Last updated on August 7th, 2017
First, thanks for the comments you left on my previous post, in which I announced my upcoming cataract surgery. I had great fun reading your thoughts, prayers, and detailed accounts of your own, similar surgeries. My experience went something like this:
My dear friend David Deutsch drove me to the hospital. He also stayed in or near the hospital until I was released 5 hours later. Obviously David is a saint.
All of the hospital nurses were pleasant, except for the one who lead me to a semi-private room, and ordered me to strip. “Put all of your clothes and any jewelry in this bag,” she barked as she handed me a large plastic bag. “Then put on this hospital gown, and get into bed.” I did as I was told.
Groaning all the while, the nurse bent down and stuffed the bag that contained my pants, shoes, shirt, and feather boa onto a rack beneath the bed. Then, with a painful roar that suggested a bad back (or hip; or knees), she pulled herself upright, and asked if I needed anything. “Could I have my cell phone?” I inquired. “Where is it?” she asked. “It’s in the bottom of the bag you just put under the bed,” I replied.
When the nurse exited the room, I was left alone with only a Twitter feed, a variety of nervous thoughts, and some audible hunger pangs. Food and water are not permitted after midnight prior to cataract surgery.
My anxiety was broken, just briefly, when a nurse down the hall suddenly belted out “Julie, Julie, Julie do you love me? Julie, Julie, Julie do you care?” “Hey!” I shouted. “I know that Bobby Sherman song!” The singing nurse popped into my room. “You must be the same age as me,” she said. “Yes,” I confirmed. “I’m twenty-seven.”
Then came the IV that sadly pumped only saline solution into my bloodstream. I wanted the “twilight” anesthesia that so many of you told me you’d received prior to your own cataract surgery.
Next, a parade of nurses instilled a parade of numbing and dilating eye drops into my left eye. I received 22 drops over the course of just 5 minutes. Yes, I counted.
And then I was wheeled, on my bed, through a series of broad corridors. “You’re next in line for surgery,” said my athletic bed-pusher. Hurray!
The surgeon, of course, was my ophthalmologist. She asked me how I was feeling. “Nervous but excited,” I said. Her assistant drew a purple arrow on my forehead that pointed to my left eye. I guess you can’t be too careful in a hospital. “Will you administer the ‘twilight’ anesthesia?” I asked. To my horror, she said “No.” Instead, she would give me a mild, intravenous sedative just to calm my nerves. I’d have to be fully awake, she said, so that I could look up or down as directed during the procedure.
The procedure lasted longer than I’d expected — about 30 minutes. During this time, I saw the kaleidoscope of colors that Nora MacDowell and other readers described. But I also felt pressure against my eye. So much pressure, in fact, that at one point I had to clench my fingers and toes just to endure it.
And here’s the miraculous thing. When the light show ended, I could actually see with my left eye — the very eye that was legally blind for 2 years! Even with a big, clear plastic guard taped over the eye, I could see the florescent lights in the ceiling, and the grid pattern on the plastic that covered the lights. The surgery was a success!
A nurse escorted me to the recovery room. There, David greeted me with a much-needed turkey sandwich. (Did I mentioned that David is a saint?) The nurse reviewed my after-care, which, for the next 3-4 weeks, includes no heavy lifting, bending at the waist, or strenuous exercise. It also includes lots of eye drops to avoid infection.
Am I a happy camper? You better believe it. Thanks to a good surgeon, a toric lens, insurance through the ACA, and some financial help from the Silver Fox, I can see clearly now. From the left eye, anyway. The right eye, which isn’t as bad as my left eye, will be remedied in a few weeks.
Cataract surgery is a scream, my friends. If you need it, just…do it!
John A Root says
Cool. Glad it went well, Kevin.
Pat says
Glad all went well. Isn’t it great to see again 🙂 now onto the right eye. Same procedure just purple arrow on the other side. Have a pleasant evening.
