surgery.
A couple of days ago I noticed some haziness around the cornea and after ringing the hospital was advised to come into our local A&E. After having a look they think they may have spotted signs of an infection and therefore have increased my steroid and antibiotic drops. They also changed the type of steroid and antibiotics which were subscribed by the consultant.
I have to go back in tomorrow for a further check up. This really is an emotional roller coaster. Things can change very quickly.