Cross my heart and hope to die

I was told about six years ago that I had pre age related macular degeneration. My symptoms were a group of blood vessels near the optic nerve in my right eye. My ophthalmologist told me to come in every three months and see if the blood vessels were moving toward the optic nerve. This could cause partial blindness. If that should start happening she would stick a needle in my eye and inject a drug. These examinations continued for about three years and finally she told me I didn't need to see her anymore because the blood vessels had dried up.

I did have a yearly eye check with a optometrist and recently they discovered that the problem was back. My ophthalmologist informed my that the condition was worse and probably should be treated. Once started the treatments could go on for years. I had my first a week or so ago and am scheduled for another in a month. It doesn't really hurt to have a needle stuck in your eye after deadening drugs are injected, but is very uncomfortable to the eye for the rest of the day. I am not looking forward to the next stick, but if it saves my vision I am all for it.

I would appreciate any input concerning this treatment. It's all new to me.

Much good mojo to you Jer, hoping the pain is minimal, the results maximal and that you continue to defy that old adversary, Age.

exskibum said:

Much good mojo to you Jer, hoping the pain is minimal, the results maximal and that you continue to defy that old adversary, Age.

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Yeah... what he said!! :wub:

Go Jer, GO! My pops did B12 self injections for more than 30 years to help slow RP. And it worked.

So do what you have to do my friend.

+1 to all of the above

We have two doctors that are doing those injections all day long. The long term results have been wonderful. Patients that would have been told to go home and don't let anyone move the furniture are able to keep their vision at least managed. The injections won't improve the vision but can stop the progression. I'm glad they are taking care of you, you need to stick around for a while yet.

Well, Jer, I don't know what to say. Hope it works itself out like last time. Sorry, but I have never heard of this before, so I can't offer anything other than encouragement.

"It doesn't really hurt to have a needle stuck in your eye after deadening drugs are injected .... " <--- statement of a very brave man indeed.

dcarver said:

Go Jer, GO! My pops did B12 self injections for more than 30 years to help slow RP. And it worked.
So do what you have to do my friend.

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They have found that a fairly inexpensive cancer drug works as well as a very expensive ARMD drug and that is what they are using on me. If I have to have injections for 30 years I will be 106. Can't wait. Say DC was your father injecting in his eye?

Thanks for all of the replies. i will think of them during my next needle poke.

Mr. Jer, all I can say is that the Redfish Family is pulling for you. We are hoping for a positive and happy outcome.

I would say something like "Stay Strong" but hell, you don't need to be told. You are the definition of "Strong".

Best of luck to you. My uncle had the injections for two years. He can see without his glasses now and the wavy lines are all gone. He is very happy with his results.

Hang in there Jer

I don't know about you, Jerry, but I hope you DON'T die! Or me either, for that matter. Or any of us.

I had a detached retina a few years back. Got needles stuck in my eye more than once. And scalpels, and all kinds of shit. I didn't love it, but they did deaden it first--with eye drops, of all things! But it worked. Still, I'd rather not have another. Good luck.

Jer - I have Glaucoma and Alpha Receptor drop I am taking is currently doing a great job of keeping my eye pressures in check. As you are no doubt aware, this is genetic and unfortunately, I have a strong history of this type of eye disease in my family. My mother and uncle have Macular Degeneration (brought on from the same type of Glaucoma that I and my sister have), and the tunnel vision is well on its way with them. However, my sister and I are benefitting from their experience, and we both are very lucky to have caught it very early.

None the less, your condition is treatable and you have a few options. I hope your doctor is a Glaucoma specialists and keeps up with the latest and greatest, as it is ever changing. Do what they tell you to do, or by all means seek a second opinion if something doesn't sound right.

Regardless, I implore you to consider this as a wake up call. Recognize that our time is precious, in all forms and capacities. Do what makes you happy now, and do it often. Ride your bike with passion and conviction and burn the scenery you see from within your helmet well into your brain for you to hold forever, no matter what happens.

Mostly, I hope you find comfort in your situation and stay positive, my friend.

My ex-father-in-laws had these injections done and it saved his vision for over a decade before his heart quit. I agree with @pants, do what you can while you can. You never know when you will no longer be able to enjoy certain pleasures or life itself. Carpe diem!

hppants said:

Jer - I have Glaucoma and Alpha Receptor drop I am taking is currently doing a great job of keeping my eye pressures in check. As you are no doubt aware, this is genetic and unfortunately, I have a strong history of this type of eye disease in my family. My mother and uncle have Macular Degeneration (brought on from the same type of Glaucoma that I and my sister have), and the tunnel vision is well on its way with them. However, my sister and I are benefitting from their experience, and we both are very lucky to have caught it very early.
None the less, your condition is treatable and you have a few options. I hope your doctor is a Glaucoma specialists and keeps up with the latest and greatest, as it is ever changing. Do what they tell you to do, or by all means seek a second opinion if something doesn't sound right.

Regardless, I implore you to consider this as a wake up call. Recognize that our time is precious, in all forms and capacities. Do what makes you happy now, and do it often. Ride your bike with passion and conviction and burn the scenery you see from within your helmet well into your brain for you to hold forever, no matter what happens.

Mostly, I hope you find comfort in your situation and stay positive, my friend.

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Sorry to hear about your eye ;problems and appreciate your words of encouragement. I am going for a ride this morning and will keep your words in mind.

Jer, my pops shots were in the butt.

I know nothing about this issue or treatment, but one thing I do know is that if you keep a positive attitude you can tolerate a lot. You will get used to the shots and they will become routine for you. It is worth whatever it takes to keep you doing the things that make you happy.

In a way we are like these FJR's . The older they get the more maintenance they need. Except we can't just trade for a newer model. :}

Been giving myself shots since I was 16. Almost 30 years. Never in the eyeball though. I guess if it came down to shots or blindness, there's only one choice. Glad you're doing good Jer!!