Brenda Johnson says
Yay Kevin!!!! So glad to learn all went well and that eye is “in the clear” now!!!! Looking forward to being seen by you soon!!!
Virginia Kass says
Glad that first one is over for you & that it went well. My first one is October 3rd.
Martha Robinson says
That’s a very good reason for not posting. In the meantime, I made your (and Julia’s) clafouti recipe, and it was fabulous! We have lots of plums ripening here in Prince Edward Island, so I’m looking forward to making your plum cake…I just have to look up the recipe. Please rest up and enjoy your clearer vision, and feel all the love coming from your readers.
Arlene Martinez says
Very courageous! Life is great isn’t it! Look forward to your seeing the world again. Enjoy!
Deborah Goodman says
So glad everything went well! I think you should cook a thank you meal for Saint David and use it as a weekly video. I know others would love to meet him!
Cheryl says
Glad it went so well! Congratulations; according to my aunt, one of the best things about the surgery was she could see all the wonderful colors again. Enjoy!
Mary in Iowa says
Great news! I think your experience has convinced me to take a deep breath and just do it. In winter, I think. All those weight lifting and bending restrictions will never work with gardening. Meanwhile, my right eye is doing double duty. It’s a real hoot when I have to close my right eye to apply eye shadow and my left eye can’t see my right eyelid. Your marvelous humor had me roaring with laughter, especially the feather boa. I didn’t realize that a boa was required for cataract surgery. I think I still have a red one in my boxes of old costumes. Best of luck with the next one. Am getting excited to finally own your upcoming cookbook.
Janet says
You’re a real trooper Kevin. There’s no better feeling than seeing well is there? So happy it went well for you and you had wonderful help.
Marg says
I am happy for you.
Janet Ortega says
Wow, so happy it was a success! Your procedure couldn’t have been more different than mine. But I live in AZ in the desert in a small town and do not have an available surgeon within a 4 hr drive that’s willing to come here and do hundreds of cataract surgeries once a month. That said, I’m grateful for the surgeon that does come once a month from the big city (Phoenix). They just do these in a small outpatient surgery center, not a hospital and there was no hospital gown or disrobing. Nor was there 20+ drops entered into my eye. They start you 2-3 days prior to your surgery at home. There was also no restrictions other than no makeup for a week (yikes) and no touching the affected eye. It’s taking another 2 months before I can get another surgery on my right eye.
So glad you can see again, that’s a fabulous feeling. I’m walking around with glasses that I can’t see out of now for 2 months because they won’t prescribe new glasses due to a 2nd surgery. Sorry, do I want cheese with that wine lol! Best of luck for your next upcoming surgery.
Beverly, zone 6, eastern PA says
Whew! Glad it went well for you, Kevin. Your bravery is inspirational. My husband will be having the surgery in about 3 weeks. What we find amazing is that you have run this website and all your videos and blog posts while being legally blind in one eye for 2 years! Egads, what a trooper. Love to you –
Blue says
So very glad you endured and was blessed for it. Note to self. Always discuss all aspects of surgery BEFORE surgery. Examples — will I have twilight and why not, will the pressure hurt?
..
When and if you need surgery on the other eye.. you’ll be a pro.
ps. All my anesthesiologists sung to me. Last one, last week, he sang Bob Marley “One love”, the one before was a lady, she sang, Frankie Vallie, “You’re Too Good to Be True”, and earlier this year, the doc sang, “My Girl”.. I think I’ll request Build Me Up Buttercup next one, eh?
Barbara says
I’m thrilled to hear this went so well for you! And just remember, you must lift nothing heavier than your feather boa until you’re fully healed …
Chris says
I got a music-playing oral surgeon when I had root canal surgery. He was famous for that. The novocaine was working quite well, and when he started the procedure, he played “Don’t you worry ’bout a thing” by Stevie Wonder. He was right !! Never felt a thing !! I only hope that the same applies when I need cataract surgery.
Kay Bonikowsky says
Congratulations! What a scary surgery to endure awake! Enjoy your new vision.
