Reviews you can trust, from real people like you.
How it works
- Our highly-trained Review Moderation team evaluates all reviews before they're published to ensure they're written by people like you and not a member of a doctor's office.
- This multi-step process takes up to 24 hours from review submission to publication.
- Doctors can't pay to have reviews removed or hidden.
- Reviews are only removed at the reviewer's request or if they violate our Terms of Service.
If you have questions or believe we should re-evaluate a published review, let us know.
Sort by:
*Treatment results may vary
7 weeks post - Silicone stent is out
I commented before about the discomfort of the tubing. It's not a nightmare but not good. Still tearing. A couple of times I'd rub my eye and the loop would expand so I'd just smush it back in place. Well, this morning I rubbed a bit more vigorously and bam there's an inch of silicone tubing sticking straight out of my lower tear duct. Joy. I tried smushing back in to see if I could pull it out my nose (gross but I didn't know if there was a knot at the bottom so pulling it out the tear duct could be BAD) but no cigar. Finally taped it away from my eye on my face and called the doc. It was early in the morning so no word for a few hours. Bottom line is after 7 weeks I am ready to get this thing out!
Talked to the doc - she said she prefers to keep it in (re-insert it) because it's like when you pierce your ears - takes time for the new hole to become patent, and that the occurence of scarring over is greater when the stent comes out early. However, she's never had a patient have the stent come out later than about a week.
I did my due diligence online - just google DCR without stent and you'll find plenty of articles that not only say that the success rate is similar, but in the case of NLD blockage like mine, the results are better without a stent. So. I am going in for one more irrigation, and I'm fairly certain there will be some longitudinal follow up, but for now, my decision was to remove the tubing. Turns out no knot, so I just gave a little tug and done.
I'm very ready to be done with the tearing.
Talked to the doc - she said she prefers to keep it in (re-insert it) because it's like when you pierce your ears - takes time for the new hole to become patent, and that the occurence of scarring over is greater when the stent comes out early. However, she's never had a patient have the stent come out later than about a week.
I did my due diligence online - just google DCR without stent and you'll find plenty of articles that not only say that the success rate is similar, but in the case of NLD blockage like mine, the results are better without a stent. So. I am going in for one more irrigation, and I'm fairly certain there will be some longitudinal follow up, but for now, my decision was to remove the tubing. Turns out no knot, so I just gave a little tug and done.
I'm very ready to be done with the tearing.
6 weeks post
Not horrible, not great.
The stuffiness/weeping got out of control with the cold. Went in once for a saline flush and was back uncomfortable in hours. The weekend was coming up so went back in 2 days later and the doc flushed with hardcore antibiotic. She warned me that 1) it would sting, and 2) it tastes *horrible*. Both true. As always she numbed liberally first. The taste is mothballs. After the numbing drops wore off it was wasabi-style ouchy stinging. Yeesh. She teased that people don't generally come back after she flushes with the rx but she's not completely sure if it's because it works or because they just don't want to go through it again. I'll be real honest - jury out on that for me too.
Weeping diminished after cold gone but still intermittent. Honestly don't notice the tube unless 1) wiping weepy eye, or 2) trying to look sideways without turning my head. For awhile still have to physically turn to look to the sides.
There are times I just so want this to be done, and wish I could ask the doc to take the tube out early. Logically if the tearing is less now with a tube in the duct, then it should be completely controlled when the tear duct is no longer blocked with a tube. And "tube" isn't really correct - imagine a piece of rice noodle/thick fishing line.
But. As per other reviews I have a history of crappy scarring and don't want to be one of the 15% that have to go for surgery again, so just have to deal with it for another 2 1/2 months.
The stuffiness/weeping got out of control with the cold. Went in once for a saline flush and was back uncomfortable in hours. The weekend was coming up so went back in 2 days later and the doc flushed with hardcore antibiotic. She warned me that 1) it would sting, and 2) it tastes *horrible*. Both true. As always she numbed liberally first. The taste is mothballs. After the numbing drops wore off it was wasabi-style ouchy stinging. Yeesh. She teased that people don't generally come back after she flushes with the rx but she's not completely sure if it's because it works or because they just don't want to go through it again. I'll be real honest - jury out on that for me too.
