The Take Home Message

[Nanci]

They give you Valium, or something, to take before they do the surgery. I was more afraid of prescription drugs than the procedure, so I didn't take it. I probably should have, because I was very scared, and I think it would have helped. When I had mine done, five years ago or so, they didn't have the tracking thing that keeps the laser centered where they want it, so the patient had to focus their eye straight ahead and be careful not to move. That has changed now, so I presume you could be more drugged these days.

I would tell you, hey, it's ok, it's not scary, but it _is_ scary because it's your _eyes_! But it's not particularly painful, and the second eye is MUCH easier since you know what to expect, and when it's over it doesn't hurt at all. You go home wearing these guards over your eyes, or special glasses if you were smart enough to buy them beforehand, and take some naps, and put cooling packs on your eyes, and when you wake up in the morning, you can see!

Nanci- (#1 of my 1.9 posts per day!)

[DeniseGoldberg]

Dogmama -
I second what massbikebabe says - listen to your body and try not to get frustrated when you have days that don't progress as you'd like. I too am speaking from experience - from recovering from a serious accident as opposed to surgery or a stroke. But I do believe that there are similarities in the recovery from each of these things.

Although it's your body that is dictating / controlling your recovery rate, it's your attitude that's going to get you through this. And I'm sending more (fast) healing thoughts your way. I'm sure your bicycles are joining in with recovery wishes too.

--- Denise

[Dogmama]

Denise & MassBike,

I know you're right. One day I over did it (sat at the computer for more than 2 hours - sheesh!) and the next day I paid. But, it's like cycling. When you feel good - you just keep going & don't think about having to ride all the way back!

I'm scheduled off work until Jan 17, but might go back for a few hours/day next week on a mon/wed/fri basis. There is no way I can jump right back into 8-9 hours of sitting at my computer.

A funny note - my surgeon is a brand new cyclist as of Christmas. He was complaining about paying $150 for pedals, etc. If I had his money, I'd throw mine away!! I joked with him about the routes he road - told him that it would be very bad if I passed him on my bike next week.

[yellow]

Oh, Dogmama...injuries are so hard. Hang in there. I think staying sane while injured/recovering is harder than the physical recovery. Denise is right, it's your attitude (brain) that's really under pressure to perform right now!