Kim says
Hurrah! So glad it went well. It’s totally revitalized my elderly mother-in-law so you should be springing around as soon as its permitted .
Sylvia C. Shelnutt says
You now have a new eye and in a few weeks, the right eye will be fixed, and you will have new eyes. It is absolutely a miracle that modern medicine has made this surgery available. Enjoy your restored sight.
Sylvia Wilson says
Prayers for a speedy recovery! ❤
Annie B says
Yea! Glad it went well.
Alyce Grover says
So glad it was a success. Come down here for the next one. About 3 hrs. start to finish, don’t know anything but “Done? Really?” About a 7 min. procedure. The rest is prep and getting awake to walk out (with a little help).
David Deutsch says
Thank you, Kevin, for calling me a saint, a moniker that I may have earned for enduring the broadcast of “Let’s Make a Deal” and “The View” (on three TV monitors) while in the waiting room of the hospital, as well listening to the sweet waiting room attendant’s life story of how she had seven children in five years. Compared to her child-bearing experiences, your brief surgery almost seems quaint. But I know from my own eye surgery experience that it’s nerve-wracking and I’m so happy for you that it was a success. You’re a great friend and I was very happy to lend my small amount of help. You had the tough role as the patient and you played it marvelously.
Debbie says
😀 As always Kevin, you made me laugh ~ even while you underwent a traumatic experience your sense of humor never wavered.
Glad everything went well. My favorite part is when you open your eyes after surgery and can SEE!!!
Bummed you didn’t get the fun of “twilight” but all in all a WONDERFUL SUCCESS!
Susan Bankard says
I’m happy for you. Isn’t it wonderful to see the world in beautiful, bright colors again!
Lois says
So glad all went well!
Selma says
Happy to hear the great results! Good luck with the right! Good news now you can see to continue your fabulous blog and videos!!!
mary hatton says
I’m so glad that all went well with your cataract surgery. Our vision is so precious. Limit your garden experience to looking out the window! You know that if you actually walk through your garden, you will want to bend over and pull or adjust something. Verboten!
Marley Costello says
Glad it went well! Thanks for the insights (LOL). I’m looking at having mine done and it’s nice to know what to expect. Hope you have a speedy recovery and smooth sailing for the other eye!
Carol says
So glad it went well for you and thanks for the play by play. I’m contemplating having it done also so this definitely helped. Much appreciated.
BB says
Your story is hysterical. I’m so glad it turned out beautifully!
Casey says
Oh, Kevin, so glad to know all went well. I can stop holding my breath now with relief… Looking at photo above, all I can say is, “Damn, you look good!”
Dee says
Glad all went well Kevin. Be good about your drops please.
Janis says
Dear Kevin,
Great news about your successful cataract surgery. My eyes are not ‘ready’ so I still contend with annual increases in my vision prescriptions. But your narrative made me feel confident in the procedure. A real friend is a blessing and it takes one to have one, so you and Saint Dauvd are undoubtedly true friends. Thank you also for mentioning the ACA. May many more people be just as fortunate. May you continue to recover well and may your next eye surgery be even better. ❤️
Catherine MacNeil says
Yay! You are the real deal and thank you for being “you”……..happy all went well and keep making us smile!
Valerie says
Ahh…..when I saw your email update….I went and refilled my coffee so I could enjoy a good read, with hopefully positive news….and YAH…..for you….a success!! Always enjoy reading your stories…can’t wait for that cookbook to come out! 🙂
Michelle in NYC says
Congratulations Kevin.
Mine were done too-one n 2014 and the other in 2015–It’s a miracle–no blood, pain or stitches and four hours later CLEAR VISION! Brighter colors too.
LD says
So happy for you!! Looking forward to the same procedure and I am a freak about my eyes.
Jay says
I’m with Mary in Iowa: your excellent explanation of how things happened and the immediate good result have convinced me to find an opthalmologist and get on with it. Congratulations, my friend!
