Hi girls...I feel like a walking medical encyclopedia. The last few days I have been having flashing lights in the corner of my left eye. Today it was really bad. I called my eye doctor and he told me that my vitreous humor (the jelly like substance behind my eyeball) is pulling away from the retina. It's possible I also have a torn or detached retina. He told me to take it easy---no exercise---especially nothing pounding or jarring to my body, and it I lose my vision all of a suddent to call him right away.
He also wants me to come in Monday morning first thing, where he said he'll dilate me and take a look. This is scaring me. My mother had the same thing and it does tend to run in families. He said I won't go blind all at once...it's called a 'veil' or 'curtain' like effect where you lose part of your vision. Great.
Anyone else had this? What was your experience? Thanks.
Full Version: Detached retina
I just wanted to say I am so sorry you have this, on top of everything else. My cousin had it, and she had to give up sports..but hers was caused FROM sports. She injured herself as a teen and in her 40s she still can see just fine.
Yeah, my mother was an avid tennis player in the '70's and a jogger and had to stop. Great. How am i going to get exercise? Oh well, one step at a time.
The excitement and drama just never ends....
(BTW, good to hear from you, Kath!)
The excitement and drama just never ends....
(BTW, good to hear from you, Kath!)
Sorry to hear that this has happened to you.
My husband had a detached retina last year. If your eye doctor even suspects a detached retina, he should be seeing you immediately, not waiting until Monday. It is a medical emergency.
The good news is, that if it's just flashing lights you're seeing, it may be simple vitreous detachment at this point. That is how my husband started. He was seeing flashing lights, and when he was checked he was told he had vitreous detachment. Vitreous detachment can progress to retinal detachment, but most vitreous detachments don't. Because my husband is so nearsighted (that puts one at risk), he was told to come back in two weeks so they could recheck his eye, but before that period of time passed he started seeing the "veil" or shadow in his peripheral vision and went in for an appt., and was sent straight for surgery that afternoon.
If they catch it before it's fully detached, the chances for a good outcome are much better.
Especially since this runs in your family, I would say that your eye doctor should be seeing you immediately. If you live near a hospital with a retinal specialist, I would get checked out right away.
Not trying to scare you, but detached retina is one of those things that needs immediate attention. Waiting will not mean they can't do anything about it, but as I said, your chances for a good outcome are better the sooner it is caught.
If you see anything like a shadow or veil over the weekend, make sure you get to an eye hospital immediately.
By the way, I think it is a myth that one can't exercise after retinal detachment. Once the retina is healed, it is perfectly fine to resume normal activities.
Good luck,
Missy
The good news is, that if it's just flashing lights you're seeing, it may be simple vitreous detachment at this point. That is how my husband started. He was seeing flashing lights, and when he was checked he was told he had vitreous detachment. Vitreous detachment can progress to retinal detachment, but most vitreous detachments don't. Because my husband is so nearsighted (that puts one at risk), he was told to come back in two weeks so they could recheck his eye, but before that period of time passed he started seeing the "veil" or shadow in his peripheral vision and went in for an appt., and was sent straight for surgery that afternoon.
If they catch it before it's fully detached, the chances for a good outcome are much better.
Especially since this runs in your family, I would say that your eye doctor should be seeing you immediately. If you live near a hospital with a retinal specialist, I would get checked out right away.
Not trying to scare you, but detached retina is one of those things that needs immediate attention. Waiting will not mean they can't do anything about it, but as I said, your chances for a good outcome are better the sooner it is caught.
If you see anything like a shadow or veil over the weekend, make sure you get to an eye hospital immediately.
By the way, I think it is a myth that one can't exercise after retinal detachment. Once the retina is healed, it is perfectly fine to resume normal activities.
Good luck,
Missy
Thank you so much for this info. How often was your husband seeing the flashing lights? I'm having them every hour or so. It's very scary. If I get the 'veil', I'm supposed to call my eye doctor immediately.
Hi Robin
My friend Greg was told the same thing. He has had this condition for years. He doesn't think he will ever go blind in his one eye. You can have this and may never go blind or it might just be liquid in the eye. I had something similar and immediately went to the optometrist. He said my eyes were fine and that I had some liquid in the eye and the flashing would disappear in about six months. I haven't had anything now in over a year. Of course you won't know for sure until the doctor takes a look. Keep us updated.
God Bless
Tara
My friend Greg was told the same thing. He has had this condition for years. He doesn't think he will ever go blind in his one eye. You can have this and may never go blind or it might just be liquid in the eye. I had something similar and immediately went to the optometrist. He said my eyes were fine and that I had some liquid in the eye and the flashing would disappear in about six months. I haven't had anything now in over a year. Of course you won't know for sure until the doctor takes a look. Keep us updated.
God Bless
Tara
I'm so sorry you're having to go through more stuff. I remember over a year ago I had flashing light in my eyes too and I ran to the eye dr. He felt it was migraine situation...every time I blinked I had flashing bright lights in the corner of both eyes. I was scared as I knew it could be detached retina. I thanked God it wasn't. I wish you would have seen someone immediately as well. I believe you have other eye issues (I could be totally wrong about this by the way) but can't remember the name of what you have off the top of my head.
