My Dad Is Having Cataract Surgery Tommorrow
By maddysmommy
@maddysmommy (16230)
United States
August 11, 2008 4:12am CST
About one hour ago (i.e. 4.05 am) I received a text message from my mom in New Zealand, telling me Dad was going in for surgery tommorrow. Surgery??? WTH 
I got on the phone and called them.
Apparently Dad can't see out of his right eye and has been on the waiting list for surgery for about a month. They got the call yesterday from his doctor, saying that someone had dropped off the waiting list, and that he has been confirmed for surgery at 9am tommorrow morning. I didn't have a clue what cataract surgery was so jumped online after I got off the phone with Mum to find out all about it.
According to eyecareamerica.org - "it's surgery to replace the eyes clouded lens with a clear artificial lens. The surgery is usually painless and takes less than an hour to perform ..."
Mum says he's going to be fine and there's no need to worry about him. I just find any kind of surgery scarey so I hope he is going to be ok.
I got on the phone and called them.
Apparently Dad can't see out of his right eye and has been on the waiting list for surgery for about a month. They got the call yesterday from his doctor, saying that someone had dropped off the waiting list, and that he has been confirmed for surgery at 9am tommorrow morning. I didn't have a clue what cataract surgery was so jumped online after I got off the phone with Mum to find out all about it.
According to eyecareamerica.org - "it's surgery to replace the eyes clouded lens with a clear artificial lens. The surgery is usually painless and takes less than an hour to perform ..."
Mum says he's going to be fine and there's no need to worry about him. I just find any kind of surgery scarey so I hope he is going to be ok.6 people like this
25 responses
@chaime (1152)
• Philippines
11 Aug 08
oh dont' worry about that..
Cataract sugery is a very simple procedure many doctors can perform it with their eyes closed so to speak.
Yes, I can understand you're worry. Even I would be worried if it was my dad undergoing the surgery, but I know that the surgery is for the better to help my dad, and as everyone is saying cataract surgery is only a simple procedure, doesn't even need general aneaesthesia (if I'm not mistaken) I will just pray (that is if you do that, ehem, ehem) that everything will be alright and believe it to be... Maybe you can also arrange to visit your parents sometime in the near future, if it's at all possible... ^_^
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
It would be nice to visit my parents in New Zealand and I hope we get to within the next few years. Flights are so expensive from Washington DC to New Zealand.
I know he will be ok considering it is a simple procedure. Thanks for your support chaime.
1 person likes this
@LOULOU323 (213)
•
11 Aug 08
A dear friend of mine has had cataracts done,in both of her eyes,they are done with a laser beam,she was allowed to go home after afew hours and the only aftereffect was a sore eye for a day or two,and she needed to apply drops to the eye three times daily,but boy was she plaesed with the sight that she regained after the removal of the cataract
3 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
The procedure does sound like a simple one and I am glad it is. I know he would feel better once it's done. He doesn't see too well in his left eye either so once the right is done, and going well, then he will be scheduled for another one, thanks Loulou!
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Thanks mayka. It's almost 9.40pm there so his surgery is not till the morning. Thanks for your well wishes.
2 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Wow 90 huh? nothing to worry about then :) thanks for your concern p1kefish!
1 person likes this
@mjmlagat (3170)
• Philippines
11 Aug 08
I wish your father well my Friend, and i wish your entire family strength for the ordeal. From the context of the procedure, it might just be a minor operation only I believe it scares us all because it's being done into one of the most important organs in our body...
At any rate, be strengthened and be hopeful, God is always there for those who call Him.
At any rate, be strengthened and be hopeful, God is always there for those who call Him.
3 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Thank you mjmlagat for those kind words. I do feel a lot better after receiving lots of positive responses. I haven't been able to get back to sleep after the phone call, but that's ok, my son is awake and it's almost 7am. Time to make breakfast soon.
1 person likes this
@buzzmaker (630)
• India
11 Aug 08
Technology has advanced so much now that some operations that seemed to be tough for doctors are today carried over extremely easily. The technology and medication has advanced a lot and such operations are nothing to worry tooo much now days.
I am sure it will all go through very very smooth and it will all be for good!
3 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Thanks buzzmaker, I'm sure it will too. Appreciate the kind thoughts.
1 person likes this
@disvachic (10117)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Hey maddysmommy your father will be just fine.My grandmother had the same surgery and her recovery was A okay.I wish him well.Nice to see ya here.take care
nita
2 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Hiya Shaunita :) how is life with you? long time no see or hear huh? hope your summer holidays are going well for you.
Knowing that the procedure is a simple one, I feel a lot better. Thanks for stopping on my and keep in touch ok
2 people like this
@riyasam (16556)
• India
11 Aug 08
you do not worry.it is a very simple operation.your dad would not feel uncomfortable at all.on the contrary he will have better vision.i can understand your anxiety but he is just going to be fine.best luck to him and do update later.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Thank you riyasam. After reading up on what cataract surgery involved, I felt relieved knowing what happens in the procedure. I know he will be fine, just wish I was there you know? Some times I hate living so far away from family when things like this happen. Thanks for your support.
2 people like this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
11 Aug 08
My maternal grandmother had cataract surgery and that was years ago when I was in my twenties and she was fine. It is easier now and safer so you do not need to have any worries about your dad. It is perfectly safe. I think he did not want you to worry unnecessarily. It least he is lucky to get it done with just a month's waiting list. Here in Canada, the waiting list can be about six months to a year and during the time it will get worse. NOw with all the aging baby boomers, the wait will be even longer.
I find surgery in certain parts of the body to be scary, but that is because I had it.
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
11 Aug 08
No not cataracts. I had surgery below the waist.