Linda says
I was so happy to hear of your experience having cataract surgery. It all sounded so positive which didn’t surprise me as you yourself are such a positive person. If and when I have to have this procedure, I will think of you and remember your adventure in restoring the lens with which we view life. Remember, no heavy lifting, strenuous exercise or bending at the waist. (A retired nurse)
Diana says
Yea! We are so blessed that our doctors are able to do this. Take care!
Sandy Martinez says
Kev, well…I guess you better give back that patch and parrot, Darrrrn!!
Thank God for a great Doc.
I’m wishing you a speedy recovery.
Love. Sandy
sandra says
Way to go Kevin! Now we’ll pray for the same success on your other eye.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
John says
Glad it went so swimmingly, Keven. The other eye out to be a cinch! Rest well.
Kate says
I am so happy to learn you’re well, Kevin. Your description of the experience was hilarious, as always, but it’s wonderful that your humor saw you through the nerves that always accompany “the unknown.” Now you will be ready and eager for the next time! Take good care.
Terry L Stites says
I’m so glad your surgery was succucful. Mind the Dr. Please
Kathy Britton says
I couldn’t be more delighted for you! Thanks ACA and Silver Fox for giving you back your sight!!!
Julie says
Kevin- it’s a blessing to have the support of loved ones- I’m glad it went smoothly! Take it easy now!!!!
Jere says
Look at those smiling eyes! YAAAY for you!
Francine Townsend says
Kevin so glad your eye surgery went well. I’m headed in that direction very soon I can tell. It’s nice to hear such a positive outcome. You have such a wonderful sense of humor. Stay well.
pk says
You really had to get into a hospital gown for cataract surgery? My procedure: walk into room(with my spouse) with 4-6 other “patients”. Get drops (about 3 times), walk into anesthesiologist chair for “eyeball anesthesia”, wait ten minutes and walk into surgical suite. Procedure takes about 10 minutes with surgeon carrying on a conversation with me (he did most of the talking!) while my spouse watches on other side of glass wall and also sees procedure on a TV monitor (what the surgeon sees through his microscopic glasses with a step-by-step explanation of what the surgeon is doing), walk out with eye patch, get a “thank you gift for choosing us”, and walk out. Total time about 3 hours. Few hours later take off eye patch and go out to dinner! Easy peasy! Repeat 2 weeks later for other eye. Repeat X2 a year later for spouse’s eyes!
Either way — isn’t great to see again!!!!!
Diane says
Kevin, I hope your second surgery does not involve painful pressure and is even easier for you. If I ever have to have it, I think I will want to break my fast with your arugula pesto. I have made it three times already. We had it the first day on burger patties and in the last dab of butternut squash soup which I served as a vegetable. It was even better the next day on rice crackers. We have eaten a whole bowl of it in two days on crackers and I have another bowl ready for this week when the painters take over my kitchen. All the cabinet contents are packed up and in other rooms so it feels like we are camping. It has been too hot to eat outside in North Texas lately, but I look forward to sitting on the deck eating pesto on grilled zucchini. As for zucchini spilling over, I am always envious when I read such comments. I do okay some years with yellow squash and with butternut squash, but Something There Is that denies me the pleasure of growing zucchini. Gray moth-like bugs get into the stems and kill the plants.
Ginger says
Your recent blog has me thinking of having my eyes done. I have major squint lines and vision problems and need your procedure done but your blog has encouraged me to think that I can do it too. Thank you for writing a great post of your experience. You have no idea how much encouragement it gives me.
Juanita Pierce says
Hi Kevin,
First Kevin, this is not a long story short, this is a long story long and even then I will need to leave out some stuff!
I could not be happier for you and so many others that commented on their successful experiences But I am sad to say that I can’t share the same feelings!
NOV 2016 (my 1st surgery) on the left eye…. which by the way for all intents was very successful and seemed very brief could not have gone better, I experienced no pain or discomfort of any kind…..I awoke to a brightness and clarity that I was missing for many years! It was fantastic ☀️
At the time I didn’t think about it but my left eye was corrected to see up close for reading and such! Now here is where the problem starts!
