a surprising health problem for me

Elshack

I take care of my soon to be 91 yr old husband. I am 81. I noticed my eyes seemed blurry and bought some eyedrops thinking I could have dry eyes. Then I saw wavy lines so I got in to see the eye Dr today. I had the beginnings of macular degeneration but after tests today he said blood is leaking into my eye and thus I have to have the retinologist give me a shot in the eye tomorrow. This specialist comes to the office once a week so I am glad I can see him so quickly. I have what is called wet macular degeneration. It is in my right eye and causes distortion in central vision.

This sounds all well and good but I am totally afraid of this procedure. My nephew and his wife were supposed to visit but I had to put off their visit and they won't be able to come now until Oct. I know I won't feel up to a visit as we were planning on celebrating my DH's birthday.

My responsibilities are weighing on me and I had a total crying breakdown this evening after I gave DH his shower and put him to bed. I am just feeling sorry for myself tonight. Of course Covid and this past year + has added to my feelings of sadness that life will not get better for sure. Thanks for reading.

1962ART

Hi Elshack:  You don't need to worry about sounding apprehensive here.  Sharing is what we need to do on this discussion board. 

Both my children need these shots as they are near 40-years-old and have diabetes.  

While the doctors assure them this is a walk in, walk out sort of thing, I don't necessarily agree. Is it possible that someone could drive you to the appointment?  I feel better when I take my daughter when I can, but she does drive herself home often.  (Both children have the shots fairly regularly.)  

Is there a way you can have a "take care of me" plan where you have a chance to come home, put in your eye drops and rest following the procedure?  My children tell me the liquid they put in the eye to sterilize the area can make the eyes very sensitive.  If you get a good wash out, from the assistant, that seems to help. 

I am sorry about how things are piling up for you.  Please know that we care about you and hope for the success of your procedure.  I am so proud of you for remembering to take care of yourself.  The very best of good wishes.  Let us know how it goes.

Elshack

Thanks so much for your kind words. I do have a ride to and from the appt. as we live in independent living with this service available for Dr's appts. My DH told me he would drive me to the appt. Of course he hasn't driven since his fall 3 yrs ago and his subsequent brain surgery which put him from mild cognitive impairment to moderate dementia stage. 

I used to be Elruth on this forum but changed my user name when I switched to Google as my browser.

Quilting brings calm

My spouse gets shots in the eye for diabetic retinopathy.  I’ve been with him on several occasions for it.  It’s quick and he says it’s painless.   His eyes are usually dilated, so that’s why you would probably prefer to be driven home. It’s important that too get these shots, bit I do understand why the thought of it is upsetting for you.

harshedbuzz

Elshack-

I am sorry for this diagnosis on top of everything else.

My mother and aunt both have AMD. My aunt's has transitioned to wet and she gets regular injections. She was very anxious over the procedure the first time; I mean who wouldn't be? But she reports that they are absolutely no big deal aside from arranging a ride into Boston from my cousin. Now that she's familiar and used to the process, she feels well enough to take my cousin out for a lobster lunch on the way home. But for a first time, I can understand needing to clear the calendar.

Good luck.

HB

Ed1937

Elshack, welcome to the forum. Wish you didn't need to be here.

Another post to ease your mind. My wife had that procedure done a few years ago, and although it sounds like a very uncomfortable thing, it wasn't. She had absolutely no problem at all with it. You'll be glad you had it done.

ElaineD

Dear Elshack,

I had my FIFTH injection in my right eye yesterday.  I was diagnosed with Wet Macular Degeneration in my right eye and Dry MD in my left eye in January of this year.

I'm 79.  

This is a shocking and completely unexpected diagnosis.  Right now the injections have helped my right eye.

You aren't alone, Elshack.  Keep us posted.

Elaine

Elshack

I have been a member of this forum for a few years but recently had to change my username from Elruth to Elshack.

Thanks for the encouraging words. The procedure wasn't as bad as I anticipated and the kind Dr said I was a trooper. I have to have an injection every month for several months in a row. This diagnosis went from dry macular degeneration to wet within a week in my right eye.

I still have wavy lines in my vision 12 hrs after the injection and a gritty feeling in my eye. I am using some eye drops. Of course my DH has no idea what is going on put he is still able to be by himself. I leave him a note and tell him before I go anywhere but he always asks me where I have been when I return. He doesn't get stressed out about it which is a blessing and watches tv or takes a nap when I am gone.

Hopefully these injections will help. All the pre procedure tests and eye drops etc are annoying but the actual shot just feels like a momentary sting. Thank heavens this procedure is available.