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How My Wife Endured Face-Down Recovery After Vitrectomy Surgery

Vitrectomy recovery from surgery for a detached retina, particularly the face-down positioning required in most cases, is no small feat. Trying to find the right vitrectomy face down recovery equipment alone is a challenge, all the websites have the same devices.  For my wife, it was an intensely stressful experience that tested her emotionally and physically in ways we did and could not expect. This time period, from the first day of recovery, was filled with anxiety, the stress of trying to keep her head down while sitting still, and an overwhelming sense of claustrophobia. This is also the story of how those struggles inspired me to develop the FaceDownWalker®—a tool that helped transform her recovery process and is now a vital piece of vitrectomy face-down recovery equipment.

The Overwhelming Reality

When the retinal surgeon explained that my wife would need to maintain a face-down position for several weeks after her surgery, we were shocked. While the necessity of this positioning—to ensure the gas bubble in her eye remained in place—was clear, the psychological and physical toll it would take was something not addressed and felt like it came out of left field.

From the very first day, my wife struggled with an intense sense of claustrophobia. Keeping her face down for hours on end was not only mentally exhausting but also physically agonizing. The pads on the specialized face-down vitrectomy chair became increasingly painful over time, causing soreness and discomfort in her neck, shoulders, chest, and legs. The strain of staying in one position for so long was overwhelming, and she became more and more worried about the possibility of blood clots forming in her legs due to sitting on those pads without being able to move around. The isolation and monotony compounded her anxiety, making the days feel endless.

The Physical and Emotional Struggles

The physical discomfort was relentless. Despite our best efforts with vitrectomy recovery equipment, my wife’s neck and back pain only worsened. The pressure from the pads on her vitrectomy chair often left her feeling raw and frustrated. She would try to walk around for relief, but holding her head in the proper position without straining her neck was almost impossible. She begged me to come up with something that could hold her head in the face-down position so she could walk around safely and comfortably.

Emotionally, the stress of staying in one position for so long took a heavy toll. The sheer monotony of her days, combined with the discomfort and isolation, often led to tears. Anxiety about whether she was adhering to the recovery requirements correctly or if she was jeopardizing her healing added to the mental strain. It was heartbreaking to see her go through this, and I knew I needed to do something to help.

Unfortunately for patients and their caregivers, the emotional toll of face-down recovery is hardly ever considered as part of the healing process. Surgeons typically focus on the physical requirements but rarely mention the immense stress and anxiety patients endure or offer guidance on how to manage this part of the recovery process. This oversight is significant, as anxiety and stress can hinder recovery. Addressing these emotional challenges is just as crucial as addressing the physical ones.  The FaceDownWalker® was designed to do just that.

Creating the FaceDownWalker®

At one moment, three days in, my wife was walking with her head up. She was crying about needing something to hold it in position so she could walk around, and the idea for the FaceDownWalker® instantly appeared in my head. She needed to support her forehead to take the weight of her head off of her neck, and it just made perfect sense to attach this device to a backpack frame so she could walk around. With its adjustable padding and ergonomic design, it provided stable support for her head and neck, allowing her to move around the house safely and comfortably. After getting her into my device, I took her out into the backyard for a short walk, and I could see the tension melt away.

Of all the vitrectomy face down recovery equipment, the FaceDownWalker® became THE additional tool alongside the vitrectomy chair and pillow. While those provided essential support during sitting and sleeping, the FaceDownWalker® gave her the ability to change positions and move around in between using these other devices. This ability to be mobile made all the difference, giving her a feeling of control over her movements and breaking the monotony of staying in one position for too long.

This innovation was a game-changer. For the first time, my wife could walk around without holding her head down manually, which significantly reduced her neck pain. The mobility it offered helped alleviate her anxiety about blood clots which was a huge relief in reducing her mental stress. Most importantly, by giving her control of her movements, the FaceDownWalker® helped keep her calm, which enhanced her ability to heal. Seeing her smile and feel hopeful again was an incredible turning point in the right direction. The FaceDownWalker® became an essential tool for her vitrectomy face-down recovery. Learn more about how to set it up here: FaceDownWalker Instructions.

Unlike every other website store that rents the same vitrectomy chair and face down pillow, the FaceDownWalker® is a completely unique solution. This device not only addresses the physical elements of maintaining face-down positioning comfortably but is the only device that also addresses the mental stress and enormous emotional aspect of trying to maintain this face-down position protocol. By offering mobility and relief from the overwhelming anxiety of isolation, the FaceDownWalker® truly transforms the recovery experience.

Tips for Vitrectomy Face-Down Recovery

Vitrectomy face-down recovery is an incredibly tough journey, but with the right recovery equipment and support, it is possible to navigate it more comfortably. My wife’s struggles inspired me to create a solution that not only helped her but can now help others facing similar challenges. Based upon this experience, I created this website to rent the FaceDownWalker® to people in need. I personally answer the phone to provide answers to your questions based on my own, as well as hundreds of customers' experiences. It’s my way of giving back and helping people.

To anyone about to undergo this process, know that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Lean on your support system, explore tools and solutions like the FaceDownWalker®, and remember that each step brings you closer to healing. It’s recommended that you move deliberately, walk and take stairs slowly, and use a walker for stability. Do not lift any heavy objects. Do not bend all the way over—use your legs. Be mindful in the kitchen with open cabinet doors. Listening to audiobooks, watching TV, and talking to friends and family on the phone are all good ways to pass the time. Along with the vitrectomy chair and pillow, the FaceDownWalker® became the device that created the optimal recovery experience.  During this time, your eye is very fragile, and you need to make sure that you do not do anything to further injure it. You can get through this. Please visit our Customer Testimonials to read about how customers successfully navigated their vitrectomy recovery experiences.

Ready to order? Visit our Order Page to get your FaceDownWalker® today.

Questions about how the FaceDownWalker® can help you?

Contact Us by email or call for personal support = 1 (323) 447-3222

This device is the only patented vitrectomy recovery equipment featured in the "Review of Ophthalmology" magazine;  http://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/visiometrics-updates-hd-analyzer