Eye issues.

[Ovie]

I know this has been brought up, I know people have talked about eye problems after surgery, some say pump head, others say just over all trama to the body. Today I was relaxing, had done my morning walk, ate my meal and sat down to play some video games. As I was sitting there, my eye site started to get strange, almost as if I stared at the sun too long would be the best way to put it, it got to the point where I couldn't make anything out, mentally I had remembered that this happens occasionally, physically my body didn't care and went into panic mode. I decided to avoid the hospital and let it pass, about 30 mins later it passed. OK, I knew stuff like this wasn't unheard of, went on to relax, and do what I do. About 2 hours later I was sitting in my chair, watching TV, and what do you know, same thing happened, lasted about 30 mins again. This time my body remained calm, and I remained annoyed.

Is this something I get to look forward to happening multiple times a day? Should I be concerned at all? Why now does it decide to act up. After its all over with it leaves my body cold, and shakey on the inside. Just wanted to make sure that I shouldn't be alarmed, so I'm bringing it up since this is the first time it's happened, and I don't like it, not one bit.

Thanks.

EDIT: I also forgot to mention that this is the first day I've been off of my Lasix, do you think that has anything to do with it?

 

[escargome]

Ovie, Likely what you suffered was an occular migrane. Usually when I feel one of those coming on, I try to breathe slowly and deeply and let myself relax. However, if you feel truly bothered then you should bring it up to your cardiologist the next time you see him. I don't believe going off the lasix had anything to do with it, but since I have never taken lasix I can't be sure. However, the migranes I have suffered since I was 12 yrs old. Before surgery I got loss of vision plus really bad pain in the back of my head. Since surgery I only occasionally get the aura and then I use my relaxation techniques and it passes within about 20 minutes. Hope you are able to resolve the situation. Hang in there my friend. You are doing just wonderfully.

 

[Mom2izzy]

I am having eye issues too, but I sometimes would get them before surgery too. Someone also implied it could be my beta blocker??

 

[TheGymGuy]

Ovie, I have seen people post up about eye twingles and/or blurryness before and it passes with time.

 

[sarahsunshine]

If it is an occular migraine, I'm told that lots of people have success with chiropractic treatment. Of course, you need to wait a good while yet before you should see a chiropractor!

 

[tobagotwo]

There is a lot of info about occular migraines/visual migraines on this site. Do a search.

Sounds like that's your issue to me (I still get it, but occasionally now). If you've got that reddish-green patch of missing vision that looks like you accidentally got an eyeful of old Sol, that's likely a match. Takes five to twenty minutes or so to go away. If you're concerned, please see an ophthalmologist first. Most people who went to neurologists for this spent a lot of money and got a lackluster diagnosis (untreatable) in return.

Tends to fade a while after surgery.

Best wishes,

 

[Ovie]

It's more like I've been staring into the sun, I've had it happen 6 times today and it's been almost 2 hours and I'm still having vision problems, I have TERRIBLE headache that I can't shake and I'm assuming the vision issue is related. I do need to see a chiropractor badly, my back is a mess. Any ideas on what medication to take to help with the headache, because extra strength Tylenol isn't doing the work. I have some oxycodone from surgery I was thinking about taking, think that'd help?

 

[Garserin]

Ovie, I too had a few episodes of eye trouble. I was on amiodarone for one month after surgery and I want to blame that medication for it since that can be a side effects of it. Glad I did not have to take it any longer than that, it also made me dizzy. It was really scary because I partially lost vision in one eye. Luckily it passed after about 30 minutes or so.

Glad you are making progress and getting over most of the little hurdles put in yor way.

 

[Garserin]

It's more like I've been staring into the sun, I've had it happen 6 times today and it's been almost 2 hours and I'm still having vision problems, I have TERRIBLE headache that I can't shake and I'm assuming the vision issue is related. I do need to see a chiropractor badly, my back is a mess. Any ideas on what medication to take to help with the headache, because extra strength Tylenol isn't doing the work. I have some oxycodone from surgery I was thinking about taking, think that'd help?

Like others have mentioned, sure sounds like migraines. Tylenol is not strong enough for my migraines either, the oxycodone might work and help your back feel better too. Hope you get a decent night's sleep and the headache is gone in the morning.