Robin, I was wondering if you ever tried any alternative treatments like acupuncture, etc. You probably have. I have but had no real success but some have.
Hugs,
Karen
Robin, I was wondering if you ever tried any alternative treatments like acupuncture, etc. You probably have. I have but had no real success but some have.
Hugs,
Karen
QUOTE (RoundRobin @ Jan 11 2009, 04:44 AM) 
Hi girls...I feel like a walking medical encyclopedia. The last few days I have been having flashing lights in the corner of my left eye. Today it was really bad. I called my eye doctor and he told me that my vitreous humor (the jelly like substance behind my eyeball) is pulling away from the retina. It's possible I also have a torn or detached retina. He told me to take it easy---no exercise---especially nothing pounding or jarring to my body, and it I lose my vision all of a suddent to call him right away.
He also wants me to come in Monday morning first thing, where he said he'll dilate me and take a look. This is scaring me. My mother had the same thing and it does tend to run in families. He said I won't go blind all at once...it's called a 'veil' or 'curtain' like effect where you lose part of your vision. Great.
Anyone else had this? What was your experience? Thanks.
He also wants me to come in Monday morning first thing, where he said he'll dilate me and take a look. This is scaring me. My mother had the same thing and it does tend to run in families. He said I won't go blind all at once...it's called a 'veil' or 'curtain' like effect where you lose part of your vision. Great.
Anyone else had this? What was your experience? Thanks.
Dear 'Round Robin'
Sorry you are going through all this.I have had no experience of this at all but will pray that all turns out well for you
Please let us know the results of your mother's biopsy as I have been praying that all is well for her too.
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth
If it is in both eyes, then it is probably a migraine; that is what the doctor told me.
But I did call the doctor immediately; he wasn't in his office, but I had an emergency call put in. He called me back right away. This is an excellent eye doctor that my mother used to see (she was a surgical assistant for an eye doctor for years and knows a lot of people in that comunity.)
He told me that if all i had were the flashing lights in the corner of one eye then it was most likely vitreous detachement, however, if I all of sudden see tons of flashes everywhere, OR if my vision is reduced by a curtain or veil (not sure what that means, but he told me that if it happens, I'll know it.) to call him immediately and tell the answering service it was an emergency. He is a very nice guy...I have seen him for my corneal dystrophy, which he said was not related in anyway. I was advised to just take it easy and I'm seeing him tomorrow morning first thing.
I really, really hope this is NOT a detached retina. From what I'm reading, if repaired immediately (how soon is immediately?) there is an 80% chance of saving the vision.
At this point, my life is becoming surreal. It's getting to the point where I"m afraid of each new day, but it brings a new problem. Let's see, what will it be this day? Husband falling down because he can't walk (last Sunday)? Parents disowning me? (Friday) Insomnia and Hot Flashes (every day
)...
I am sorry to sound so cranky and negative. It seems like I"m aging too quickly. Menopause, full blown, at 45. Now this. (It mostly strikes people from 50-80. I'm 46.) Maybe I'll die young...who knows. I don't think I look particularly old, but my body is acting like that of an old lady.
Anyhow. I"ll keep y'all posted. If anyone else has experience with this, people post...I'm soaking up all the information I can at this point.
But I did call the doctor immediately; he wasn't in his office, but I had an emergency call put in. He called me back right away. This is an excellent eye doctor that my mother used to see (she was a surgical assistant for an eye doctor for years and knows a lot of people in that comunity.)
He told me that if all i had were the flashing lights in the corner of one eye then it was most likely vitreous detachement, however, if I all of sudden see tons of flashes everywhere, OR if my vision is reduced by a curtain or veil (not sure what that means, but he told me that if it happens, I'll know it.) to call him immediately and tell the answering service it was an emergency. He is a very nice guy...I have seen him for my corneal dystrophy, which he said was not related in anyway. I was advised to just take it easy and I'm seeing him tomorrow morning first thing.
I really, really hope this is NOT a detached retina. From what I'm reading, if repaired immediately (how soon is immediately?) there is an 80% chance of saving the vision.
At this point, my life is becoming surreal. It's getting to the point where I"m afraid of each new day, but it brings a new problem. Let's see, what will it be this day? Husband falling down because he can't walk (last Sunday)? Parents disowning me? (Friday) Insomnia and Hot Flashes (every day
)...I am sorry to sound so cranky and negative. It seems like I"m aging too quickly. Menopause, full blown, at 45. Now this. (It mostly strikes people from 50-80. I'm 46.) Maybe I'll die young...who knows. I don't think I look particularly old, but my body is acting like that of an old lady.
Anyhow. I"ll keep y'all posted. If anyone else has experience with this, people post...I'm soaking up all the information I can at this point.
Joyce: This isn't the right forum, but my mother's biopsy showed benign calcifications. Still, they want to recheck her in six months. My father told me this in the same phone call where he also told me that they never wanted to speak to me again. I cannot deal with them right now...I'm too worried about my eyesight.
