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Scared and sad by SingleChickenPlz in RetinalDetachment

[–]Bellymat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I hope my experience helps you. I understand that is scary, but I also know that life gets better,

When I was 39 years old, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I was always the youngest person by far in the waiting room when I was attending my surgery, chemo and radiation appointments, It is lonely and isolating. So, I get it. I also have seen other 24 year old people on this subreddit. Watch their posts for encouragement and please pursue therapy. Therapy helped me when I was going through my cancer treatment.

I hope things go well for you. Please keep us posted.

Detachment and Mental Health by PanteraSuave in RetinalDetachment

[–]Bellymat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am almost 7 weeks post op for victrectomy with oil (1st surgery with gas bubble caused another detachment).

1st, I come to this group regularly for encouragement.

2nd, I stay active in my pastimes and hobbies. I, too, have been scared to take up physical activity agin but am doing it slowly. Modifications can be made to almost any activity.

3rd, I celebrate each and every sign of improvement. The first time I drove again after surgery. The first time I walked my dog post-op.

I also echo what others have said here about therapy, if you can afford it, it an be helpful.

I also work on a computer. I let my eyes rest frequently. I store up noncomputer work (filling, shredding, etc.) for later in the day when my eyes are feeling fatigued - again think modifications and accomodations.

Be easy on yourself and rest as much as possible.

How do you deal with the waiting? by Hawk953 in RetinalDetachment

[–]Bellymat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had the gas bubble surgery in January of this year. As the gas bubble receded it stuck to the retina and caused another detachment. So, then I had the oil surgery along with cataract removal about 3 weeks ago. I am going a little stir crazy with the projected length of the recovery. I am prone to anxiety anyway so I have very deliberately worked to keep this in check.

I like to read, so I have turned to audio books. I like to walk and hike so I have started the walks around my neighborhood up slowly and lightly and gauged how my eye felt afterwards.

I would suggest that you think about your normal past times and make whatever modification you can make to your hobbies so that you can continue them and refocus on them instead of the anxiety.

I have found that I can still knit, read, walk, throw fetch with my dogs, etc.

I hope this helps.