How to Survive Face Down Recovery

Face Down Recovery is a 2-6 week 24/7 post-operative regimen for patients who had vitreo-retinal surgery (Vitrectomy), a surgery to repair the rearmost wall of the eye due to macular (retinal) holes or tears. The post-surgery regimen for macular holes requires the patient to stay in a face down position for up to six weeks. Many prospective patients shudder at the idea of spending that much time restrained face down. How does the patient adhere to such rigorous confinement?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   What happens during a Vitrectomy? To repair the macular hole or tear, the surgeon must remove the vitreous humor, the jelly-like substance that fills the inner eye, so the damaged portion can be repaired. The empty cavity is then filled with a gas bubble to keep the repair intact to allow healing.

2. 

   Because the bubble can easily move, the surgeon requires that the patient stay in a face down position for 23-1/2 hours a day over a period of 2-6 weeks. This can be challenging for the patient, hence, a tolerable face-down recovery method is imperative for healing to take place.

3. Until recently, little was available for the patient to use for recovery except for pillows or other restrictive devices. However, thanks to a company called Puzzltec Solutions, Inc., The Recoveris TM Holistic Face-Down Recovery Center is now being brought to the market as the Recoveris TM Franchise.

4. The center encourages movement and activity, rest, and even creativity to bring the body, mind, and emotions into balance, therefore, a holistic approach to healing. It can move from vertical to horizontal, so the patient can easily mount the center. Once horizontal, the weight of the body is distributed evenly. Optimal resting angles can then be established. The patient can also switch on an integral mechanism that induces a smooth undulating motion throughout the body. Coordinated whole-body work out is also provided. A slide-in meal tray and media center is easily accessible. Cushions adjust to size and contour to the patient's body.

5. The unique system will be known as Recoveris TM - Unique Solutions for Medical Recovery. The Link to Puzzltec is below under resources.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are going to undergo Vitrectomy, ask your surgeon about the Recoveris TM method for Holistic Recovery.
• Ask your health care insurance provider about the benefits of the Recoveris TM method.
• DO FOLLOW all of your surgeon's instructions.
• This surgery is extremely successful when the recovery regimen has been faithfully followed.

Resources

• Puzzltec Solutions Inc.

[blingaling]

on 2/24/2009 This article tells it like it is. I had a vitrectomy a few years ago. Thankfully, the procedure had advanced to the point I only had to stay face down for a week. My husband ordered a special device so I could sleep face down. He also ordered a special chair I could sit in during the day and keep my face down. It was rough, and I had everything going for me: age, special equipment, and all the help and diversion I needed from a very supportive caregiver (my husband). The surgery was successful, so it was worth it. Anyone who plans to have a vitrectomy should make sure it is done by a retina specialist with a long record of success in this specific procedure. Expect it to be a challenging recovery, have your equipment and diversions (music, friends, etc.) in place ahead of time, and get someone to stay with you for at least a week after the surgery to take care of you and keep you

[nethopperz]

on 7/1/2008 I'm glad Puzzltec devised a solution that would make this recovery a little easier. It sounds very challenging without it.

[cstanz]

on 6/30/2008 very interesting!

[byllz]

on 6/30/2008 Great Article, Hope I never have to have this done!

[luv2blog]

on 6/30/2008 I had never heard of that surgery. Very informative and very well written. 5*****