Robin:
I had started seeing flashes of light, sometimes slight pain in my eye or headache. I first noticed it as having trouble reading. The peripheral vision of my left eye was not right, seemed wavy or blurred, straight lines had a single area with a wave. My opthamologist referred me to a retinologist who put me through the paces of several exams and then administered a flourescein test. The diagnosis was pigment epithelial detachment. It had not interfered with my central vision, but he continued to monitor my condition for four months. He did add that he had seen this same thing in athletes, which I had not changed anything in my exercise routine over the course of several years. I had been through an excesssive stressful period and he thought that might have contributed to the PED. Good news is that my last eye appointment showed the leakage was almost gone. Thank God. Straight lines are straight lines again, reading is a little bothersome, but I would say it is 95% better than it was.
He does have me test my sight at home using an Amsler Grid and report any changes to him. You can find one of these online with instructions.
Please keep us posted on your appointment. I'll keep you in my prayers.
(((HUGS)))
Bella
I had started seeing flashes of light, sometimes slight pain in my eye or headache. I first noticed it as having trouble reading. The peripheral vision of my left eye was not right, seemed wavy or blurred, straight lines had a single area with a wave. My opthamologist referred me to a retinologist who put me through the paces of several exams and then administered a flourescein test. The diagnosis was pigment epithelial detachment. It had not interfered with my central vision, but he continued to monitor my condition for four months. He did add that he had seen this same thing in athletes, which I had not changed anything in my exercise routine over the course of several years. I had been through an excesssive stressful period and he thought that might have contributed to the PED. Good news is that my last eye appointment showed the leakage was almost gone. Thank God. Straight lines are straight lines again, reading is a little bothersome, but I would say it is 95% better than it was.
He does have me test my sight at home using an Amsler Grid and report any changes to him. You can find one of these online with instructions.
Please keep us posted on your appointment. I'll keep you in my prayers.
(((HUGS)))
Bella
Hi Robin,
My husband began seeing the flashing lights a few weeks before the retinal detachment. He saw them in his peripheral vision. As I said, when he went to be examined he was told it was vitreous detachment. It is true that most vitreous detachments do not progress to retinal detachment, so you have a good chance of being okay.
I think your doc is right in saying that if you see a sudden burst of new floaters or flashing lights, or you see a shadow or veil, contact him immediately.
In my husband's case, he started saying he couldn't see very well from his peripheral vision, and his detachment turned out to be along the side of his eye.
You will know if your vision changes, I think.
If you do get the symptoms and your retina turns out to be detaching, you will have surgery the same day. The vast majority of cases heal just fine with no other problems. It is very important to have the surgery immediately, because if the retina detaches fully (off the macula) your chances for a good outcome are greatly lessened. Many people with detached retinas ignore the symptoms, thinking they'll just go away (as we do with so many things!). They end up with a full detachment and that is not good. This is one case where emergency treatment is necessary.
There is a yahoo group on the topic which I joined. Lots of good info, but be forewarned -- many of the folks who end up joining are those who had bad outcomes, so you may get a skewed view of things.
Are you very nearsighted?
I think the odds are in your favor that this will turn out to be vitreous detachment. Because of your family history, you should be aware of any new symptoms developing in the near future, though. The great thing is, there is treatment for detached retina if it turns out to be so. I hope not!
Good luck
Missy
My husband began seeing the flashing lights a few weeks before the retinal detachment. He saw them in his peripheral vision. As I said, when he went to be examined he was told it was vitreous detachment. It is true that most vitreous detachments do not progress to retinal detachment, so you have a good chance of being okay.
I think your doc is right in saying that if you see a sudden burst of new floaters or flashing lights, or you see a shadow or veil, contact him immediately.
In my husband's case, he started saying he couldn't see very well from his peripheral vision, and his detachment turned out to be along the side of his eye.
You will know if your vision changes, I think.
If you do get the symptoms and your retina turns out to be detaching, you will have surgery the same day. The vast majority of cases heal just fine with no other problems. It is very important to have the surgery immediately, because if the retina detaches fully (off the macula) your chances for a good outcome are greatly lessened. Many people with detached retinas ignore the symptoms, thinking they'll just go away (as we do with so many things!). They end up with a full detachment and that is not good. This is one case where emergency treatment is necessary.
There is a yahoo group on the topic which I joined. Lots of good info, but be forewarned -- many of the folks who end up joining are those who had bad outcomes, so you may get a skewed view of things.
Are you very nearsighted?
I think the odds are in your favor that this will turn out to be vitreous detachment. Because of your family history, you should be aware of any new symptoms developing in the near future, though. The great thing is, there is treatment for detached retina if it turns out to be so. I hope not!
Good luck
Missy
Oh Robin!!! That sounds horrible!! I hope they can fix it soon!
bev
bev
QUOTE (RoundRobin @ Jan 10 2009, 08:11 PM)
Yeah, my mother was an avid tennis player in the '70's and a jogger and had to stop. Great. How am i going to get exercise? Oh well, one step at a time.
