Slow degradation of my vision. Seeing a retina specialist

@bonitav, I agree with Teresa. It is okay to ask for help. I know that is hard to do sometimes, especially when we have developed our own independence. None of us are as young as we used to be, but we can age gracefully! And hurting ourselves by overdoing it is not a good idea at any age.
My husband and I have always been do-it-yourselfers. This time we hired the painting out to professionals, and it was amazing! They prepped, they painted, they even cleaned up. And moved the furniture, too. I'm a believer:-)
Rosemary

@bonitav, I was seeing flashing lights when I closed my eyes. My PCP sent me to ophthalmologist, ophthalmologist sent me to retina specialist. This all happened in a 3 day span of time. The retina specialist said that there was blood seeping from a small (branch) vein. My condition is called retinal vein occlusion. I have been on repeated series of the injections to 'mop up the seepage' and reduce the inflammation. He is very pleased with my response to the injection medication. Now he continues to monitor my eye. He will begin injections again if I need them. HE/and his partners think that my cause is because of the way my veins are pressed against each other. I also take eye drops to reduce eye pressure.
Rosemary

@bonitav Hi Bonnie: I hope that your vision problem is responding to treatment. Have you had a return visit lately.? I hope that your move went well and that you are settling in your new place. Keep in touch, i think about you often. Teresa

Hi Teresa @hopeful33250 -- Oh my gosh, so much has happened since we last spoke. First, and the issue that's breaking my heart, is my younger brother was diagnosed with Lung Cancer and was being treated with Chemo. He progressed nicely until he could go home and return to the hospital for chemo. Unfortunately, after having been home for just a few days, one morning he didn't wake up. Seems he'd had a massive stroke during the night. Back to the hospital and was dx'd with a massive stroke on one side of his brain. Then what had been a bit of reaction, he lost all ability to recognize his surroundings. So, I'm trying to decide if it's time I returned to TN at least to let him know I'm there. Family is discouraging me...not making it easy. As for me, I've had one infusion of Stelara but tough to tell if it's doing its job since my gallbladder absence is causing lots of issues. Had an MRI yesterday to check the pancreatic cyst for growth or changes. And.... Monday took my 17 year old kitty to the vet for a recheck. We decided it was time for her to leave me. Broke my heart. Seems there's so much to deal with right now. Oh, and when I moved, pulled a muscle in my back and was in physical therapy for weeks. Had to hire someone to help me unpack as the back pain prevented me from doing much. Have appt with retina specialist soon... in a couple of weeks.
Just describing all this is disturbing but I will get through this. I'll update you if I decide to do the 10 hour drive to visit my brother. Thanks so much for checking on me... Hope all is well with you. Bonnie.

@bonitav Oh Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear about your brother's diagnoses. How very difficult for you and your entire family. I'm also sorry to hear of you kitty, pets are such an important part of our family and our support! It sounds like you have had a tough few months. Take care of yourself and stay in touch. I will be thinking about you and hope that the Stelara begins to work and that your retina problem gets under control I'll copy mentor, @rosemarya on this as I know she has posted with you regarding the eye problem. Take care and let me know how the MRI for the pancreatic cysts comes out. I'm due tor another MIR to check on my pancreatic cysts as well, sounds like we are on a similar schedule! Teresa

@hopeful33250 Thanks Teresa. Will be thinking of you too and will check in later. Take care.

@bonitav, My heart aches for you because of what you are going thru. Please know that I will hold you in my thoughts and I have already offered a prayer on your behalf, as well as for your brother.

I am unfamiliar with Stelera, I will look it up later today. As for me, I needed to resume my Lucentis injections because the interocular edema was returning. After 2 treatments, I am continuing with troublesome vision. Next week, I return to Retinal specialist for the eye scan to determine if there is something else going on with my retina. I am rather alarmed about it right now. And frustrated because I just got new glasses couple months ago when retina doc approved. My retina doc and my ophthalmologist do l work together, and in same office. I really hope it is the eye glasses, but I'm afraid it is more complicated that that. I cannot get my prescription checked until I get a good report from the retina people.

I send you a hug,
Rosemary

@rosemarya Hi Rosemary: I'm so sorry to hear that your vision problem is not improving, that must be disheartening! Praying for you as well. I can understand your alarm. Keep in touch and let us know when you get word on the results of the scan. Teresa

@hopeful33250, Thank you, Teresa. I have my appointment on Thursday. The scan (cant recall the name of it) will immediately show if there is more leakage from retinal vein. It can get frustrating when things change. The good thing is that these docs are on top of their field. One is on board of directors a different one of our top medical institutions. And very involved in research. I am fortunate that they lease part of my ophthalmologist's office 3 days a month so I can get local treatment. I'll let you know what is going on.
Thanks for caring,
Rosemary

@rosemarya I'm so glad that you have such good people working on your behalf. Yes, keep in touch! Teresa