Today's visit to the Retina specialist (Warning not for the EYEs squimish --Harold)

[Cinnabon]

Hey everyone...
This is an update from my last diagnosis. I went to today to a retina specialist that put me through a lot of tests. I am almost blind know from all those test. I was even injected with a dye to see the contrast of all the hemmoraging. In fact I have SEVER diabetic retinopathy with a beginning of cataracts. He wants to get started ASAP. He scheduled me for Tues to receive a shot in the eye and want to commence lazer surgery by Friday. I'm looking at close to 800-900 lazers needed if not more. This is a DEEP roller coaster ride for me, but don't think it beat the having to take shots at the age of 9. I mentioned I was about to be hooked up to a pump and he told me my retinopathy can get worst in the beginning, while my body gets used to having the pump. Not feeling too cheery right now....

[duck]

...but there's treatment, right?

[Cinnabon]

We are looking at 800-900 lazers for right now.

[duck]

But you won't be blind?

[Cinnabon]

Its hard for me to even type this, but It is not known for right now.

[Barb]

Cinnabon Oh my I will be keeping you in my prayers...How many lazers do they do at one time ..is it so many a day a month...

[duck]

I'm not trying to ask dumb questions...I don't know how else to ask...So there is still hope, though? I mean ten years ago I know the laser therapy was still being researched, but there is hope that the therapy will correct the retinopathy?

[Cinnabon]

By no means, is there a wrong question.Yes, I still have hope. Their main goal right now is to stop the bleeding.

[duck]

Don't give up, Cinnabon. It's "bad" news, but the fact that the doctor had a plan is promising--It's when they look at you with that "I'm about to give you very bad news"-look on their face, that's when we should panic.

I need to read more about laser therapy for retinopathy. Honestly, the most I know about it comes from articles in Newsweek/CNN etc., when they talk about advances for diabetics--the news is promising, they can do things today they didn't think was possible in the 90's. I'm thinking he gave you the worst-case scenario, so that when you need a lot less surgeries, he looks like a genius rather than a dolt--that's my experience with doctors.

Also, when you get the pump hooked up and worked out, it should help with recovery. There's nothing like getting your basal rate dialed-in to make healing an easier process.

[Cinnabon]

Thanks for the "pick me up" Duck.... I know what you mean about Doctor's and their want to be recognized as super heroes at the end. Hopefully it will be much less. He stated I must keep my BS under 140 at all times. That's really not a problem for me. I know that when I do get started w/ the pump Ill probably run higher at the start.

[Belinda]

Cinnabon....don't worry...I had this done ASAP...don't give up hope...it gets worse before better. I had laser after laser after laser.....and then 4 other surgeries (2 per eye). It was a long and hard road but.....I see 20/25 and 20/40. I think my retina specialist is the MAN...please be patient with it and do all the doctor tells you too. (than means EVERYTHING...follow his orders to the hilt..if it says don't life 5 pounds then don't live the wet laundry....I am serious...follow his instructions and be diligent about the eye drops and ointments.....it is hard and long process but you will be amazed that once it is over you made it through and you can see.).

If you need any specifics PM me...you won't be able to read or be on the computer for a while but it will be ok....

[gettingby]

Hang in there Cinnabon. You are gonna be ok. It sounds like you have a great doctor who's not afraid to jump in there and help ya. We will get you through this together. All of us veterens (diagnosed back before the new "advances") face this complication at some point. I remember being told that I probably wouldn't live to see 21. Guess I fooled 'em. I'm gonna be 34 week after next. I'm here if ya need a friend. :D {{{CINNABON}}}

[Cinnabon]

THANK YOU ... YOU R ALL AWESOME!!!

[Dewey]

Oh, Dear! I just saw this (I am slow....lol ;)). Just wanted to tell you, Cinnabon, that you're in our thoughts and prayers. Here's hoping that the procedure(s) go very well, and that you'll be better really soon! Major (((((hugs))))) to you, and hang in there. We're here to help! (again, my apologies for the lateness...:o )

[lgvincent]

Hoping for the best for you!

