Renewed Energy From Vision Surgery [Kim Knox]

Hi, I'm Kim Knox. I'm from Brookings, South Dakota. I've lived here for 35 years. I enjoy spending a lot of time with my family and going to movies.

What procedure did you have at Brookings Health System?

I had the bilateral ptosis repair done on my eyelids. It's when your eyelids drop and it obscures your vision. With me, it was it made my eyes very tired. I always looked tired, but I also felt like I was tired.

Why did you move forward with the procedure?

Well, Dr. Minton said he could give me nine years back on my looks. So that was number one. But just to get the tired feeling away I thought if there's something that can be done about it, I'd really like to do that.

How was your experience with Dr. Minton?

I felt like he really knew what he was doing and what he was talking about. He made me feel very comfortable about having it.

What do you remember from the surgery?

It was so relaxing once I got in there. They wrapped you in a warm blanket and the lights were so soft and they spoke in such nice calm voices, which helps you feel relaxed and, yeah, it was beautiful. I came in at 12 and I went out about 2, 2:15. So yeah, it doesn't take long.

How was your recovery?

It was very easy. There is no pain involved. I took Tylenol right away here, and after that I didn't need anything after that. The only thing that was kind of a pain was to ice it and to cream it, but other than that it was an easy procedure.

How did the staff support you?

The caring nurses that they had, they liked joking. You know, they were very personable. 

What changes have you noticed following your procedure?

That my eyes aren't tired. They don't hang, sag like they did. The wrinkles aren't there. So yeah, he did a really good job. Before I'd have to, I would sometimes just stretch my eyes out. I don't know, just that seemed to help. I knew it wasn't good for me to do that, you know, but I don't do that anymore. One thing I noticed after my procedure was visualize your TV screen. I only had so much of my TV screen. And then once I got picked up and I looked out the big windows, I stopped to think and I'm thinking I've got a full screen here. I really noticed that right away. And I always kind of felt like a wobbled and then maybe that was because I couldn't see that well off to the side. And that seems better too, I seem to have better balance.

Would you recommend Brookings Health System?

Oh, most definitely. Yeah. It was an awesome experience. It's a very nice, calm, easy place to be in.

What do you think of the hospital expansion and renovation?

Beautiful, beautiful facility we have here. It's very updated and clean and very nice. Very nice nurses and doctors.

What would you say to someone considering this procedure?

Oh most definitely to go ahead and do it. It's well worth it. It's something that'll last you for years. And having your vision, your full vision, is worth everything.

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