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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

Recovery Tips For Cataract Surgery

by Valerie Stevens

Laser cataract surgery has become the norm for treating cataracts simply because it is a simpler, more precise procedure that results in a quicker recovery for most recipients. This doesn't mean that you will be back to your old self immediately, though, since it will still take some time to heal and recover completely. The following tips can help ease your recovery so you'll be seeing clearly again in no time.

Tip #1: Keep up on the pre-op medication plan

Your doctor will likely prescribe some medications for you to begin taking before the procedure. These are generally an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory. Make sure you have these prescriptions filled promptly and begin taking them in advance of the surgery as advised by your doctor. Having these medications already working in your system once you go in for surgery will help you avoid infections, swelling, and pain after the procedure, which will help speed recovery.

Tip #2: Skip the makeup

Small particles in make-up and other skin care products can get into the eye during surgery or later as you recover. For this reason it's a good idea to stop wearing make-up and avoid using any lotions or facial cleansers that contain fragrances or exfoliating beads for several days before your procedure so that there are none lurking on your skin or eyelashes during the procedure. You will also have to refrain from use for a few days to a week or longer after surgery to ensure full recovery without any irritants.

Tip #3: Get some post-op help

Your vision won't be at 100 percent right after surgery, which can make it difficult to do some normal tasks. You also won't be able to drive or to be in bright sunlight without eye protection. It's a good idea to have someone on hand to help you the day of and the first day after the procedure. They can act as your eyes as you adjust and your vision begins to stabilize.

Tip #4: Avoid irritants

You can usually begin to resume your normal activities within a day to a week of the procedure, but with some caveats. Avoid any activities that could irritate the eye. This means avoiding dust, such as what you would encounter when riding horses or hiking on a dusty trail. Also, avoid swimming, hot tub use, and other water sports. Generally, anything that could lead to foreign bodies getting into your eye should be avoided until you have healed, which generally takes a week for laser surgery. Your doctor will provide you with an exact time table.

For more help with recovery, contact a laser cataract surgeon such as those found at Country Hills Eye Center.

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