A couple of months later my right eye was done…..again it all went pretty well, but there seemed to be an extended healing time needed for this eye, it was a bit more troublesome, extra drops, more visits, etc. but again this is not yet the big let down!
Over time I found that my right eye could not see up close, this eye was corrected to see off in the DISTANCE!!!!! Now my question was “WHY” why would the doctor do this, why are both my eyes not doing the exact same thing? Either having the ability to see (better) up close OR far away! When I questioned this she kind of hedged an answer!!!! She also called it MonoVision!
AGAIN WHY!
Before all of this my normal way of seeing at home was…..my glasses would come off for any and all tasks where I needed to see detail! When I was driving….my glasses went on to see how to drive! And that was how I functioned……
It’s now August 2017 and I still can’t get a good pair of glasses to help me see, I struggle at home with the simplest of tasks, I use my sunglasses to help me drive during the day only…..there is no more night driving for me because all the street lights now have this enormous sun burst effect around them that completely distorts my vision, and I could not be unhappier!
I think at one point the doctor said something like, my brain would eventually catch up and get used to this new change….before she completely wrote me off after our last appointment, referring me to a corneal expert….because there was nothing more that she could do!
I apologize, but I tell you this long ass story to hopefully help you avoid this trauma before your next surgery! Talk to your doctor….Please! I wish I knew this before my last surgery! I would have INSISTED that both eyes worked the same and not opposing each other….”for me” it makes no sense and I’m left struggling with what do I do and how I function now on a daily basis
Julie says
While I know many people who have had successful surgeries as you did (thank goodness!) I also have a couple of friends who have had issues. All surgeries have risks….check on your doctor’s skills and comments and complaints about him/her. Hope #2 is as smooth as #1!
gary says
A SCREAM? Omfg, nooooo ok now I don’t want to have I ever done. Yiu should said a breeze, but obviously yours was painful, stressful, and traumatic.
Angeline Angela says
Hi,
So happy for you all went well.
Enjoy your improved vision. Always take care! Much love to you and your dear friend David.
Ing-Marie Peck says
Glad it went well, and,,,,, well wishes for the next one too.
Loved the zucchini recipes too.
Carolyn says
So glad to hear about your cataract surgery experience! I need to have cataract surgery soon so it was reassuring to hear about your experience. Keep doing what the doctor ordered!
Thanks for the zucchini recipes….love zucchini! Zucchini must be one of the most versatile vegies out there!
Prayers and hugs going your way!
Julie R says
So glad that everything went well for the first eye surgery. You had me laughing with the details of the feather boa. Now that you have been through it once, the next time will probably be easier, since you will know what to expect. Good luck with the second surgery and please let us know how it goes. You’re such a great story teller.
Jo-Anne Collis says
Good morning, Kevin…..that’s quite and account of the procedure and your fears and joy ….thank goodness for science and friends……….Glad you are doing well….remember…no bending nor heavy lifting!…We all know what a go getter you are!
Lucie says
So glad it went well! I have only one friend who had problems, and she is fine now. I remain happy that I did it.
Karen Wheeler says
Who-hoo! It is a miracle surgery! Glad all went well for you and your vision is 100% better! Amazing, huh? We have a lot to be grateful for with today’s ability to implant lenses.
All good thoughts your way, and ongoing gratitude for your wonderful blog. Hugs!
Elizabeth says
Glad your surgery was a success. It is wonderful to be able to see clearly again although there are some things I would have rather remained veiled!
Bruni says
Glad it was a success. I’ve been putting mine off but will get it done this fall. Did you have Laser or the other kind of surgery. There is a substantial cost difference but I understand both give you the same results.
