Graft Melissa.

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melissa
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Graft Melissa.

Postby melissa » Tue 05 Feb 2008 7:42 am

Just to let you all know. My waiting is over.
My doctor called last night to say a donor cornea has arrived from the USA. I am in South Africa, and the wait in SA can be 2 years, so I have been on a USA list, where the surplus donor corneas are sent over by air. Unfortunately this process takes a while, so there is not much warning. I am having my transplant surgery tonight at 6pm. less than 24 hours warning.
Its a bit of a shock, but in some ways may be better. less chance to worry i suppose.
i am at work now trying to urgently complete things and hand over to other people. I am very nervous, but i know i have to just go ahead and do it. will let you all know how it goes as soon as i can get back on the computer.
thanks for all the advice BTW. it really has helped me prepare for this. without this website i think i would be much more nervous.

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Andrew MacLean
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Re: Graft Melissa.

Postby Andrew MacLean » Tue 05 Feb 2008 8:01 am

Melissa

Wow, that's quick. Not in the overall sense, but when the cornea became available to the time you were being prepped seems like a good service.

I guess that by now you have had your cornea replaced, so all the best with your recovery! How are things?

Andrew
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melissa
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
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Re: Graft Melissa.

Postby melissa » Fri 08 Feb 2008 6:37 am

SORRY ABOUT THE TYPING. i cant really proof read this
well it's now done. Had the surgery at 6pm on Tuesday Night. I was VERY nervous, and was snapping at everyone in the hospital- HOSPITAL RAGE.
I had a hectic day at work trying to hand everything over, but managed to sort all of that out. i couldn't eat or drink though, so by lunchtime i had a headache and was grumpy. at 3pm I dropped into my doctors rooms- which are attached to the hospital. then i went down to be admitted. that took forever as i think they have less staff at admissions in the afternoons. i finally made it to the ward and went through all the million questions. the anaethetist came to see me, and managed to calm me down quite a bit. i only lost my grip once, and was actually pretty calm by the time they wheeled me into the theatre. the worst bit was that i had to take my other lens out, so i was totally blind and couldn't see where they were taking me. i recognised my doctor and the anaethtists voices, which were comforting. the anaethetist put a drip in and before i knew it is was waking up in the recovery ward. i wsa back in the main ward by 9pm, and my wonderful partner was there to meet me and hold my hand.
i had a sore throat but the pain wasn't bad. i was starving so my man organised me some food which forced down my throat. the doctor suggested that i stay overnight, and i was kept on a drip. the night wasn't great. the pain got a lot more severe, and at about 2am i recall having about 9/10 pain. the ward sister gave me an injection which helped straight away (although it made my arm sore).
at 8am my doctor dropped into the ward and i went up to his rooms so that he could have a look under the slit lamp. all looked good. so i 'checked- out' and went home.
i have been at home since wednesday morning and its been better than i thought. there is pain and i am taking TREMACET every 4 hours. this painkiller seems to make my skin itch, so i am going to try to get a different one today. i also have anitbiotic drops every 1 hour- now every 2 hours SPERSADEX COMP. thats it.
i am going again to doctor today- just in case and to get new prescription, but it is generally all okay.
vision is very blurry- but i expected that.

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nicola jayne
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Re: Graft Melissa.

Postby nicola jayne » Fri 08 Feb 2008 7:59 am

Hi melissa,
((((huge hugs))) congratulations for making it through your graft and well done !!. you should be proud of yourself!!.
take it easy for a while, and bask in your mans attention :D
take care
kind regards
nicola

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Andrew MacLean
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Re: Graft Melissa.

Postby Andrew MacLean » Fri 08 Feb 2008 8:29 am

melissa

The only time in my life I ever visited South Africa was in your winter and the light was so bright that I went about all day with heavy sunglasses and a broad brimmed hat (actually the hat was a fashion choice; I like them :oops: ). Make sure that you protect your eyes from the light.

Well done on making it through to this point. We are proud of you.

All the best.

Andrew
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melissa
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Joined: Tue 18 Dec 2007 3:08 pm
Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
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Location: South Africa

Re: Graft Melissa.

Postby melissa » Sat 09 Feb 2008 4:48 pm

thanks guys. i am resting. getting a bit bored. cornea hasnet cleared at all yet. doctor had another look yesterday and even gave me his cell phone number to call ANYTIME if i am worried. doctor changed my painkillers to Stopayne (which is paracetemol) and didnt work at all- at abou t8 last night i buckled and went to emeregncy pharmacy for Myprodol, which is working fine and doesn't make me feel as funny as the first painkiller. i have to eat with it, which is the hardest part.
Funnily my eyes have not been very light sensitive- but i haven't ventured out much. i always have wraparound sunglasses with me anyway- as you say Andrew the light is bright here. overcast days are the worst actually.
my audiobooks are saving my sanity. i suggest those for anyone who needs to do this.
i am hoping to see some change in the next few days.
thanks for the wishes.

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Andrew MacLean
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Re: Graft Melissa.

Postby Andrew MacLean » Sat 09 Feb 2008 6:26 pm

Don't be too disappointed if you do not see an early improvement in your sight. Your new cornea is being held in place by sutures and you may not have a good idea of the long term benefit until they are out.

Good to hear from you.

All the best

Andrew
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