Bichectomy surgery is a type of surgery that removes one or both of the eyes. The procedure is done to treat glaucoma, which is a disease that damages the optic nerve, which can cause vision loss. The procedure is also done to treat retinal detachment and other eye diseases.
The end result of this procedure is blindness in one eye or loss of vision in both eyes. Bichectomy recovery can be challenging, but there are ways to make your life easier during this time and help you maintain your health.
Here are some tips for managing your health during bichectomy recovery:
Take a week off work to recover.
You need time off so that you can rest and recover properly. It also gives you time to recover from any medication side effects such as dizziness or nausea. You should also avoid strenuous activity while your body heals, so taking a week off work will give you time to heal without worrying about coming into contact with germs or other people who could make you sick again.
Ask your surgeon when you can remove stitches.
If your surgeon didn’t remove them during his workup or after surgery, ask him how long it will be before he does so. The stitches will dissolve on their own over time, but they should not be pulled out before that happens because this could cause infection.
Don’t eat too many salty foods during recovery.
The body needs to flush out the excess fluid that builds up during the procedure. Eating salty foods can make this process more difficult. Instead, focus on fruits and vegetables with no added salt, such as carrots and applesauce.
Try not to smoke for at least two weeks after surgery.
Smoking causes blood vessels to narrow, which can cause complications when you’re healing from bichectomy surgery. If you smoke, ask your doctor whether it would be a good idea for you to stop before your procedure.
Keep your head elevated for the first few days to help with swelling.
The first few days after surgery, keep your head elevated above your heart as much as possible. This will reduce the swelling in your eye and prevent blood from pooling in the back of your eye. You can use pillows, blocks or even just towels under your head. Just make sure they’re not too high — about 45 degrees is best for keeping swelling down.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
Your diet should consist of at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean meats such as chicken breast, fish or skinless turkey. Avoid fried foods, fast food and processed foods such as potato chips and candy bars.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol can irritate your mouth during bichectomy recovery, so it’s best to avoid drinking it until your doctor says it’s okay. This means that no matter how much you want a drink after work or on the weekend, don’t give in! Alcohol will make your mouth more sensitive than usual and could cause pain or swelling that could last several days.
Use ice and heat to reduce swelling and pain.
Apply an ice pack for 15 minutes at a time every hour for the first 48 hours after surgery. Take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor. Use warm compresses to relieve eye discomfort. After 48 hours, use heat packs instead of ice packs to help relax your eyes and reduce swelling.
Avoid any strenuous activities during recovery.
Don’t lift anything heavier than five pounds immediately after the surgery. If possible, avoid lifting anything at all for at least one week after your bicep tendon repair. After that, start with small objects and gradually increase the amount of weight you lift over time.
Don’t panic if your face looks a little puffy at first.
It’s normal to feel puffy and swollen after surgery, especially around the eyes. This is because the blood vessels in your face are temporarily blocked by the silicone tubes that were inserted during surgery. The swelling should go down within three or four days. If it doesn’t go away, or if you have a fever or other symptoms of infection, call your surgeon right away.
Stay hydrated.
One of the best ways to help your body recover from surgery is by staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water and other non-caffeinated fluids so that you do not become dehydrated. You may also want to consider adding electrolytes or other supplements into your diet if you have trouble with fluid retention or an electrolyte imbalance.
Avoid any annoying habits like rubbing your cheeks or face
You may be tempted to pick at scabs or scratches after the procedure, but this can cause infections and scarring. If you do feel a bump on your cheek or chin, try not to touch it too much and let your doctor know about it.
Keep up with your aftercare.
This includes taking any medications and following your doctor’s instructions. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection. He or she may also recommend physical therapy or other treatments such as massage therapy, ultrasound, physical therapy and acupuncture to help you heal more quickly.
Do Not Lay on Your Face
Laying on your face can lead to bruising or swelling, which is why it’s important not to sleep on your stomach during recovery. Instead, lie on your back with pillows under your head. If you have trouble sleeping while in this position, try using an eye mask or other device that helps block out light so that you do not have any distractions while trying to fall asleep.
Brush Your Teeth Carefully
Brushing your teeth is a vital part of maintaining a healthy smile. However, when you’re recovering from bichectomy surgery, it’s easy to be a bit more careless with your oral hygiene routine. After all, you may be under the influence of painkillers and other medications that can make it difficult for you to focus on such tasks. The best thing you can do is brush your teeth as carefully as possible — but don’t brush too aggressively! You could cause damage to blood vessels and nerves in the mouth if you brush too hard or use an improper technique when brushing your teeth during recovery. For example, try using a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of an overly abrasive one. If possible, choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride because this has been shown to help prevent cavities and strengthen enamel over time. And if you notice any bleeding gums or loose teeth after brushing, contact your dentist as soon as possible so they can take proper care of these issues before they worsen over time.
Learn how to take a deeper breath
Breathing exercises are an important part of recovery after surgery. They can help you manage pain, reduce swelling and control your heart rate. The most important thing is that you learn how to take a deep breath. You may have heard about this before, but it’s worth repeating: Take a deep breath, hold it for five seconds, then slowly let it out through pursed lips (don’t let any air escape from your mouth). Repeat this five times. This exercise will help strengthen your lungs and chest muscles so they can better handle the stress of surgery, as well as provide temporary relief from pain and other symptoms during recovery.
Keep moving to promote good blood circulation and to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Movement helps promote good blood circulation. Your doctor will recommend an exercise program for you after surgery. If you’re feeling well enough, try walking or doing other exercises at home. As you get stronger, gradually increase the intensity of your activities. But don’t push yourself too hard — if you feel pain or shortness of breath, stop what you’re doing immediately and rest until the pain subsides.
Avoid painkillers.
Painkillers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are not recommended during the first week of recovery from bichectomy. Painkillers can cause bleeding and swelling in the eye, which will make it more difficult for your doctor to assess your condition.
Follow instructions.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions about what to do before, during and after surgery. It’s important to read these instructions carefully and ask any questions that you may have.
Have a relaxing recovery day.
The first day after surgery is usually the most painful day because of swelling and discomfort in your mouth and jaw area. Avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting during this time so you don’t aggravate your surgical site. Instead, try to relax at home with some light reading or watching television until you feel better later in the week.
Don’t go out into the sun until your face has completely healed.
This is important because the skin on your face is delicate and prone to burns from overexposure to sunlight. Wait until you see all your stitches have popped and healed before going outside!
Avoid taking baths or submerging your chin in water.
Avoid taking baths or submerging your chin in water while you have stitches or staples in place. Water may get under the sutures or staples, causing them to loosen and come out prematurely. You should also avoid taking long showers and avoid getting your chin wet if at all possible until your doctor gives permission.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family and friends.
If you live alone or have mobility issues, it may be difficult for you to do certain things around the house after surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask someone who cares about you for help with daily tasks like cleaning up, cooking meals and taking out the trash.
Take care of the sore throat.
Your throat might get sore after surgery because you were given intravenous medication through an IV line during surgery. You can use ice packs to reduce swelling and alleviate soreness. For mild cases of sore throats, gargling with warm salt water and drinking plenty of water can help relieve symptoms such as pain, scratchy feeling in the throat and difficulty swallowing.
Don’t chew gum, since this causes extreme pain.
Chewing gum can cause extreme pain in your mouth and jaw area. This is because chewing gum stimulates the muscles of your mouth and jaw, causing them to contract and relax in a rapid manner. These rapid contractions can cause muscle spasms in your face and mouth area, which can be extremely painful.
