Frightning retinopathy progression

[Flower]

By normal standards today has been a really horrid day diabetes wise.

I went to the retina clinic for a check up. I lost sight in both eyes a few years ago and managed to regain some central vision in my right eye, the left one is blind. I've had maximum laser treatment and the jelly removed from both eyes.

I've been getting a lot of bright flickering and flashing in the eye with some sight. Today I was told I've got a lot of scar tissue from all the laser pulling my retina and a cataract growing quickly which is classed as high risk for the potential of further sight loss and I'll have to have surgery to do something about both problems soon. I try not to get too scared about it but I really am quite terrified about losing any more precious sight.

Apologies for having to rant but this disease seems to be absolutely relentless at present and my good control seems to have had little impact on my complications. Aaargghh

 

[Northerner]

Oh Flower, I am so sorry to hear this I'm really hoping that they can fix things without any further problems with your sight, big {{{HUGS}}} my friend.

 

[Redkite]

So sorry to hear this Flower, how scary to be potentially facing further loss of sight. I hope the surgery will be successful. My Mum had a cataract removed last year and it made the world of difference to the sight in that eye. xx

 

[Pumper_Sue]

My thoughts are with you Flower. Please please do not worry about the cataract op, I had both eyes done this year and the op's were a breeze. Have faith in your surgeon and focus on how much better things will be after the op, even though the thought of it is scary the potential benefits outweigh any risks if any. (((((((((hugs)))))))))

 

[Lindarose]

It must be so scary and frustrating Flower. Sincerely hope your sight is helped following treatment.

 

[Copepod]

I really hope the treatment will save or even improve your sight, Flower. Must be so scary, so try to be kind to yourself.

 

[HOBIE]

Thinking of you Flower. Hope they can do some good things for you.

 

[Flower]

Thanks all 🙂, the cataract isn't straightforward as it's in an eye which has had serious sight loss and is caused by having had a vitrectomy (eyeball jelly removal) and carries a risk to my vision. I had a cataract operation in my other eye but the surgeon was unable to implant a new lens due to diabetic complications and I went on to lose my sight in that eye completely.

I try to keep a lid on my fears for my sight as having lived through going blind it isn't somewhere I ever, ever want to go again. It gives me nightmares and I have to leave a light on at night so if I wake up in the dark I know I can still see! The appointment today just freaked me out and brought all my fears to the surface. Today I absolutely hate diabetes.

 

[KookyCat]

Flower that must be terribly frightening. There isn't much I can say except I'm hating the diabetes on your behalf, and I hope for the best outcome 😱

 

[AJLang]

Flower massive hugs. I completely understand about the light because ever since I had my glaucoma laser I completely panic when I'm in the dark, despite being able to see. I so feel for you. Bloody diabetes xxx

 

[Flower]

Thanks so much Kooky and AJ 🙂 it's helped to be able to write it down as my head was full up of worry and whatever next after the hospital appointment. Tomorrow I will try to be philosophical and calm again.....🙄

 

[HOBIE]

Fingers are double crossed for good outcome. Let us know how you get on.

 

[Bloden]

Thanks so much Kooky and AJ 🙂 it's helped to be able to write it down as my head was full up of worry and whatever next after the hospital appointment. Tomorrow I will try to be philosophical and calm again.....🙄

That's really brave, Flower.😱 Wishing you the very best. (((Flower))).😱

 

[SimplesL]

Hi Flower

Sorry to hear about your sight worries. We currently have my elderly mother in law with us for a few weeks as 2 weeks ago she had a cataract removed due to have the other eye done next year, she is unable toput her own eye drops in so my mum who only lives around the corner is going in at lunch-time & we are covering morning, eve, & bed time drops, means we can go to work as normal.

She had little vision in the eye that's just been done & since op only 2 weeks ago her vision is clearer, there can be a positive outcome & a bonus she washes our breakfast dishes up for us every morning, & gets our veg ready for when we get home from work. I'll miss her when she has finished her eye drops & goes home in another couple of weeks.

Take care
Lynne

 

[KarenM]

Hi Flower, I'm new to the forum but not new to laser treatment etc and I am registered partially sighted. I have a ripe cataract and a chronic haemorrhage in the right eye. Annoying really as I am now well-controlled on metformin, victoza and insulin. I've been told I will face a victrectomy in the new year if the bleeding does not stop. Reading about your experience helps me understand better the possible consequences for me. Thank you and good luck.

 

[Bessiemay]

Dear flower I am so sorry to hear of your problems. I hope for the best outcome and that your worst fears will be unfounded. Best wishes and hugs

 

[Flower]

Hi Flower, I'm new to the forum but not new to laser treatment etc and I am registered partially sighted. I have a ripe cataract and a chronic haemorrhage in the right eye. Annoying really as I am now well-controlled on metformin, victoza and insulin. I've been told I will face a victrectomy in the new year if the bleeding does not stop. Reading about your experience helps me understand better the possible consequences for me. Thank you and good luck.

Hi Karen

The vitrectomy will help a lot especially if you have any further haemorrhages as the jelly is replaced with a saline solution so any new bleeds disperse a lot quicker in liquid and you don't end up with smudges of blood trapped in your eye ball jelly. I hope your ongoing treatment works well for you, proliferative retinopathy is such a frightening complication to deal with. Good luck.

 

[KarenM]

Thank you so much Flower. The websites I have looked at are so cold and impersonal- your information is welcome and reassuring.

 

[HERE TINTIN]

Hi Flower, so sorry to hear what a frightening time you are having. As you know I had 6 vatrectomy's and my right eye removed due to retinopathy. I was left with a small amount (but manageable) in my left eye. I also developed a cataract and because it was a risky procedure I refused to have it removed for 3 years until I basically could see nothing. I gave in and was terrified I would lose more sight but it turned out to be the easiest op I have ever had and my sight was beautifully restored (what I had) in my left eye, so I am an advocate of having the op, it can change your life. Also recently I again lost all my sight and it was scar tissue, which they lasered away for me and again it was easy and so succesful. I know it all sounds really scarey but take it a day at a time , listen to the eye dr's and if they say they can help you then I for one would trust them. Nothing is gained from not going along with their advice as the cataract and scar tissue will impair your sight evan further. I hope things go well for you, I know how strong you are !! Thinking of you..... Tintin x

 

[Flower]

Thank you TinTin 🙂 it's really reassuring to read that the cataract and scar tissue removal worked well for you and gave you some better sight back. I'm most scared of the scar tissue removal operation and was hoping the cataract wouldn't develop as fast as it has.

I know you're in a very similar place sight wise and have been so brave about it, it's very frightening when it's your last bit of precious sight. I'm hoping in the New Year I'll feel a bit braver about facing the operations.