u/aneweire17

Hi All, made an account to post as this subreddit was a key factor that helped me decide to get the surgery so wanted to give back.

32 male with strabismus and I had an outward turn in my left eye. Basic story was I had a lazy eye growing up that was never fixed. My whole brain basically got used to using my right eye so I would see 80% from right eye. Could see with left but not read. After a certain age there was no going back.

Eye turn would get worse when tired and had all the usual fun social impacts others mention - have had people laugh, not even know I’m talking to them, end conversations, and general vibe of others being uncomfortable. Also I’m sure a lot of people have felt this - but a lot of gaslighting from some friends who say there’s nothing wrong and it’s all in your head.

After finding this subreddit I went to my GP, got a referral and after some tests all was cleared to go ahead. I was lucky in a sense that my right eye was hugely dominant so I had less chance of double vision. They offered 4 - 6 weeks turnaround to surgery but I took some time to organise a week off work.

As someone with anxiety my main worry with the surgery was more so with my own anticipatory anxiety rather than the surgery itself. But I was not hugely looking forward to the wake up after seeing the usual dentist anaesthesia videos.

I went in, took some vitals (anxiety caused high BP and heart rate but nothing alarming to them), was brought into a waiting room on a bed while they finished another surgery. Was allowed to use my phone and the nurses were lovely and brought blankets etc.

Then anaesthesiologist came out, prepped my IV, gave me the run down and answered questions. Said he would use some sedation to help nerves and that different people wake up differently but those videos are usually from longer surgeries where people are on heavier sedatives.

Then I was wheeled in, told I would get sedation to help and I immediately felt warm and relaxed from whatever they gave me. Literally like all tension left my body. Then I was told it would take full affect in 30 seconds and had a joke or two with the team and then I woke up in the recovery room very gently with a nurse, was completely aware of where I was.

I was actually surprised at how little pain I was in. I was subscribed heavy pain killers but was told I only need them if paracetamol isn’t working. I’m 2 days post op now and it’s extremely mild to almost no pain. The only issue I have is looking to the extremes left or right, up or down and some light sensitivity - all things that just make the tight muscles a bit tender.

No other issues at all, no double vision. Had a post op today for a review and all looks well.

It’s actually insane how quick and easy it all was. I feel I’ve been in worse situations when I’ve been sick other times. I found myself laughing at why I didn’t do it sooner.

Got the surgery in Australia.

2 consults at $250 each.

Surgeon and assistant Fee and was $2,350

Anaesthesia was $1,320

Private hospital was $1,300

I have strong private health insurance in my home country so they paid the private hospital directly. I paid the rest, get Medicare rebate and then submit the difference so it’s all covered. I just needed the specialists to confirm it wasn’t just cosmetic and they’d be other benefits etc.

Happy to answer any questions