[HeatherP]

Best wishes Cinnabon for a smooth procedure and recovery! I'll be thinking of you.

Take care,
Heather

[Cinnabon]

Thank you Heather. Tomorrow I go back for another visit, I believe I will be getting a shot in one of my eyes. I will update in the afternoon.

[Harold]

Thank you Heather. Tomorrow I go back for another visit, I believe I will be getting a shot in one of my eyes. I will update in the afternoon. Oh Dear I do feel for you! Did you realize your last post probably made Tony pass out. You should have put a warning in the title......Hmmmmmm maybe I could do it. Yep Did IT!

[Belinda]

Oh Dear I do feel for you! Did you realize your last post probably made Tony pass out. You should have put a warning in the title......Hmmmmmm maybe I could do it. Yep Did IT!


Yep I can see it NOW...Tony out cold...by the way where has he been? I know he is not at an eye doctor just itching to get his eyes checked!!!!


Cinnabon....I had the cataracts too.....youngest ever for my doctor.....don't you just hate all that comes with the diabetes :(

[Harold]

Tony out cold...by the way where has he been? He was in here yesterday evening when I peeked in at lunch time. He is usually in here at least three times a day. Unfortunately to keep a forum like this running smoothly it takes a lot of work. Backing up posts at least once a week, and then there is keeping up with updates, and installing patches. I know he does not get to post anywhere near as much as he would like to. Just being a moderator I have to pass up posting sometimes for lack of time, but it's worth it.

[Cront]

Cinnabon,

Sounds like you and I have a lot in common. I am a T-1 for 22 years too..and have proliferative diabetic retinopathy. I have been on a pump now for 3 years. I have had SEVERAL laser treatments along with the shots in the eyes. When they speak of 800-900 lasers, they're proabaly referring to the number of "spots" that they will need to hit with the laser. I believe the normal amount of spots during a single treatment is 300-400. I continue to have hemorages...but I've learned to live with it. The blood eventally drains and my eyesight returns to normal until another blood vessel pops. It's only happened in BOTH eyes just once. The blood doesn't always settle directly in your line of vision so sometimes you can actually see around it. I understand your fear and nervousness. let me know if I can help or answer any questions. I'll keep you in my toughts. Cheers! ~Cront

[Cinnabon]

Hey there.. Just got back from another visit to the retina specialist. I received a kenlog injection*. Wowzers.... even after 22 years of shots this was more impressing than painful. I am due back on Friday at 7:15 am for the commencement of my Gabillion Laser surgeries needed. Pretty amazing, all of you were lingering in my head.... LOL


]*Kenalog injection is medication that has been proven to help treat eye conditions, such as diabetic macular edema, Kenalog is typically used to reduce swelling and inflammation inside the eye. I am seeing floating dark spots and will continue to see them for about 10 days. These floating dark spots are from the medication actually drifting around inside my eye. I have been given antibiotic drops and other lubricating drops that I must take as religiously as my magnificent insulin shots.

[HeatherP]

I am seeing floating dark spots and will continue to see them for about 10 days. These floating dark spots are from the medication actually drifting around inside my eye.


http://bestsmileys.com/fainting/1.gif

[Cinnabon]

Harold..

You are very right. Sorry I didn't even notice that. Thanks for putting that up for me. I guess I didn't even realize it since I'm going through all this, lol. I was kinda in shock form all these doctor visits... LOL.

[Faerie]

Hey Cin,

I know this whole eye thing is quite shocking, but I've been through it, and I'm sure it will work out as well for you as it has for me. I started with the laser, it didn't help and my eyes got worse, and I had to go for the ops to stop the bleeding. It's rough and sore and very unpleasant but it's worth it. I genuinely understand. Let know whats going on ok? :rolleyes: