I am scared

[oscar126]

I have to have surgery for cataracts. I am aware that my sight is poor but if it were not for the effect that this has on other people, I would not comtemplate this surgery AIBU to be scared?

[StealthPolarBear]

No yanbu.
However as I understand it (could be wrong) it is a fairly straightforward op. Have you spoken to anyone who has had it done?
My gra dpa had his removed in his 80s, it transformed hislife.

[AgentZigzag]

YANBU

Everything will be fine

[Wolfiefan]

YANBU but I know several people who have had this done and it has changed their life SO much for the better. What worries you the most?

[Darmok]

It's easy to say, but I'm as sure as I can be that I'd have it done.
It transformed my granny into her younger self.

[ICanSeeTheSun]

It's only natural to be scared. Good luck on the operation.

[andream34]

I know a friend who had this operation only a month ago. It was very successful, she is SO much happier as a result!

Don't worry, it is a commonly-performed operation; surely you would not want to NOT have the operation and continue in life with very poor, failing eyesight.

I hope all goes well.

X

[Cornettoninja]

Yanbu, the mere thought of surgery makes me feel like I'm leaning over the edge of the Empire State building.

They're right though, it'll be fine and the results worth it. Have you had the opportunity to talk to the surgeon about it?

[BeeMom]

My DMiL has had both eyes done (separately).

Her biggest complaint was that all of a sudden her house was FULL of cobwebs

[SecretWitch]

YANBU. Facing the unknown is always frightening. I've known several people who have had this surgery and it has gone very well. Perhaps talking a bit more with your surgeon will put you at ease. I'm sending good thoughts your way for a wonderful outcome and speedy recovery..xx

[wobblyweebles]

I've had eye surgery (not cataracts) and I was also terrified beforehand so I get how you feel right now.

It was one of the best things I ever did though. It is amazing being able to see clearly again.

[Timeandtune]

I had surgery last year on both eyes and it has been truly transformational. I was a bit anxious the first time but honestly it is not painful and it is a very quick procedure ( less than 5 mins). I had no pain or discomfort afterwards and my sight is now perfect.

I can see my wrinkles more clearly and dust on the skirting boards but that is a small price to pay!

[doorbellringer]

I worked for a major name opticians and sat in on this and laser eye surgery. I can honestly say it was life changing for some people. I wouldn't hesitate to have either done if I needed it. Go for it!

[Silvercatowner]

In all honesty, you don't have a choice. You will be blind if you don't have the surgery. I've had both eyes done. Mine didn't go to plan due to an undiagnosed existing eye condition - I have not encountered anyone else whose cataract surgery had a poor outcome which shows how vanishingly rare it is. The surgery is uncomfortable rather than unpleasant - it certainly wasn't painful. There is really no sense that someone is operating on your eye, especially if you have the sedation that may be offered. Although my surgery didn't have the great outcome that I was expecting, I can still see - I would be blind if I hadn't had it done.

[WowOoo]

Not unreasonable to be scared at all. I would be petrified.

Have faith in the surgeons. They know their stuff and want things to go as well as you do.

All the best. Let us know how you are feeling afterwards. When is the op booked?

[Andrewofgg]

YANBU and much love to you.

[Pipbin]

You have every reason to be scared.

My father had his done a couple of years ago and he said he found it less stressful than a trip to the dentist.

[Pipbin]

That doesn't come across well. What I mean is that it is normal to be scared but you don't need to be.

[oscar126]

Thank you all for your replies, they really do help!

I have a date for the surgery in June...

[Rabbitcar]

My friends mum had it done last Tuesday and is thrilled with the result. Really it's as straightforward as it gets so please try not to worry.

[Silvercatowner]

Tell whoever is doing the surgery that you are nervous (though I think it'd be weird if you weren't!) and consider sedation - for my ops i had a cannula in the back of my hand and something was put through just to take the edge off. It isn't just in your interest to be as relaxed as possible - the surgeon will want you to be as well.

[Hoppinggreen]

I know surgery is scary but I used to work in a hospital that did this and people would come back for their post OP check ups in tears because they thought they would never see properly again and were so happy with the results.

[wheresthelight]

Yanbu to be scared! I am terrified of anything medical!!

But I do know some people who have had it done and they have had completely successful procedures. Obviously as with any there are risk amd sometimes things go wrong, but try and focus on the positiveside the operation will give you

[Ifpigscouldfly]

Yanbu. On the plus side after it's done you can apparently see ultraviolet after it's been done. link

[ChickyEgg]

Yanbu. It's the anticipation leading up to it, it's horrible. But once it's done you'll be so happy.

[pointythings]

YANBU to be scared, but this kind of surgery is both incredibly routine and life changing. It gave my lovely elderly landlady back the ability to read when I was at uni, and seeing that pleasure was just amazing.