Robin,
I am sorry to hear about detached retina, I know a young women who had full detachment in her late teens and she had surgery, which was success. She had bad near sightness before the detachment, but now her vision is better, after the surgery. She was also advised to take it easy with strenuous exercise, including pounding and heavy lifting.
Re exercise, ask your doctor is you can swim laps, I took on swimming couple years back when my muscles/joints ached badly and recovery time was too long, and now I am addicted.
It is a great cardiovascular workout ( much harder than treadmill) that works your entire body without pounding and is very gentle on your joints. It burns lots of calories, and it will stretch your body like yoga, make it stronger, both upper and lower body. There are also instructor led aquatic exercise groups, water aerobics, water running, etc. Check with your local pool, you may really enjoy it, if you like water and more or less decent swimmer. If not, there is also tai chi, the gentle type, and simply walking if it is ok with your doctor.
Be well,
I.
I.
Missy: I am nearsighted, but not too badly...I need glasses to watch tv and drive, that's it. I have a strong family history though...both my mother and my aunt (her sister) have had this. Both had surgery and are fine.
From what I'm reading it's the people who ignore the symptoms that end up losing their vision. I'm being extra vigilant, so hopefully the worst won't happen.
Iradan: I'm not a great swimmer...I prefer exercises that use my legs...but I may have to give up the elliptical. My mother's doctor told her to ride a stationary bike. We'll see what happens. I will freak out if I cannot exercise...it's the only thing that keeps me sane. I just spent the morning cleaning and cooking, and now I'm going to be a good patient and lay down for the rest of the day. I'll let you all know what happens after my appointment tomorrow morning. Thanks for all the support, gals...you ladies are the BEST!
From what I'm reading it's the people who ignore the symptoms that end up losing their vision. I'm being extra vigilant, so hopefully the worst won't happen.
Iradan: I'm not a great swimmer...I prefer exercises that use my legs...but I may have to give up the elliptical. My mother's doctor told her to ride a stationary bike. We'll see what happens. I will freak out if I cannot exercise...it's the only thing that keeps me sane. I just spent the morning cleaning and cooking, and now I'm going to be a good patient and lay down for the rest of the day. I'll let you all know what happens after my appointment tomorrow morning. Thanks for all the support, gals...you ladies are the BEST!
Robin: I had the vitreous detachment about four or five years ago. I was sitting in my office one day and saw lots and lots of flashes and floaters. It freaked me out, and I called my ophthalmologist, who had me come in right away. She checked it out and determined it was just the vitreous and not a retinal detachment. I go in every six months to get checked and make sure all is still well, and it always has been. In my case, it happened because of extreme near sightedness and not athletic activity -- DEFINITELY not athletic activity. lol In the vast majority of cases, the flashers just mean a vitreous detachment, and you shouldn't be thinking that you have a retinal detachment. Just go in on Monday and get it checked out; all will be well, I'm sure. As long as you're not having any disturbance in your vision except for the floaters, you're fine. The best thing you can do for yourself is keep a level head.
Thank you witsend. The only thing that scares me is that 10% of all PVD's turn into retinal detachments. I'm just praying the odds are on my side!
I'm having a nice day at home with DH. Treating myself to a dessert (definitely NOT low carb)....apple tart tatin...amazingly yummy looking, but we'll see how the finished product tastes. I had to make caramel (not that my experience doing that) and work with puff pastry (tricky.) But I figured...with all I've got going on right now, I deserved a treat. Better than getting buzzed on a bottle of wine anyways...
I'm having a nice day at home with DH. Treating myself to a dessert (definitely NOT low carb)....apple tart tatin...amazingly yummy looking, but we'll see how the finished product tastes. I had to make caramel (not that my experience doing that) and work with puff pastry (tricky.) But I figured...with all I've got going on right now, I deserved a treat. Better than getting buzzed on a bottle of wine anyways...
Hi Robin,
It makes sense to be concerned but the odds really are in your favor as to this not progressing to retinal detachment. Were your mother and aunt more nearsighted than you? The fact that you are not terribly nearsighted is in your favor, too, I think. My husband is, and that is probably what caused his detachment.
My experience has been that advice about exercise and retinal detachment varies wildly. My husband's retinal specialist is widely known as one of the best in the country. He does not limit my husband's activities at all. Obviously, it is a personal choice, but if exercise contributes to your quality of life that's something to consider.
I've known some people who are told they are at "high risk" for retinal detachment who are afraid to exert themselves, but I don't think there's any research supporting a connection between exercise and retinal detachment. My husband was a very active person before his detachment and he continues to be just as active now. Definitely get a few opinions on the exercise issue, but also know that at least one person who's post detached retina has not changed his lifestyle at all.
Good luck
Missy
It makes sense to be concerned but the odds really are in your favor as to this not progressing to retinal detachment. Were your mother and aunt more nearsighted than you? The fact that you are not terribly nearsighted is in your favor, too, I think. My husband is, and that is probably what caused his detachment.
My experience has been that advice about exercise and retinal detachment varies wildly. My husband's retinal specialist is widely known as one of the best in the country. He does not limit my husband's activities at all. Obviously, it is a personal choice, but if exercise contributes to your quality of life that's something to consider.
