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Lizzie G
12-17-2008, 02:20 AM
Hi people

I posted a thread last week about a slight abnormality on my retinal screen. I since got the letter through that tells me I have 'background retinopathy'. The screeners have told me there is nothing to worry about as it doesnt affect vision.

However, I have had type 1 since September 2007, and my A1Cs have been 6.6, 5.8 and 6.6 in the time since then. Therefore I should fall into a category of very low likelihood of abnormality. My worry is that perhaps I have ultra sensitive capillaries in my eyes that have caused such rapid damage at only slightly elevated blood glucose, and that this may also progress to something much more sinister much more quickly than is usual. I am wondering now what I should do? My thoughts are to demand to see the best diabetic opthamologist I can be referred to or to go private and find one. They have also said my next screen is due in a year, I am concerned that if the eye damage is rapidly progressing this is not soon enough.

Obviously I am doing all I can now to tighten up my control back below 6 as this is the one factor in my control, but I am rather frightened about what is happening.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks in advance guys.

Lizzie G
12-17-2008, 02:41 AM
i just spoke to the hospital. apparently they have recently had new screening equipment which is showing the most minor of things. the doctor said that previously these tiny spots wouldnt have been picked up and that he would never describe them as retinopathy, i could well have had these since birth, altho they will watch carefully....i did suggest that perhaps they re-write their standard letters so that people understand that the same basis is not being compared....

davef
12-17-2008, 05:00 AM
Lizzie,

Glad to hear you got some clarification from the hospital. As you say, it's a pity they don't mention this when sending the letters.

Mich
12-17-2008, 08:58 AM
Hi Lizzy,

When and if, you may want to consider seeing an opthamologist who is a retina specialist.

I was glad to hear of the hospital's clarification.

Mich

morrisma
12-17-2008, 10:09 AM
Lizzie,
That's really good news even if they took their sweet time explaining it to you. Did they get pictures for comparison to future scans?
Mike