2 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
12 Aug 08
Thank you suspenseful and I am happy that it is a simple procedure and nothing to worry about. I just got a call from my mum telling me that he is fine and they are at home now :) thanks for your support!
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
12 Aug 08
Thanks Rozie, I got a call from mum yesterday afternoon and you're right, he is fine. He is home for three weeks and then they are going to look at his left eye, as he is having trouble seeing out of that too. Diabetes related and old age I think.
@consultrainer (4991)
• India
11 Aug 08
well, as you might have understood, this is nothing to worry about. TRULY, any surgery is just as scary.. but, this is one of the simplest and routine surgeries. Please rest assured. and, please convey our heartiest SPEEDY RECOVERIES to your daddy,. and the bestest regards to your mommy. They need your warm support, atleast over the phone.
Tell them that you are really doing well.
See how the internet has helped .. to educate you. Goodluck
3 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
I will consultrainer, and thanks very much for your support and kind words. After receiving a few positive responses, I feel relieved and ok now. Thanks.
2 people like this
@cupid74 (11388)
• Pakistan
11 Aug 08
Hi dear
its normal and easy surgery and most probably done with the help of Laser.
their is no pain, no bleeding, they just replace lense
and give drops for few days and after that its ok
i am sure ur father will be Ok after it
Wish him best of luck
Take care
2 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Thanks Cupid for you kind wishes. After reading what everyone had to say, I feel quite confident it will go well. Thanks for your support.
1 person likes this
@Margajoe (4746)
• Germany
11 Aug 08
Hi,
I can understand the concern.
But know a days these medical questions can be
fixed so easily.
My Mom had that operation 3 years ago.
And last week she got operated with a lazier.
And she is doing very well.
It didn't even take a min.
She already could see better the same day.
The first operation with the artificial lens was also
not a problem, but this last one was even easier.
Only needs some help with the eye drops.
But other then that, she is very happy.
How is your Dad?
Take care, have a nice day.
Margajoe.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Sounds like it will go over easily then, thanks margajoe. He doesn't have his surgery until later on tonight (their morning) so I won't know until I call them tommorrow sometime. Dad is fine but from the text I received from mum, just got me worried that's all. I do feel better now from all the positive responses. Thanks my friend!
2 people like this
@Margajoe (4746)
• Germany
1 Sep 08
hi There!!!
Thanks for the best responds.
Sorry, have not been on lately.
Been busy trying to find ways to make some extra money.
Every penny counts.
My Lot is not just a money making program.
Like you, I just love to be able to communicate with others
every once in a while.LOL!
Has your Dad doing know?
Take care, have a nice day!!!
@ashnigam (96)
• India
11 Aug 08
Hi Maddysmommy,
Don't worry mate, just be calm and cool. Believe me, cataract surgery is not a big deal these days. You are right when you say that you feel scary about any kind of surgery but it is a minor one any might be over within 45 minutes or so. I sincerely hope your father would be back to his job within a couple of days. Just be in touch with your parents and everything will be fine. Take care.
3 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Thank you for your support and kind words ashnigam. Makes me feel a whole lot better too :)
2 people like this
@patgalca (18366)
• Orangeville, Ontario
11 Aug 08
Don't worry. These days it really is no big deal. Both my parents had cataract surgery and they came out of it with better vision. My Dad needed his glasses less often. The Deacon at our church had it done last year. Now he doesn't even need his glasses to read. It is a simple, every day procedure now that really shouldn't cause you to worry. Your mother's right, he's going to be fine.
2 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Thanks pat for your support. After reading all the responses I do feel heaps better.
1 person likes this
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Hi maddysmommy,
[i]I know it will be painless with all the technology we have today..We have a friend here who had a surgery also last March and he said, it was so fast and he didn't feel anything!
SOmetimes, our imagination will scare us but just relax...[/i]
2 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Anything to do with surgery and my family scares me a lot, but I know he will be ok after reading everyone's responses. It is a simple procedure and the recovery will be quick. I just got a fright because Mum never mentioned it when she was here. I'll be calling him later on to see if he is ok. Thanks for your support checapricorn.
1 person likes this
@twallace (2675)
• United States
11 Aug 08
I don't know anyone that has had this done before but I wish them the best. Your eyes are nothing to play with. But don't worry is should go fine. The way that they have advanced in technology with things involving the eye he will be fine. If you can just make sure that your there.
2 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Unfortunately I am unable to be there as they live in New Zealand and we live in Washington DC. I will be calling him later on this evening to make sure he is ok. Thanks for your support twallace.
1 person likes this
@trishasantos (1297)
• Philippines
12 Aug 08
my grandmother had one too. She is old and starting to have failing eye sights. And she had cataracts on her eyes. So my mom saved money to have my grandmother who is btw her mom to have an operation. My mom is really generous to family members and really nice to them, she helps them in any way she can even if were gonna be broke, Anyway, my grandmother had an operation to one of the most expensive hospitals here and after that she does not wear glasses anymore. She is old but now she is really happy and thankful she does not poor eye sight.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
12 Aug 08
That's the great thing about this operation, is his eyesight would be so much better. He is doing well from what Mum told me on the phone yesterday afternoon. Any type of surgery scares me but I'm glad that the procedure was a simple one. Thanks for youre response trishasantos.
@iambaiyunlvshui (122)
• China
12 Aug 08
i am sorry to hear that .i hope that god will protect your dad .i hope that the surgery will be ok
2 people like this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
12 Aug 08
Thank you iambaiyunlvshui :) I got a call from my mum today and she said he is doing fine and is resting at home now. Thanks again.
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
11 Aug 08
Oh I am happy that he is having surgery since I had no idea he couldn't see out of his right eye. My mum didn't even tell me when she was here visiting last month. Eventually he will also have surgery on is left eye once his right was is ok. Thanks hadeka and welcome to mylot.
1 person likes this