I've known some people who are told they are at "high risk" for retinal detachment who are afraid to exert themselves, but I don't think there's any research supporting a connection between exercise and retinal detachment. My husband was a very active person before his detachment and he continues to be just as active now. Definitely get a few opinions on the exercise issue, but also know that at least one person who's post detached retina has not changed his lifestyle at all.
Good luck
Missy
QUOTE (RoundRobin @ Jan 11 2009, 02:56 PM)
Iradan: I'm not a great swimmer...I prefer exercises that use my legs...but I may have to give up the elliptical. My mother's doctor told her to ride a stationary bike. We'll see what happens. I will freak out if I cannot exercise...it's the only thing that keeps me sane. I just spent the morning cleaning and cooking, and now I'm going to be a good patient and lay down for the rest of the day. I'll let you all know what happens after my appointment tomorrow morning. Thanks for all the support, gals...you ladies are the BEST!
You can still get lower body workout in the pool, pools have belts that will keep you suspended in the deep end of the pool and you can walk/run in the water, or get a kick board and workout your legs and lower body, if you don't want to work your upper body. My point is, you can still get plenty of different exercise without jogging/running.
Good luck
I.
Thanks, Iradan. I'm going to see what my doctor says today. Right now I dont' have the money to join any sort of place with a pool..even a YMCA is out of the question...but maybe a stationary bicycle...i don't know.
This is hard to cope with. The flashes are coming more frequently. His office opens in 50 minutes and I"m gong to be on the phone at 9 am promptly. DH comes home from a meeting at 9:30 and hopefully we'll head there.
I don't even want to tell anyone this is happening, because the sheer amount of health problems I have had in the past 3 years is downright embarassing.
This is hard to cope with. The flashes are coming more frequently. His office opens in 50 minutes and I"m gong to be on the phone at 9 am promptly. DH comes home from a meeting at 9:30 and hopefully we'll head there.
I don't even want to tell anyone this is happening, because the sheer amount of health problems I have had in the past 3 years is downright embarassing.
Robin, I've had surgery for a detached retina (you can look up my other posts on here--I've gone into detail with it, but don't know how to reference it in this post). I think it's unlikely you have a detached retina if your eyesight isn't too bad. I've very nearsighted, fair skinned, and have larger than usual eyes, all of which made me susceptible to it. The indication I had that I had a detached retina was not flashing lights, but an increase in floaters (spidery things flashing in front of your eyes). I should have gone to the doctor earlier, but I was so used to having the floaters I just thought it was more of the same.
Keep us posted.
Frisbee
Keep us posted.
Frisbee
Oh Robin,.
I jsut read this and hope all went well at the doctor's. Please keep us posted on what is going on. I really hope you are feeling better.
I jsut read this and hope all went well at the doctor's. Please keep us posted on what is going on. I really hope you are feeling better.
Robin,
I hope you are okay..just wondering how you made out at the dr.
When I spoke of acupuncture, I meant for all your other meno symptoms like hot flashes, etc., not the eyes of course.
Hugs,
Karen
I hope you are okay..just wondering how you made out at the dr.
When I spoke of acupuncture, I meant for all your other meno symptoms like hot flashes, etc., not the eyes of course.
Hugs,
Karen
Hi Robin - I just wanted to send you my best wishes. I noticed this post today; I hope that all things go well for you. Rest, rest, rest.
Hugs,
Suzanne
Hugs,
Suzanne
Hey guys: The verdict: I have posterial vitreous detachment, but my retina is okay--so far. I have to get re-checked every 4 weeks. If I have a sudden increase in floaters (which would be awful, as I alread have dozens of them...have for 20 years) or more flashing lights, or a curtain or veil (loss of vision, basically) then I call the doctor and he examines me right away. Also, I can expect the same thing (vitreous detachment, with the same risks) to happen to my other eye within a year. Yay.
The doctor, whom I normally like, was a real ass. He rushed me, wasn't very nice, and when my husband asked him "is there anything she can do to prevent the retina from tearing?" he replied, "yeah, she could DIE. That would prevent it." Excuse me? Maybe he was just having a bad day, I dunno. One more visit like that and I'm going to look for a new doctor.
Also, I asked him about exercise, and he got angry. "What do you want me to tell you?" he snorted. "The statistics say it doesn't make a difference...if you're so worried, stop exercising...HELLO?" Okaaaay....we just stared at him and walked out slowly. He is a smoker (I can smell it on him) and obviously someone who doesn't care/think/value daily exercise, so I'm not sure what to do. Oh yeah, he did say one more thing...I told him I used an elliptial machine and he said "'just google it...you'll find lots of opinions." Mr. Doctor-Man, I'm asking YOU...that's what my insurance company is paying you $650 for (the cost of the 20 min. visit we had today, minus the $25 co-pay.)
Anyhoo. I'm just glad it's NOT a detached retina. I'm going to lay off the exercise for a week and see how my eye does. It was a stressful day. God Bless all of you who responded here and lent your support.