Weeping diminished after cold gone but still intermittent. Honestly don't notice the tube unless 1) wiping weepy eye, or 2) trying to look sideways without turning my head. For awhile still have to physically turn to look to the sides.
There are times I just so want this to be done, and wish I could ask the doc to take the tube out early. Logically if the tearing is less now with a tube in the duct, then it should be completely controlled when the tear duct is no longer blocked with a tube. And "tube" isn't really correct - imagine a piece of rice noodle/thick fishing line.
But. As per other reviews I have a history of crappy scarring and don't want to be one of the 15% that have to go for surgery again, so just have to deal with it for another 2 1/2 months.
Surgery
Reposting bc the comment didn't format...
Surgery - Could not get to sleep the night before because of nerves, but was afraid to mess things by taking Xanax. Finally fell asleep at 2a for 545a wake up call. Uneventful morning, check-in at surgery center. Called back to pre-op in short order. The two pre-op nurses were wonderful - chatty, fun, professional. First time (!) a nurse has ever started an IV on the first try, and after the first minute or two really did not notice the needle - that was a very pleasant first also.
Anesthesiologist came in for chat - had not read the anesthesiology history from the medical "passport" I had to fill out last week, so we talked it through. Because I came out of GA last year with my jaw locked almost completely shut (could only get tip of pinky finger between my teeth!) I've been advised to make sure future docs know this, as there is different equipment they can use. Apparently the latest greatest is fiber-optic? Anyway - he sent a nurse to go start looking for the equipment he'd need and started the Xanax-equivalent IV drip, which was definitely good to get on-board. I asked if it would have been a problem to take it last night and he said no - note to self for the future!
Wheeled into what looked like the bare space in the middle of a storage room - lol! Equipment of all shapes and sizes, cabinets everywhere. Anesthesiologist started digging around looking for the aforementioned intubation gear, and I just hung out looking at all the equipment around in a sedation induced anxiety-free haze. Didn't phase me when he said that if they couldn't find it he'd just make do - but turned out they did find it. Lights out.
Woke up to voices saying open your eyes. Man. Massive pain and no way in Hades could I open my eyes, just whimper and wave my hand near my eye (somehow knew better than to touch). They asked what pain level was and I said 7-8, so they said they'd give me some pain rx through the drip. A while (?) later asked again and I said 5-6, but still couldn't open eyes, so they said they'd give me some more. A while (?) later (I feel asleep inbetween) they asked again and it was 3-4 and I could open. Was told all went well, and shortly thereafter was dressed and out the door wearing lovely taped-on gauze moustache for bloody nose.
Timing: 715a check in for 815a surgery, went back into surgery around 830a. Supposed to be 30-45min for surgery, then 1 hr for recovery, so originally expected to be up and out 1015-ish. With the delayed start and pain control issue it was 11a before I was getting dressed to go. Came home and tucked into propped up in pillows bed/nap for several hours. Woke up ouchy, nose still bleeding but not horrible. Took percocet, napped a little bit but mostly spent afternoon chilling in bed with kiddos. Took percocet through the day/evening, started the various drops/antibiotics/sprays, as well as the arnica/bromelain and icing. Made the mistake of leaning over and holding that way for a minute to re-start the cable modem, and mmm. Not a good idea - kiddos saw it so they know now for the next few days I really can't bend over/do heavy lifting.
Percocet controlled pain to between 1-3, very minor ouchy in back of throat. Eye tearing like mad again, but there's a tube now blocking my tear duct, so... apparently that stays in for 4 months. Really hoping doesn't mean I'm in for 4 months of tearing? Watched a movie, then tried to get to bed. My cat loving that I have to sleep propped up, but I couldn't get to sleep for the life of me. Ugh. Cricking my neck. Finally at 530a this morning just got up, fed the cat, did a round of 4x/day rx, and re-worked pillows. Ah bliss. Still not what I like as a tummy sleeper, but no cricked neck, happy cat on my chest and out like a light until alarm went off for work.
Working from home today and on wait for the cable man duty for SO, (he's moving into a new home today.) It's actually not easy working on the computer with weepy ouchy eye but. Will get things under control and take a nap until I have to go. Actually now that I think about it it's been enough time I take some more pain rx - will do that. Here's the great part - no swelling, no bruising. If it weren't for the tube in my eye and the weepiness, from the outside you'd never know I had surgery yesterday. It's enough to keep me on the straight and narrow regards pharmocopeia and icing and sleeping propped up ;-) More tomorrow.
