Thanks for the comment. Agreed, it is a crazy technique. You can check out more info about why we are to be facedown: retinarecovery.ca/facedown-recovery-questions/why-do-i-have-to-lie-facedown The position of the head is the most critical part of the recovery. As someone who has personally gone through this and recovered successfully, I can attest to the fact that without some kind of support, the challenges of following the protocol are very difficult. For the first several years of business, I would always have our renters take a photo of their position and show it at their follow-up appointment. I've also requested from the Ophthalmologist's office that they relay any concerns to me so we can address them. I think one of the most rewarding things I hear from our renters is how pleased their Ophthalmologist is with how they recover when following the facedown protocol. Again, thanks for the comment! ~ Steve
Thank you so much….i am sleeping with this method and putting pillows on top of the chair and resting my arms there…this way it has given me more air to breath because I couldn no do it with the unit on top of the mattress no air ….thank you so much i have 4 more days to go
I hear you! We used to rent equipment for sleeping on the bed but found it just didn't work well. I'm so glad you have found a system. Well done. All the best as you continue your recovery. I hope you've found a good playlist to listen to! ~ Steve
You are most welcome Ben. Keep in mind that what works one, two or three hours doesn't necessarily work for the next. Keep moving pillows and towels as needed. The most important part is to ensure your head is in the correct position, All the best! As of tomorrow (July 15, 2020), it will be 6 years since my surgery. Press on!
Hi Claudine, Thanks for the comment. I'm with you! In my case, I've had flashes in my non-surgery eye now for over 9 years without an issue. As for my surgery eye, I'm doing really well except for the clouding of my cataract lens. With that all said, focusing on my eye health has become a priority. I'm continuing to learn so much from ru-vid.com and www.youtube.com/@HolisticVisionCoach All the best, Steve
I had the Silicone oil put in as another option, it worked well, no facedown just sleep on your side first night and hole closed in a day but the oil had to be removed in a month so I had to undergo surgery again. Now I have a cataract in that eye so now I need that surgery done... one caused the other. Oxidation of two surgeries was too much so the cataract formed immediately on that eye only. Praying for the day when I can see clearly again, I now have double vision caused by the cataract, waiting to get scheduled for the procedure.
Thanks David. Although not perfect it helps get you from surgery to the end of your facedown time. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. All the best! ~ Steve
Retina Recovery Inc. Hi Steve, I go into surgery this Thursday and your approach was most helpful. My biggest concern is having the the right mindset to try as many pillow positions so as to make the best of a miserable situation.
@@davidbernabei106 It's one day and sometimes one hour at a time. Feel free to email me through our website at www.retinarecovery.ca and I'll send you my notes that I provide for our renters. ~ Steve
Hi Chris, Sorry for the delay in responding. I have never been so busy in this business delivering and picking up equipment. I hope you have found ways of distracting yourself during the recovery. If surgery is still ahead, keep in mind that it may take you 48 hours to find that sweet spot for comfort. All the best in taking one moment at a time. I've been through this journey and it is worth it. ~ Steve
I’m having Vitrectomy surgery in a few weeks. I NEED this massage table! PLEASE reply with a link for this one. It looks comfortable. Thanks so very much. This is my first time and I’m so worried about the facedown and want to do my best.
Hi Susan, Sorry for the delay. Where are you located? Feel free to email at info@retinarecovery.ca as I can provide you with the closest supplier. ~ Steve
I am going in for Retinal reattachment surgery on the 15th. We are renting face down equipment locally. I am concerned about what to do during times when it is necessary to get up. Eating, swallowing food, going to the bathroom, etc. I believe my surgeon (Christopher Brown, M.D., retina specialist) said that 10 minute breaks are acceptable for the bathroom, etc. Anyone here who has been through face down recovery have any insight on this? On the break time from face-down time, and how to avoid too much movement or impairment of eye recovery? Also, does anyone have experience on how long the face down recovery usually lasts? I have heard anything between 1-3 weeks. Thanks so much.