The doctor, whom I normally like, was a real ass. He rushed me, wasn't very nice, and when my husband asked him "is there anything she can do to prevent the retina from tearing?" he replied, "yeah, she could DIE. That would prevent it." Excuse me? Maybe he was just having a bad day, I dunno. One more visit like that and I'm going to look for a new doctor.
Also, I asked him about exercise, and he got angry. "What do you want me to tell you?" he snorted. "The statistics say it doesn't make a difference...if you're so worried, stop exercising...HELLO?" Okaaaay....we just stared at him and walked out slowly. He is a smoker (I can smell it on him) and obviously someone who doesn't care/think/value daily exercise, so I'm not sure what to do. Oh yeah, he did say one more thing...I told him I used an elliptial machine and he said "'just google it...you'll find lots of opinions." Mr. Doctor-Man, I'm asking YOU...that's what my insurance company is paying you $650 for (the cost of the 20 min. visit we had today, minus the $25 co-pay.)
Anyhoo. I'm just glad it's NOT a detached retina. I'm going to lay off the exercise for a week and see how my eye does. It was a stressful day. God Bless all of you who responded here and lent your support.
((((robin)))) - geez, girl, enough already. sorry to hear about all of this, but glad that it wasn't the detached retina. don't know anything about pvd, but here's hoping that things go well ahead.
you did well to not kick dr. *ss in his.
xo,ellen
you did well to not kick dr. *ss in his.
xo,ellen
Thanks, ellen. I wasn't in my usual 'storm and conquer' mood. If this had been another day, and I weren't feeling scared and vulnerable, I would have told him how inappropriate his behavior was. Everyone gets to have a bad day...I'll give him a free pass for today...but like I said, if he acts like this again--well, let's just say, I won't be returning. I thought maybe he was just super busy and over-booked, but after rushing me thru my exam, he ran out to the front office, grabbed a take-out menu, and announced to 'the girls' that he was "starving" and "needed a big lunch" (can anyone say 'hangover?')
I'm being catty, I know. Maybe it was low blood sugar. But for the $300,000 a year he probably makes, you think he could muster some personality.
I'm being catty, I know. Maybe it was low blood sugar. But for the $300,000 a year he probably makes, you think he could muster some personality.
Well, that doctor was a rude one...guess we all have our days, doctors and all!
Robin - So sorry you have to deal with this on top of all the other meno stuff. When it rains, it pours. I'm glad that your retina isn't detached. Your doctor sounds like a jerk, today anyway.
RR -
Sorry you have to go through this! Not that you haven't already been through enough for 10 people! Geesh. Walking might be a good alternative until you feel better.
I hope you feel better soon.
Sorry you have to go through this! Not that you haven't already been through enough for 10 people! Geesh. Walking might be a good alternative until you feel better.
I hope you feel better soon.
Robin.....I'm sorry to hear about your eye. I feel so bad, you have been through so much! And the rude doctor certainly did not help matters any. Geez..... 
Do take care. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Do take care. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Rude doctors like this have no excuse. He may do this all day long, but this was a serious issue for you and should not be dismissed so quickly. I think he was out of line. What a jerk, hungry or not, excuse yourself, get a grip, come back and be there for your patient. Geez.
Anyway, I hope you are feeling better and try to relax, (like that's easy). Keep us posted on your progress.
Anyway, I hope you are feeling better and try to relax, (like that's easy). Keep us posted on your progress.
I'm glad your retina is not effected.
(((HUGS)))
Bella
(((HUGS)))
Bella
My daughter got hit in the eye with a toy helicopter when she was in 2nd grade and it detached her retina. We didn't not it the first day but by the day after it happened she was still acting funny about it so we took her to the eye doctor and he rushed us into emergency surgery (on Christmas Eve!). Anyway they fixed it and she had to avoid rough sports that winter (no dodge ball) but since then she has been fine. She is now 14 and very active in sports with no problems. I will have to tell a funny though, the doctor had told us after the surgery to watch and let him know if she started seeing spots. Well one day she came to me and was really worried and said she kept seeing lots of spots. Well naturally I freaked out and we got my husband in there (he's the calm one). He took off her glasses and held them up to the light and they were so dirty and spotty that it was no wonder she was seeing spots. We cleaned her glasses and all was well again.
Update: I saw a new doctor. The fact that the guy I had seen gave me a quickie examination plus the inappropriate comment he made just got to me. Plus my eye isn't getting any better...the flashes are increasing.
So. I looked in the phone book and found a 'vitreoretinal surgeon.' His office was very nice; they wanted to see me right away. My DH took me yesterday. He dilated BOTH eyes, and used this scope thing in my left eye to search every centimeter of the edge of my retina. (Much more thorough than the other doctor.) He found two areas that looked 'suspicious.' One is at about 4:00 'oclock on my retina and it appears there is lattice-like degeration going on (oh goody). The other is on the upper part of my retina (about 10:00), and it looks atrophied.