Surgery - Could not get to sleep the night before because of nerves, but was afraid to mess things by taking Xanax. Finally fell asleep at 2a for 545a wake up call. Uneventful morning, check-in at surgery center. Called back to pre-op in short order. The two pre-op nurses were wonderful - chatty, fun, professional. First time (!) a nurse has ever started an IV on the first try, and after the first minute or two really did not notice the needle - that was a very pleasant first also.
Anesthesiologist came in for chat - had not read the anesthesiology history from the medical "passport" I had to fill out last week, so we talked it through. Because I came out of GA last year with my jaw locked almost completely shut (could only get tip of pinky finger between my teeth!) I've been advised to make sure future docs know this, as there is different equipment they can use. Apparently the latest greatest is fiber-optic? Anyway - he sent a nurse to go start looking for the equipment he'd need and started the Xanax-equivalent IV drip, which was definitely good to get on-board. I asked if it would have been a problem to take it last night and he said no - note to self for the future!
Wheeled into what looked like the bare space in the middle of a storage room - lol! Equipment of all shapes and sizes, cabinets everywhere. Anesthesiologist started digging around looking for the aforementioned intubation gear, and I just hung out looking at all the equipment around in a sedation induced anxiety-free haze. Didn't phase me when he said that if they couldn't find it he'd just make do - but turned out they did find it. Lights out.
Woke up to voices saying open your eyes. Man. Massive pain and no way in Hades could I open my eyes, just whimper and wave my hand near my eye (somehow knew better than to touch). They asked what pain level was and I said 7-8, so they said they'd give me some pain rx through the drip. A while (?) later asked again and I said 5-6, but still couldn't open eyes, so they said they'd give me some more. A while (?) later (I feel asleep inbetween) they asked again and it was 3-4 and I could open. Was told all went well, and shortly thereafter was dressed and out the door wearing lovely taped-on gauze moustache for bloody nose.
Timing: 715a check in for 815a surgery, went back into surgery around 830a. Supposed to be 30-45min for surgery, then 1 hr for recovery, so originally expected to be up and out 1015-ish. With the delayed start and pain control issue it was 11a before I was getting dressed to go. Came home and tucked into propped up in pillows bed/nap for several hours. Woke up ouchy, nose still bleeding but not horrible. Took percocet, napped a little bit but mostly spent afternoon chilling in bed with kiddos. Took percocet through the day/evening, started the various drops/antibiotics/sprays, as well as the arnica/bromelain and icing. Made the mistake of leaning over and holding that way for a minute to re-start the cable modem, and mmm. Not a good idea - kiddos saw it so they know now for the next few days I really can't bend over/do heavy lifting.
Percocet controlled pain to between 1-3, very minor ouchy in back of throat. Eye tearing like mad again, but there's a tube now blocking my tear duct, so... apparently that stays in for 4 months. Really hoping doesn't mean I'm in for 4 months of tearing? Watched a movie, then tried to get to bed. My cat loving that I have to sleep propped up, but I couldn't get to sleep for the life of me. Ugh. Cricking my neck. Finally at 530a this morning just got up, fed the cat, did a round of 4x/day rx, and re-worked pillows. Ah bliss. Still not what I like as a tummy sleeper, but no cricked neck, happy cat on my chest and out like a light until alarm went off for work.
Working from home today and on wait for the cable man duty for SO, (he's moving into a new home today.) It's actually not easy working on the computer with weepy ouchy eye but. Will get things under control and take a nap until I have to go. Actually now that I think about it it's been enough time I take some more pain rx - will do that. Here's the great part - no swelling, no bruising. If it weren't for the tube in my eye and the weepiness, from the outside you'd never know I had surgery yesterday. It's enough to keep me on the straight and narrow regards pharmocopeia and icing and sleeping propped up ;-) More tomorrow.
Provider Review
Dr. Michelle White
Dr. Michelle White - professional, compassionate, gentle, frank. Her office staff is wonderful and her patient education/instruction is very thorough.