Hi Mark, Thanks for the questions. In our service area (Southern Ontario, CANADA), most Surgeon's require 7-10 days facedown. My comfort level is 10 days for two reasons: 1) I personally was 10 days facedown and I know I maximized my recovery and 2) I see very few repeat surgeries when facedown for 10 days. As you know I'm not a surgeon. These observations only come through my filter and watching hundreds of people recover. Re: movement - First, the fact that you are asking the questions says to me that you have nothing to worry about. Generally you are given 5-10 breaks/hour and 3 x 20 minute breaks/day. I rarely took what was allotted to me. Work to avoid any sudden movements. Additionally, my surgeon did not want me 'exercising' (walking around the block) during the facedown period and after this period for several more weeks. On the flipside some surgeons allow their patients to return to life as normal within 1-2 weeks. However, in my 6 years of equipping people to maximize their recovery I DO NOT recommend rushing back to 'regular' life and I have stories to back-up why rushing back is not the best approach. Re: eating - Because I was scared I wanted my head down as much as possible. We coach people to put their food on one chair while sitting on another. In this way, you are leaning forward. It is normally OK to sit up for the 5-10 minutes. My wife and I wrote a blog post on our website related to food and facedown recovery, much of which was provided by our renter's recommendations: www.retinarecovery.ca/facedown-recovery-tips/food-and-facedown-recovery ... Again, thanks for the questions and all the best in your recovery. Please keep me posted, Steve
They expect you to shower and dry your hair in 15 minutes. I didn't wash my hair the entire week. Husband had food ready for me but honestly, I wasn't hungry. The gas bubble moving around makes me unstable on my feet and nauseous
I could not sleep on the table. I Kept waking up uw/pain In my back. So, the dr said that I could slap on one side but enough though I've used pillows , I roll on my back sometimes. Alot of this was not explained tone ahead of time
Thanks, Donna for sharing your experience. First, I'm glad you have found a comfortable spot for yourself. We are so different and what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for the next. Second, here are a couple of suggestions. a) Rolling on Your Back: you might try taking a pair of tights and stuffing. ball in them. Then tie the tights around your waist. When you roll on your back it will be uncomfortable. Another option is to put clothespins on your back. Again, this is uncomfortable if you were to lay on them but it will keep you in place. b) Sleeping Facedown and Back Pain: we advise our renters to have a pillow or sometimes two in front of the hips. Raising your hips in this way reduces the stress on your back. However, if you don't also have a pillow or yoga mat in front of your ankles you will not get the full effect and relief. I hope this helps. Hang in there, you will get there! Please keep me posted! ~ Steve
Thanks for the question. When I do have people with neck, back and hip issues I will recommend also having a chair so that they can rotate positions by the hour or sooner than that. Some people can sleep in the facedown recovery chair although I personally couldn't. Although not an immediate solution, I'm finding personally that eliminating inflammatory foods in my diet (i.e. wheat) has helped issues that I have in my jaw. If you find something that works, please let me know as we all learn from each other. All the best! ~ Steve
I hear you. We have learned so much from my experience as well as from the hundreds of others we have helped. As an additional update, we are suggesting that in the hip region, a blanket or bath towel can also be used instead of a pillow. It is those subtle changes that can make an enormous difference. ~ Steve
I’m so sorry for the slow reply. I somehow missed the notification. I hope you are doing well. Every Ophthalmologist has a different protocol. In my case with my retinal detachment I was scared to lift my head. I needed the peace of mind to know I had done everything I could to maximize my eyesight. As a result, I remained pretty stationary. I do recommend walking slowly around your home to ensure you do not have any issues with blood clots. I have an acquaintance who is an ER doctor and he recommends that you keep moving your arms and legs during your stationary time. I trust this provides some additional direction despite the slow response. ~ Steve
I have scoliosis of the spine. I can not sleep on my back or front, I have macular holes. It would be impossible for me to do face down for any length of time. is this REALLY necessary? some surgeons are saying it isn't. I also live alone an have two cats to look after.