Susi says
Wow! Glad it all went well. I just had my eyes done a month ago and can identify with the kaleidoscopic lights and the pressure as well as something like cold water. But it didn’t take any longer than ten minutes! All the pre-op takes up most of the time. Fortunately I didn’t have a Nurse Ratchett!! Amazing procedure considering that not too long ago, relatively speaking, cataracts were something you just had to live with. Or after you had them out you had to lie still for two weeks with sand bags on either side of your head! So glad you can see, Kevin!
Susi says
FYI, my doc says laser surgery isn’t worth the cost for virtually the same results.
Pam Martorano says
Glad all went well and you can see again! From what I have been told by my doctors is when you have cataract surgery, the natural blue light filter film that is over the lens of your natural eye is now gone and your inserted lens does not have it. So make sure if you go outside in sunlight, you do wear sun glasses as the sun rays can injure your retina without that natural protection. Not sure if they informed you of that. Also, whenever you have surgery of any kind to the eye, a “dry eye” situation may occur from cutting the eyeball and moisturizer drops may be necessary too. Just sharing for future reference. Have a blessed day!
Patty r says
My experience was like pk’s. 5 min each eye….done two weeks apart. Eye was numbed…no pressure or pain. Could see by nightfall. Gifts on the way out…no restrictions ….just drops. Your ordeal sounds archaic. Find a better place next time.
Patty r says
P.s.
Baby African violets doing great! From one leaf! Followed your directions. Thanks!
Susan Owens says
Hi Kevin, I agree with Juanita. Talk to your doctor about how the second eye will be corrected. A friend had the surgery only to realize that the doc had put the lense for the left eye in her right eye ( she was scheduled to have the second operation 2 weeks later.). She was told that her brain would adjust to the switch and all would be well after the second surgery. Not so much. She has had trouble ever since…Please talk to your doc and get all the info up front. Also, no harm in making sure they have the correct lense in the O.R…….like asking them to check when you get in there. Sadly, mistakes can and do happen.
Tiffany says
Sending well wishes your way, Kevin! Happy to hear the surgery was an immediate success.
Nora McDowell says
Dear Kevin, I am so glad all went to very well.
I don’t remember the pressure but have had a partially detached retina since (nothing to do with cataract surgery. I caught an apple with my eyes many years ago and I blame that.) It was an uncomfortable surgery.
I got to keep my cloths and no IVs or drugs that way. It was very straight forward and not scary, Kay.
Janet Ortega, the advice I didn’t give Kevin: you may want to buy some cheap drug store reading glasses until you can get new glasses.
And Juanita Pierce, I am so thankful I was not given “monovision” as I did not adapt between surgeries and my after experience might well have been like yours.
I used the have very good 3 to 6 in vision and after that I was extremely short sighted. I now have lost that short vision but wear tri-focals to correct that. I have astigmatism that the lens I got did not correct. I understand there is a lens that does correct that now.
I am so very happy with the results.
I hope you, Kevin, will also continue to be pleased. Not that long ago we would have just gone blind!
Susan Villiere says
I’m an enormous fan of yours, I love your self-deprecating sense of humour, your recipes,
your photos!
Glad, all though somewhat harrowing, everything went very well!
Of other things….my copper bowl bought especially for beating egg whites…does not seem
to make any difference? What say you?
Susan
Anne in Vermont, zone 4/5 says
Kevin,
I am so glad all went well. I hope the next eye will achieve similar success. Who is going to weed for the next few weeks?
Anne
Corrine says
Thank you for the surgery report. I know it is in my future and am working on emotional preparation. You have helped.
And congratulations for your new eyes – we are so lucky to be the age we are and living now.
Margaret says
Eye sight is such a blessing Kevin. None of us realize how fortunate we are even when we use readers as we get older. So glad everything went well for you.
Love reading your everyday thought on just about everything. I’m such a big fan of yours.
Donna J. says
Hey Kevin! My hubby goes in for his other eye tomorrow morning! Already had the other one done in July. He said it was a piece of cake. Good luck to you on your other one. He had the whole lens replaced.
Cecilia says
So glad it went well! When they mark the next eye, you’ll be glad they plan to do the correct one =)
From a faithful blog reader.
