UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hello,

I have been look at this forum for over a year now but think its about time i join in and share my experience with you guys!

I am 26 year old bloke from Glasgow, I have Keratoconus in both eyes (Left eye very bad with no vision, Right eye very slight). I found out ten years ago that i had KC but only being 16 i didn't really make a deal of it. When I turned 21 iIfound my vision getting alot worse and though tits time to act. To make a long story short I have been through all the usual process of contact lenses and glasses and i am now on the waiting list for the Cornea Transplant for my left eye, been told at the moment its a 6-12 month waiting list. My consultant didn't really give alot of information and when i asked questions he didn't seems very interested, My appointments were at a hospital outside Glasgow and was wondering if anyone knew if I can change to Gartnavel now i live in Glasgow?

I think having this website has helped prepare me and answered a hell of alot of question so firstly I would like to thanks you guys, its good to know we are all a team! (If that makes sense)

I have been told by my doctor that it will be a full graph as the Cornea is too badly damaged so I'm worrying about that as i have heard its alot more complicated and more chance of infection.

Does anyone have an experience or information of a full graph transplant?

Thanks for you help!

Jamie

Hello Jamie and welcome!
In answer to your questions - yes, you should be able to change to Gartnavel if you're living in Glasgow. One of our Scottish members should be able to tell you the best way to do this - I'm not sure whether your previous hospital would need to refer you or whether your GP could do this. (I've edited out the name of your previous hospital, because we ask people not to make negative comments about named hospitals or consultants on this forum as they can't defend themselves).
I had full thickness grafts on both my eyes back in 86 and 88. At that time, it was the only type of graft that was done - the partial thickness grafts only came in in the 90s. In fact, surgeons will tell you that a full thickness graft is actually an easier operation from their point of view because they don't have to separate out different layers of the cornea. As you say, a full thickness graft is still done if there is a lot of scarring on the cornea. Mine are still going strong after all these years, so I can vouch for how successful a full thickness graft can be. The main difference is that there is more risk of rejection with a full thickness graft. But rejections are easy to reverse if caught quickly (I know - I had several rejection episodes which were nipped in the bud and I still have the original grafts). And the hospital will tell you all about the signs to watch out for.
The DVD of our Glasgow conference in 2009 includes a good talk from one of the Glasgow surgeons about both types of graft. If you'd like a copy, just e-mail or PM me your postal address and I'll send it to you
anne@keratoconus-group.org.uk
All the best for the op when it comes!
Anne