Thanks for the question. You are definitely not alone. If I have anyone who has a back issue they will often use our rental chairs instead of the bed. They find that redistributes their body in a way that takes the pressure off the back. Re: facedown positioning - My Surgeon says that no facedown time works for some but not all and thus will not recommend it. I am, however, aware of the info that you have read. Having watched people recover since 2015, I have great confidence in the 7 day facedown position. In fact, the only person I know who has had a second surgery to repair a macular hole was required only to be facedown for 3 days. I hope this helps. ~ Steve
Sorry for the delay in responding as I was away for a short period of time. As per the comment, I am aware of the research. What I generally hear as response is that "works for some, not all, we don't know why, and we are not going to do it." As a third party company that provides equipment to assist with the facedown recovery, I am well aware that the day will come when this will be the accepted protocol. In the meantime, I unfortunately continue to see themes to repeat surgeries. Thanks for your comment. ~ Steve
Hi Rebecca, I’m so sorry for your challenge. I’m sure the thought of recovery is a little overwhelming. First, it is the position of your head that is most critical in terms of recovery and not your body position. Second, I do have some people that are unable to lay facedown just like you. I would highly recommend finding a massage chair that will allow you to find some relief for your neck and shoulders. Additionally, there are portable massage units on Amazon. I find that these don’t work well as evidenced by renter feedback. I used to have 10 of them for shipping purposes but ended up donating them to an organization. With that said, though, I kept two and will use them when I have situations like yours. I would start though by looking for a massage chair or facedown recovery chair on FB Marketplace. Keep me posted. As well feel free to email me at info@retinarecovery.ca with any other questions you might have. We are here to help. I’m now at almost 10 years post-vitrectomy. Cheering you on! ~ Steve
I lost use of my left arm y laying on my left side. I’m so afraid Tod what will happen to me recovering from the next surgery I two month when I’ll have to lay face down for recovery. This happened to me because of a doctor not listening to me before the first surgery. 😡
Hi Gary, I’m so sorry for your journey. Man, this is not something anyone wants to hear. I’m hoping that your next surgery is completed by a doctor who you feel is listening to your needs and concerns. This is so important in helping you prepare for and then recover from your surgery. As for the positioning, can you see if it is possible to recover with a different head position. Every surgeon is slightly different. Please keep us posted. We are here cheering you on. ~ Steve
@@Retinarecovery thank you Steve. I feel Dr Patel from the retina center of Texas is the right team for me. This next one will be the fourth eye surgery just on my left eye. He is doing everything the right way with no short cuts. As far as the face down position he said that because of all the damage the first doctor cause that the face down will be the only way to get it to heal properly. I hate that I have lost my way of life but I guess it was shoddy will and I’ll never second guess Him. Once again I thank y’all from the bottom of my heart ❤️
Gary, Any questions you have please reach out! I can send you a bunch of resources and ideas to help if you want. You can reach me at info@retinarecovery.ca ~ Steve
I don't recall from my personal experience but from watching others recover the redness is generally gone between day 7 and 10. If it is a repair from a retinal detachment it could potentially be longer. In my case, I had so much blood in my eye for the first 3 days that I was unable to see out of the surgery eye. Thanks for the question Sadrul. All the best as you walk this journey. ~ Steve
Hi Donald, that's a great question and something I will add to my video task list. With the face pillows we use, most but not all of our renters who require a CPAP machine have been able to wear their mask. As you already know, some masks will definitely work much better than others. As for the pace pillows, the wider the opening will definitely making it easier. We found that many face pillows are restrictive and when you add an eye shield to protect the eye into the mix it can make things impossible. Let me know how things go for you. All the best, Steve
@@Retinarecovery I'm not looking forward to this surgery at all. I live alone, so that doesn't help either, and my rescued American Bulldog absolutely refuses to help.....LOL!!! I mentioned my CPAP machine during my pre-op Monday, and didn't get any real answer and was told to bring it up before surgery. that makes me feel better......said no one ever!!! Anyhow, I'll let you know, if someone gives me an actual answer to that question. I'm just getting over two cataract surgery's too, so am getting hit on all sides!! LOL!!!
@@donaldrockjr8314 I'm sorry to hear of the challenges. The unknown is always the hardest. The surgery was uneventful for me ... no pain or discomfort. I was scared though during the initial 4 days because I had no sight out of my surgery eye. Many of my renters on day 1 are already able to see their fingers. Be patient. As well, be careful about comparing your recovery with someone else. We are all different and recovery at different speeds. Donald, feel free to reach out at anytime through my website. One day at a time! ~ Steve
@@khunkhun104 My activity after my surgery was normal. I had a patch, and didn't have to have the gas bubble thingy, so that was a relief. I just couldn't get the patch wet, so I cut a garbage bag in half, and put it over my head, and took a shower. Sleep s usual, unless directed otherwise by your own physician.
i didnt get this table and it sucks sleeping on my right side all the time....this position here you will droooollllll... this position will not help ur sleep apnea either.