Beverly Nolan says
We have a friend who always had to wear “coke bottle” glasses. When he required this surgery, he was amazed at the colors and clarity he had immediately. He asked for the other eye to be done the following week-they made him wait a little longer! He just turned 81 and has not worn glasses for years. Glad your was successful too.
Penelope Roberts says
Hope you get a little ‘twilight zone’ next time Kevin. Good to know this was such a successful procedure and that you’re happy with the results! Thanks too for the great & funny details.
Rhonda Strahler says
SO happy you did well – I have them, but they are not “ripe” yet. BTW – thank you for the “thumbs-up” regarding the ACA. It has been nothing but a blessing for many people I know, including myself.
Rhonda Strahler says
Even MORE handsome now!! <3
Georgette says
Wonderful picture and your eyes look gorgeous. Keeping you in my prayers.
Lainey says
Are you singing some Johnny Nash??
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin’ for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
Maralee A Thompson says
Yeah for you! Glad you did it!
Pam says
So glad it went well. We are all the beneficiaries of medical science. Imagine going blind because of cataracts. I keep thinking that with the post-operative restrictions, you probably can’t really garden! I’m going to make sure when my time comes I’m scheduling it for winter. I can live without shoveling snow.
Linda A says
Liked your story, Kevin – cranky nurse and all.
I’m glad you wrote about it – helpful for everyone.
Now go lie down and let Lily lick your face.
(On 2nd thought, maybe that’s not such a good idea. Let her
lick your toes, instead.)
Marcia Colby Truslow says
Egad…. Nurse Cratchett made you strip and wear a hospital gown??? My experience was similar to ‘pk’s but I didn’t get an eye patch, nor a gift except for juice and cookies, nor the don’t-bend, don’t-lift, don’t-breathe-for-2-months routine. Just for a few days and then it on to the 2nd surgery 2 weeks later. A couple of months later both eyes were zapped to make a hole in the center of my lovely new and different lenses (one for regular vision and the other for distance). I guess it was a way to prevent pressure building up behind the lenses but, truly, I don’t recall why. I must say I am astounded at all the different experiences your readers wrote about. Halos at night are worse for me than before surgeries but I just received, from some unknown website, a pair of $30 sun-type glasses to resolve that issue. They work! and I even use them during daylight for sunglasses.
I am just happy for you that all went so well. Great good luck with the next one! It truly is miracle surgery and the easiest I have ever dealt with, thank goodness!
Laura Munoz says
I’m really glad to hear the surgery was a success. I’m a big chicken. I’d probably put it off as long as possible. I hope you’re taking it easy for awhile.
Melodi Reyes says
So Glad to hear all went well. My mom had cataract surgery in her 90’s and she could read the newspaper sans glasses. I was so envious. I have cataracts and I’m waiting for the day when I can have this amazing surgery. One of the few perks I getting older.
How’s the new washer holding up?
Making your English muffins tomorrow
Stay well!
Sheri says
So thankful it went well for you and you can see now. Please follow the doctor’s orders and be careful the next few weeks.
Sheri Rice says
Thanks for the detailed account! For those of us who have been through surgeries, it really does help to know every little detail. Like… you’ll be naked except for a “robe” that moonlights as a paper towel. When I had outpatient surgery on my thyroid and my foot (separately), I brought my own blankie and cashmere socks because those little rooms are FREEZING. Plus when I get nervous (and I haven’t eaten) I get very chilly.
Anyway – I’m sure glad you didn’t have pain and that all went well. I presume they do your second eye in a few weeks?
Ann of San Diego says
A great happy description of your surgery AND zucchini recipes! You dear David, are are are a Saint. Bless you and thank you and o pray for the speediest recovery.
And thank you for calling out the ACA! We need access to our health insurance!
Joann says
So glad all went well!!
