How to Prepare for DSAEK Surgery & Recovery From a Patient's Point of View

 My original title was going to be...What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You About DSAEK Surgery....but then decided that was not fair to all of the cornea specialists (especially mine who is the best)!   They have plenty of other things on their minds to try to get your vision restored.   This is a PRACTICAL list - not a MEDICAL list!

My focus is really what makes life easier when you come home from surgery.   You see, after nine surgeries...and two of those DSAEKs...I finally KNOW what I need to do BEFORE I head to DSAEK surgery so that the 24-48 hours AFTER surgery are much easier!    I'd recommend doing these things 2 -3 days prior to your scheduled surgery.   So here you go.....

1) Lay out the clothing you will wear on the day of surgery.   Make it very comfortable but most important, make it something that is easy to remove.   When you get home, you're going to need to keep your head and eyes to the ceiling as much as possible.   Either wear a buttoned shirt/blouse or a top with a large enough neck opening so that the top can easily slip over your head.    Don't forget about easy comfortable shoes too.

2) Lay out your lounge wear/sleepwear as well.   Put it in a specific location that is easily found.   You don't want to be foraging around looking for your favorite comfies.   Just as above, make sure it is easy to put on and remove. 

3) One last clothing to-do...Lay out your clothing for the day after surgery!   Follow the rules above.   There is usually a follow up appointment with your doctor the next morning where your eye patch and shield will be removed and your eye evaluated.    You'll want these clothes to be comfortable...as there may be a chance that you'll be going home and repeating the "head to ceiling" routine again.

 4) As a follow-up to #3 above, for you gals....you know you aren't to wear any makeup/earrings/necklaces during surgery.   The day after surgery I'd recommend staying away from the makeup as well....with the exception of a little lip gloss / lip stick.    Set out your favorite jewelry, perfume, hair accessories.   Unfortunately, you are advised to not wash your hair that day...so the goal for me is do something a little special with a little accessory or lotion....something that makes me feel 'good'.   It helps the self-esteem a little! 

5) For all....set out in a specific appropriate place any medications/vitamins and health & beauty aids you may need the day of surgery & day after.   I'm talking toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant hair brush....anything you use routinely.....keep it in one spot at an arm lengths away.   You don't need to be searching for these items.   Also, have items out that will allow you to take a quick towel bath prior to your day-after appointment.

6) Pick out a couple of places where you will be able to keep your "eyes to ceiling" and make it as comfortable as you can (thinking blankets, pillows).  Think of different places in your home if possible.   For me, I generally have three spots.....a recliner and a sofa in the family room.....and a guest bed.    If I get too uncomfortable in one spot...I move to another.    If one room gets too noisy, I move to the other room.    The goal is to try to remain as stable in one spot as you can....but do give yourself an option if you can.

7) Have a heating pad readily available.   In my last DSAEK, I needed to look up and back which, after a few hours, caused some discomfort in the neck and shoulders.   A heating pad provided some relief.   

8) Keep the TV turned off!   It's tempting to glance at the TV....so its best to just keep it off. Set a radio (for talk shows) or CD player/iPod (for music, books on CD) near your resting spots so they are accessible and can be easily heard.   Sometimes you just want it quiet for resting.

9) Finally, think ahead of your food intake for those first couple of days.   For me, the first day I wasn't hungry at all...but still needed a little something.   I'd recommend smoothies or broth based soups.....they are easy to swallow and digest.   When you are lying down for such a long time, its easy for heart burn to set in if you quickly sit up, chew your food and lie back down.    Keep it easy on yourself.   My plan for this upcoming surgery.....smoothies, soups and water! 

10) Last, but certainly not least....look forward to your down time.   It may not be the most comfortable...but it is hope.   It is a chance to dream and imagine.    I know I'll be thinking of plans for a party celebrating my return of vision to my right eye!  

I hope this list is helpful to you.   I've had a chance to perfect it over the past year or so...and maybe will have some more additions after this next surgery! 

Now that I have my to-do list prepared, I better go get it done!  :)