Oh @#$% I freaking out!

[peej07]

So I'm sitting here talking to a client and all of the sudden I get a black spot with a tail in my eye. As I'm trying to keep my composure it starts to swirl and leave a trail as it moves. So I call my retina doc asap and he says just to watch it and let him know on friday. He says I probably had a hemorage and there is nothing he can do about that. I can't get a hold of my wife and my co workers just don't get it. I'm freaking out here. So I'm turning to the only other "family" members that do understand.

[shockme]

oh-i'm sorry! i've never [knock on wood!] experienced eye problems.....that must be so scary! (((((HUGS))))) trish

[belyro]

Check your PMs.

[princesslinda]

Can't offer anything in the way of personal experience here, but know your "family" is here for you. Hang in there!

[xMenace]

There must be something in the air :(

Your first one? Not a fun ride at all.

Keep the faith. The treatment options can be very effective.

[peej07]

No, I had a big one in April 07 in the same eye. It finally cleared up about 3 weeks ago and now this. It's not a major one but still scares the bejebus out of me. I know you've run the gamet with eye issues so you're my inspiration.

[Penny]

About a year ago, I woke to see a black circle in the middle of my eye. It looked like someone just drew it with an ink pen. It would move according to where I looked. My husband couldn't get me to the doctor quick enough, it scared us both so much. The doctor said it was just a ring of floaters and eventually gravity would pull it away until I do not notice it. He was wrong, it is still there, but doesn't bother me unless I think about it. Since then, I have a new one in the same eye, looks like someone just drew a line, and it moves around too. This time I knew what it was and will just wait until my next appointment. You're new at it though, so may want your doctor to check, just to be sure. It will make you feel better about it. :)

[peej07]

The doc told me if it doesn't clear up in a few days to give him a call. This doesn't make sence to me because back in April when I had my first one they got me in that day and did laser right away. I don't know why the urgency that time but not this time. This stresses me out way too much.....:mad:

[peej07]

Well today was another day and of course another adventure. I awoke in a positive frame of mind, sight seemed good, BG was great and I slept well or as well as you can in the sitting up position. I went about my day as I normally would and then BAM I get another curve ball. While driving home I get another bleeder much the same as the one I had yesterday but of course it's after hours and no one is at the docs office. I left them a VM explaining my situation and am waiting for a call back. If I don't hear from them I'll be on their door step at sunrise! Just can't catch a brake lately.

[shockme]

that really sucks! hope you can get it taken care of soon....trish

[peej07]

So I spent 5 hours inthe doc's office yesterday. He told me that the gel in my eye is pulling away from my retina and the area that it's pulling on just happens to be an area of abnormal vessel growth. So he hit me with 800 more laser blasts and said let's see what happens. I sure hope this does the trick.

[belyro]

I hope for your sake that the laser he did yesterday really helps and that you're DONE with this now.

[Dawn]

I'm so sorry to hear about what you are experiencing. Of course it is terrifying. I just hate the 'wait and see' approach...especially on a weekend. I am glad you got in to see your doc but it is just so stressful. I'm thinking about you. Keep us posted.
Dawn

[BriOnH]

I hope for your sake that the laser he did yesterday really helps and that you're DONE with this now.

Amen to that. Sorry about the bleeders peej :( .

[shockme]

hope it does the trick,too! trish

[xMenace]

Wow. 800 in 5 hours. You must have been exhausted.

The neovascularization and the gel thing suggest to me a possibility of a vitrectomy: suck it out and replace it with new gel which will stabilize things. There are many things to consider though. Don't let it scare you too much; they are much more fun than 800 lazers ;) The lack of words 'scar tissue' and 'detached' are very encouraging.

[peej07]

I should state that the laser only took about 20 min the rest of the time was spent waiting in an over booked office. The words "Scar Tissue and Detached" did not come up however he did say the gel is trying to pull away from my retina. So I guess tighter control and some luck from above is all I can hope for. So far today has been good but it's still early.

[KickStart101]

So I guess tighter control and some luck from above is all I an hope for.

Gee, I'm sorry that your eyes are being a pain Peej.
I'm glad that you were able to get the laser though.
I hope that it all works out well for you. Yes, better
control is important. Prayers are also sent your way
Peej. Take Good Care! :o)

[peej07]

I've been getting great support from my friends and family as well as all of you. It helps to stay busy and keep my mind from dwelling on the thought of going blind. I continue to have minor bleeders through out the day but my retina specialist said to expect that for awhile. No matter how many times I'm told to stay calm and not to worry I just can't. I know the stress isn't helping the situation either. We'll anyways thanks again for all the words of encouragment it helps me to know I'm not the only one that goes through this. :) -Chris

[xMenace]

It helps to stay busy and keep my mind from dwelling on the thought of going blind.

You're a long long way from that my friend.

How do you find driving? I found I could drive effectively and my optho agreed, even after losing almost all my central vision. The only problem was one night I was out and the power went out. I couldn't see ****. I had to call my wife to come and get me.

[peej07]

I still see 20/20 for now but night time is much more difficult. When on coming lights hit me I'm in a bit of trouble. I also know as you stated X with proper care I should be fine, but what I know and my mind can twist me to think are 2 different things.

[xMenace]

what I know and my mind can twist me to think are 2 different things.

Insideous isn't it?

[peej07]

Madening I say.....

[peej07]

So it's been a month since my last laser and things have been slowly clearing until this morning. I had a signifigant bleeder that has everything blurry and gray again. I have a Dr. apt on friday to follow up on my previous laser. I guess I just don't understand why this keeps bleeding. I mean everything clears up and looks good, my spirits are high and then bam I have another leak and I get bummed again. Not to mention what the added stress is doing to my BG levels! **** nab it.

[xMenace]

These vessels are probably unsupported by surrounding tissue and are unstable. Sometimes the laser works but apparently often it's just not going to.

The next step is likely a vitrectomy. Peeling the epiretinal membrane and replacing the vitreous is very good at stabilizing the whole mess.

Understand these are very complex situations and only a competent retinal surgeon can assess things properly.

[belyro]

So it's been a month since my last laser and things have been slowly clearing until this morning. I had a signifigant bleeder that has everything blurry and gray again. I have a Dr. apt on friday to follow up on my previous laser. I guess I just don't understand why this keeps bleeding. I mean everything clears up and looks good, my spirits are high and then bam I have another leak and I get bummed again. Not to mention what the added stress is doing to my BG levels! **** nab it.

****, you're having it rough lately. So sorry to hear it. Keep us posted.