He told me that right now he thinks its vitreous detachment, but it could be something else. He mentioned MS,and a brain tumour. (Panic attack starts here.) His exact words were: It's possible, but not probable. I have to be hyper vigilant and get rechecked again this Thursday. He will let me know then if I can fly on Saturday, for my planned trip to Fla. to see my DD.
I haven't wrapped my head around this yet. There have been many health scares in my life...cancer scares, major surgery, you name it. I always was able to handle it, but it took a while. I needed to get used to the idea of the new crisis. This one is knocking me back. My parents don't want to speak to me so they have no idea what's going on (which is a shame, since my mothe was a surgical assistant to an eye surgeon for 20 years...but I won't call her. She'll just say something horrid to me and hang up and I have done enough crying for 10 people.)
The doctor assured me that he will do everything to make sure I don't lose my eye sight, but now of course I am worried it could be something worse. I don't have any other symptoms of MS...no problems with walking..no numbness or tingling, just the eye flashes, blurriness, and a pounding headache that will not go away (probably from stress.)
Sigh. So that's it ladies. I'm not in a good way right now. Too much life. Too much strife. I need a break. Just a year without any crises...health threats, legal threats, money woes. Maybe I'm at the end of the road..maybe I've lived my life and this is all God had in plan for me. If so, I've lived a lot of life, that's for sure. But I felt like I had more to do. Oh geez, look at me, I'm doing doom and gloom thinking. Sorry.
I better stop for now.
So. I looked in the phone book and found a 'vitreoretinal surgeon.' His office was very nice; they wanted to see me right away. My DH took me yesterday. He dilated BOTH eyes, and used this scope thing in my left eye to search every centimeter of the edge of my retina. (Much more thorough than the other doctor.) He found two areas that looked 'suspicious.' One is at about 4:00 'oclock on my retina and it appears there is lattice-like degeration going on (oh goody). The other is on the upper part of my retina (about 10:00), and it looks atrophied.
He told me that right now he thinks its vitreous detachment, but it could be something else. He mentioned MS,and a brain tumour. (Panic attack starts here.) His exact words were: It's possible, but not probable. I have to be hyper vigilant and get rechecked again this Thursday. He will let me know then if I can fly on Saturday, for my planned trip to Fla. to see my DD.
I haven't wrapped my head around this yet. There have been many health scares in my life...cancer scares, major surgery, you name it. I always was able to handle it, but it took a while. I needed to get used to the idea of the new crisis. This one is knocking me back. My parents don't want to speak to me so they have no idea what's going on (which is a shame, since my mothe was a surgical assistant to an eye surgeon for 20 years...but I won't call her. She'll just say something horrid to me and hang up and I have done enough crying for 10 people.)
The doctor assured me that he will do everything to make sure I don't lose my eye sight, but now of course I am worried it could be something worse. I don't have any other symptoms of MS...no problems with walking..no numbness or tingling, just the eye flashes, blurriness, and a pounding headache that will not go away (probably from stress.)
Sigh. So that's it ladies. I'm not in a good way right now. Too much life. Too much strife. I need a break. Just a year without any crises...health threats, legal threats, money woes. Maybe I'm at the end of the road..maybe I've lived my life and this is all God had in plan for me. If so, I've lived a lot of life, that's for sure. But I felt like I had more to do. Oh geez, look at me, I'm doing doom and gloom thinking. Sorry.
I better stop for now.
Robin,
So sorry to hear that you have this in addition to all the other stuff you've been through. I will pray for you to have peace and comfort throughout this and that it will all turn out to be OK.
So sorry to hear that you have this in addition to all the other stuff you've been through. I will pray for you to have peace and comfort throughout this and that it will all turn out to be OK.
Robin, don't give up. I know how you feel and I know how one can want to give up and think this is it...it is scary to hear things like that from a doctor, but I do believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am sure it is not a brain tumor nor do I think it is MS. Am sure it will get better in time. You are going through a rough spot right now, a really rough spot, but I believe that in time you will look back at this moment. I am glad you got a second opinion though...this doctor sounds really thorough and kind. Good luck on everything you are going through. I admire you for expressing your feelings and your fears, not easy for some of us, even when we feel AWFUL, the words just don't come out. You will be okay, Robin, you will. We are all praying for you to get back on track.
Hi Robin
I know how scary it can be when faced with the possibility you may have MS or a brain tumor. A little over a year ago I had an mri of my head and neck. Thankfully it came up normal. If you don't have any tingling that is a good sign. Although that is not always the first symptom of MS it is usually what people experience first. Ask your doctor about having an mri if it is really worrying you. An mri can detect even the most minuscule of a problem compared to a CT which may be faster but is not as thorough and can expose you to radiation. I hope everything works out for you! I keep all my PS sisters in my prayers and will be praying for you!
God Bless
Tara
P.S. Look forward to meeting you sometime in the summer!
I know how scary it can be when faced with the possibility you may have MS or a brain tumor. A little over a year ago I had an mri of my head and neck. Thankfully it came up normal. If you don't have any tingling that is a good sign. Although that is not always the first symptom of MS it is usually what people experience first. Ask your doctor about having an mri if it is really worrying you. An mri can detect even the most minuscule of a problem compared to a CT which may be faster but is not as thorough and can expose you to radiation. I hope everything works out for you! I keep all my PS sisters in my prayers and will be praying for you!
