Not a candidate for Lasik surgery! - Candida Message Board

bricks · 09-18-2003, 10:26 PM

New to Board. Need to talk to someone who does not qualify for Lasik surgery. About 90% of the people I work with have had or are having the surgery. Since I was told I cannot have the surgery, my friends avoid me. I was extremely disappointed that I couldn't have the surgery. I know they don't want to hurt my feelings but I feel like I have a contagious disease at work. What can I do? Has anyone had this experiience? Please, HELP!

TinyTot2 · 09-19-2003, 12:24 PM

Sorry to ask this, but what kind of people avoid you just because you can't have Lasik surgery??? I am just disgusted in their behavior. Do you have or can you wear contacts? Or maybe you should go to a different doctor for a second opinion. There are many many new procedures out now that you could possibly have. Maybe you should remind them about the negative sides of having the surgery... halo vision around lights, extreme sensitivity to light, itchy eyes, sometimes pain, risk of the procedure not working, fluxuating vision after the surgery, having to put drops in your eyes every hour of every day for months,... these are all things that can/will happen. Or, what if they still need glasses after the surgery? Many people still need reading glasses, especially after the age of 40.

I'm sorry to hear about your ideal, and know that you'd probably like to hear from people in your situation. Fact is, I had Lasik 3 months ago, but I hope my support will help you a bit.

[This message has been edited by TinyTot2 (edited 09-19-2003).]

bricks · 09-19-2003, 01:41 PM

I appreciate your input, TinyTot2. There is one group of doctors here, in our town of @100,000, that does the eye surgery. When I couldn't have the surgery, we tried contacts. It has been a year of trying to get the right prescription. Finally, two weeks ago, this doctor told me I had keratoconus and would have to go to the rigid gas permeable lenses. Before the lenses could come in, I awoke one morning with terrible pain in my right eye. Now, they are saying I have Fuch's Dystrophy and probably can't wear contact lenses. I am looking out-of-town for another doctor.
I am glad to hear that you had the Lasik surgery. None of the people I know that have had the surgery have had any problems and are very happy with the outcome. I really am happy for my friends...until I hear them whispering behind my back. When that happens, I just want to scream "HEY, IT'S OKAY. I AM HAPPY FOR YOU...YOU DON"T HAVE TO SNEAK AROUND TO TALK ABOUT YOUR SURGERY". But, of course, I can't do that so I just get my feelings hurt. Silly, isn't it!
Your suggestion about telling them the risks might be a good idea but then wouldn't that just sound like sour grapes? Thanks, again for sending your reply.
bricks

iChrisi · 09-19-2003, 04:09 PM

I agree. What kind of people avoid you because you can't have LASIK?

Why aren't you a candidate?

I don't think it's worth a second opinion. If one doctor says you're not a candidate, I think your risk of complications has greatly increased regardless of whether or not another doctor says you are.

Chris

Shaman · 09-19-2003, 04:22 PM

bricks-

How about just telling them what you said here, i.e. "You don't have to sneak around to talk about it." If you let them know that it makes you feel WORSE and even more left out, then they will stop if they are really your friends. Also, I must say that once the novelty of the whole situation has worn off, they will probably lose interest in the subject and stop talking about it altogether, in front of you or not. This too shall pass.

Here is the bad news - keratoconus and Fuchs' are both diseases of the cornea. You are not now, nor will you ever be a candidate for LASIK. Any Dr. who says that you are is a quack. I realize that it is a bitter pill to swallow, but you will only hurt yourself further by continuing to search for a Dr. who would perform LASIK on you. If you do not have one already, you need an ophthamologist who specializes in cornea problems. Find one now because he will be your lifelong companion. Does anyone else in your family have Fuchs'? It is a heriditary condition so it would be quite surprising for it to just "pop up". Please educate yourself on these conditions so you are in a position to make informed choices about your treatment.

I do understand your disappointment. I am not a candidate for LASIK, and have been warned against wearing contacts as I am considered "one-eyed" and therefore high risk. Sucks when every other kid on the block gets the new, hot, toy for christmas and you don't huh?