Sunni says
So happy you made it through~and hope by the 2nd surgery it will be “old hat” to you. Glad to have heard about the experience from an actual account. Now, hopefully, later rather than sooner, when I have mine done can I borrow you or your saint, David Deutsch, for hand holding and providing an anti-anxiety pep talk? Be sure to bring the wine glasses for later.
Patti says
I am glad that all went well. Now to get the second one over with.
Ceal Whalen says
I’m proud of you! Thanks for the tip of having someone bring something to eat. I always try to be the first i the O.R. because my belly rumbles if I haven’t eaten. Very embarrassing!
Janet Metzger says
Kevin,
I am grateful that the surgery went so well. Thanks also for the detailed description–THAT reduces angst. I know that both of Dad’s surgeries went well. will be praying for a strong recovery and a good second surgery.
(PS: Sometimes the computer does not work well, so I cannot send a post)
Pax!
Trudi says
Wow! You /I can “feel the love” in all these posts!! We are all so proud of your courage and grateful for the outcome. . Yay You!
Margaret Califano says
Kevin, I’m so glad your cataract surgery went well ! You gave me a glimpse into my future, since I have some growing! Keep well
Carolyn Yost says
How lucky you are that they did you bad eye first, they didn’t with me. My bad eye was 20/400 while my good eye was 20/40. I had to get by for over a week using my bad eye. I didn’t realize
how nearsighted I really was.
Samantha Gray says
So very happy for you that your surgery went so well. As a nurse practitioner, I apologize for the behaviour of the member of my profession who didn’t meet muster. Courtesy never goes out of style (even when your feet, back, etc are killing you!) and is due every patient. I’m amazed that you took the time to put together those zuccini recipes for us all. That’s dedication! Thank you so much, and may your recovery continue smoothly to a perfect conclusion.
Jean says
Hi Kevin,
Just think how well you cook being legally blind in one eye! Now….think how much better you will be cooking, if that is possible, now that you can see your recipes and what you are doing!!! So happy for you it was a success, now the second one will be a breeze and you give me hope as I wait another year to see if they can then do surgery on my eyes. Blessings
Debbie Woodbury says
So happy for you! And of course “Julie loves you!” What’s not to love about a man with a feather boa! ❤️
Deb Mercer says
CONGRATS and so glad to hear it went well. You’re now a member of the “weird-eyeball-glare-in-photos” club. Anyone else who’s had cataract surgery can tell you what that means. I’ll be interested to learn if you see colors differently now that your eye is “fixed”!
Carol says
Isnt cataract surgery one of our modern miracles? So glad your surgery went well and so glad we have the ACA to assist in providing access to healthcare. Although the post-surgery instructions may be difficult to follow I’m sure hoping you will follow them explicitly! For your own good.
sandra says
Congratulations, Kevin. I just knew you would do well. I hope the next eye surgery is a breeze. It will be nice to see perfectly again. No glasses our perhaps just readers. xo
Cathy in Baltimore says
How marvelous that you have been doing all that you fo with only one good eye! I think we can now expect extraordinary things from now on! So glad it went so well for you!
Kip Morrissette says
After reading many of the comments….I decided to RE-CHECK with my doctor as I am scheduled for first cataract surgery Aug 24th. I went down my list of concerns one by one. Will be given a light Valium to calm me down. NO GOWN, just wear a top with front buttons that can be opened to hook up monitor. Will have a light sheet covering for comfort. Will have same type “who cares sedative” when a colonoscopy is done….you are awake but do NOT remember or feel anything. Absolutely NO PAIN. Vivid colors will be seen. Procedure is 8-10 minutes. May or may not have a little blurred vision from any swelling but will go away quickly. Start the procedure of Eye Drops the following day (if drops are a problem for you, I hate ’em), you will be put on pills. Next day follow-up with optometrist to check eye to make sure all is hunky-dory. If I thought there was any chance of any kind of pain/pressure like you had…I was going to find someone else. Not any Big Girl bones in my 76 yr old body, only Huge Chicken bones.
Cairn says
Does your eye sparkle now? I know my mom and dad’s do from the lens.