God Bless
Tara
P.S. Look forward to meeting you sometime in the summer!
Thanks girls...I feel so much better when someone posts to me here...it is really is my only source of support right now. My closest friend is not someone I can really lean on--she is always in crisis---and my husband, though a great guy, is not the 'lean-on' type of person. I'm HIS rock, not the other around. I feel like I'm alone in this...drifting in sea of worry and ignorance.
I just spoke to my primary care doctor--he told me no more elliptical machine until we get this sorted out. Raising my heart rate and BP is not a good idea right now. My head has been pounding since I woke up...it's so bad that it hurts just to touch it. He is of the opinion that I'm having retinal problems in addition to migraines. I usually take Imitrex for migraines, but he said they are strictly off-limits until the eye problems resolve. So he is prescribing even more pain killers. Ugh.
I'm so worn down. Why so much stress and strife in such a short period of time? It doesn't seem fair...but then again, life is often cruel and brutal. You need to appreciate every second of every minute of every day. Things can change in a BLINK of an eye (no pun in intended.)
I just spoke to my primary care doctor--he told me no more elliptical machine until we get this sorted out. Raising my heart rate and BP is not a good idea right now. My head has been pounding since I woke up...it's so bad that it hurts just to touch it. He is of the opinion that I'm having retinal problems in addition to migraines. I usually take Imitrex for migraines, but he said they are strictly off-limits until the eye problems resolve. So he is prescribing even more pain killers. Ugh.
I'm so worn down. Why so much stress and strife in such a short period of time? It doesn't seem fair...but then again, life is often cruel and brutal. You need to appreciate every second of every minute of every day. Things can change in a BLINK of an eye (no pun in intended.)
PS Tara: Oh, that would be great! I really hope we do get to meet up this summer. My DH is looking forward to meeting your DH. RI is beautiful in the summer...I will take you to Newport and show you around, that's a promise...
Robin, it soundsl ike you have a much better doctor. I went through several opthalmologists before I found a good one--now, unfortunately my health plan doesn't cover him! So I don't know what I'll do.
But I wouldn't worry about the MS and other stuff--I had the detached retina when I was 42, which is young. People are surprised to see this at this age, so they sometimes suspect something else.
Yes, the possibility of losing eyesight is very scary. I was almost paralyzed by the thought of losing my sight (had young children at the time) before I had the surgery. I remember how happy I was to regain the sight after the surgery.
My surgery for a detached retina was day surgery. I didn't feel like myself for about a month afterwards, probably due to the anesthesia. I was awake the whole time, which is sort of weird, having your eye worked on while you're awake. I had the buckle surgery, which wasn't so bad.
Good luck on Thursday. I know exactly what you mean about not telling your mother. My family was of no support to me, so I was always reluctant to tell them anything. When I told my mother I was having the eye surgery she wrung her hands and said "I hope you don't lose your eyesight." But usually she would blame me for things, so I guess I should just be thankful that she didn't say that somehow I brought this on myself. Usually if I felt ill at all, growing up, she would get mad at me and say it was my fault. Why get yourself worked up telling your mother--I understand completely. It's a shame you can't get some support from her, but I know that's the reality. I think I survived by keeping my mother at arms length. I'm sure your husband is very supportive, and you have lots of support here.
Hugs,
Frisbee
But I wouldn't worry about the MS and other stuff--I had the detached retina when I was 42, which is young. People are surprised to see this at this age, so they sometimes suspect something else.
Yes, the possibility of losing eyesight is very scary. I was almost paralyzed by the thought of losing my sight (had young children at the time) before I had the surgery. I remember how happy I was to regain the sight after the surgery.
My surgery for a detached retina was day surgery. I didn't feel like myself for about a month afterwards, probably due to the anesthesia. I was awake the whole time, which is sort of weird, having your eye worked on while you're awake. I had the buckle surgery, which wasn't so bad.
Good luck on Thursday. I know exactly what you mean about not telling your mother. My family was of no support to me, so I was always reluctant to tell them anything. When I told my mother I was having the eye surgery she wrung her hands and said "I hope you don't lose your eyesight." But usually she would blame me for things, so I guess I should just be thankful that she didn't say that somehow I brought this on myself. Usually if I felt ill at all, growing up, she would get mad at me and say it was my fault. Why get yourself worked up telling your mother--I understand completely. It's a shame you can't get some support from her, but I know that's the reality. I think I survived by keeping my mother at arms length. I'm sure your husband is very supportive, and you have lots of support here.
Hugs,
Frisbee
Robin, I am sorry you are having more eye problems. I wouldn't worry about MS or brain tumor (easy for me to say I know). I've had the flashing lights, veil over my eye, etc. I have starting trying not to worry about every "sympton" unless it persists. Stress is not helping your eyes either. I know when I'm stressed, my eyes get really sensitive to light and start watering so bad I can't see. Take care and hope things get better real soon.
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