 

[Ovie]

My mom wants me to go to the ER because my head has been hurting for close to 7 hours now, if I wasn't on warifin id say no way. But the fact that I am has me worried about possible bleeding in my brain. Does anyone who's on warifin ever had a migraine that lasted so long?

 

[Greg a]

My mom wants me to go to the ER because my head has been hurting for close to 7 hours now, if I wasn't on warifin id say no way. But the fact that I am has me worried about possible bleeding in my brain. Does anyone who's on warifin ever had a migraine that lasted so long?

I have to agree with mom on this as you should adopt the mantra "if in doubt , check it out "

 

[markp66]

I would get check out but I know many people including myself have experienced this. People with mechanical valves also get especially worried as they think it could be a potential stroke! Normally everything is fine but as others have said, always best to get checked.

 

[NealR]

Ovie,

the first couple of times I had this, I freaked out! Two years out of surgery, I still have them from time to time, but learned from reading, not to worry. As you found out, they do indeed pass. I notice that when I exert myself, such as after an intense work out, I get them. I discussed this with my GP, and he didn't appear overly concerned, and just wanted to know if they went away or not.

My guess is that is either something related to the medicine, (beta blocker's or such), or perhaps the blood level and heart rate going up and down near the optic nerve, as a result of increased circulation due to exertion, or even an increase in anxiety, may trigger this.

I too would be more than curious to get a more definitive answer as to "why", but appears they are harmless, and best just to let them go by.

 

[Ovie]

I ended up reading the headaches/migraine section and saw how many people had the same issue and decided to stay away from the ER. I didn't feel as if something terribly wrong was going on so I just went to bed. I know things like this will come my way, hopefully I'll know when something serious is actually happening.

 

[escargome]

Hi Ovie, Hope you are feeling a little better now. Hang in their my friend. Sometimes the recovery road gets a little bumpy, but you will do just fine.

 

[Ovie]

Had a better day today, but felt almost paranoid all day about them returning. Hopefully they just become minor bumps and less frequent in time.

 

[sarahsunshine]

Hey Ovie,

Many people connect migraines with stress. The idea from PP that it may come from increased pressure on the optic nerve is an interesting one too. Have you tried meditating, gentle stretches, or other relaxation techniques?

Just some suggestions from someone who's only had a couple migraine headaches and just felt like crawling into a cave and hibernating with a Grizzly (yes with) when they hit.

Sorry you have to deal with this and hope you can get some relief soon.

Stay away migraines!!!!

 

[dcc617]

A few times my eyes went completely out of focus. If I closed my right eye, the vision in my left was fine and vice versa. My eyes just weren't working together. My cardiologist wasn't concerned since A) my eyes were good on their own and B) it didn't last long. I see the surgeon next week for my 1 month checkup. (can't believe it) and I'm going to bring this up for sure. My eyes are working fine now.

 

[Ovie]

Dcc, same here, while its happening each eye is fine on its own, but together they're abnormal. My family doctor gave me some migraine meds today and just in time, as I was out today and my vision started to act up, than my head began to throb. This medication did a pretty good job of getting rid of the migraine, but it came at a price, the back of my head and neck felt VERY sore, almost like my head was draining, it was not a fun feeling. However after eating dinner it went away so maybe it's something I need to take with food, which I did not do. I see my Cardiologist on Monday and hopefully has some tips.

Also, I've tried meditation music, relaxing, nothing seems to do the job. Any links on stretches? I've been searching for something I can do.

 

[markp66]

The reason why when you close one eye and the other looks ok etc is because it's not your eyes that are the problem. I guess it's just how your brain interprets them both together. I had this and was told it's a common post op issue and nothing to worry about. What makes it more worrying is that vision problems, headaches etc are all signs of a stroke/ TIA but 9 times out of 10 it's nothing. Many non heart patients probably have the same problems but don't think anything of it as they assume they have nothing to worry about.
Some people foget what the body has gone through during the op. Pre surgery stress, surgery itself, opening the chest, stopping the heart, artificial life suppport which effects brain, lungs, kidneys etc etc, anesthetic, medication, less movement post op. I think you would be considered a miracle if you didn't have some post op issues. On the whole it sounds like you are doing great and it's only been a few weeks. Although it is a huge benefit to be positive you also have to accept that there will be a few issues for a while. However, you will be running in no time at all.