SLT in One Eye : Hi Everyone I had SLT in one... - Glaucoma UK

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SLT in One Eye

80 Replies

Hi Everyone I had SLT in one eye today I feel fine just a little headache. I’m getting the other eye done in 6 weeks so I’m hopefully thinking they aren’t that concerned to make me wait another 6 weeks even though my pressures were 25 and 30 at my last visit and they didn’t even check pressures today otherwise surely they would have done both or not let me wait another 6 weeks so I’m quite happy. I just have to take two paracetamol every two hours and put a hot flannel on my eye and carry on with my one drop a day apart from that I’m all good just fingers crossed it works. Hope everyone is all well. Xx

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80 Replies
Lovemy2woofs profile image
Lovemy2woofs

glad it went ok and just a little headache .Good luck for the next one and 🤞🏻It works for you x

in reply to Lovemy2woofs

Thankyou so much. How are you doing. Xx

Lovemy2woofs profile image
Lovemy2woofs in reply to

Not too bad thanks, just hoping my laser goes ahead on the 19th Aug and doesn’t get cancelled or delayed and hoping it works too.I had headaches for two weeks, I rung opticians as was hoping for a pressure check to rule out it was my eyes but they gave me a number to ring where I was triaged and then got rung back by an on call ophthalmologist , who reassured me my headaches were not a closed angle attack as told me the pain for that is severe .

Headaches have stopped though had a slight one the other day ..

I think it was due to heat and I upped my water intake, also removed a pillow so back to one , so think that helps , might have been a bit of hayfever too causing them, but I’m not one for headaches really so having it daily did concern me and it was coming and going , not constant , very strange lol . Xx

in reply to Lovemy2woofs

Ahh I really hope your laser goes ahead fingers crossed for you. Glad your headaches have gone I had headaches but I did put mine down to the weather it’s just all so worrying isn’t it. I’m also drinking more water to hopefully that helps. Xx

Lovemy2woofs profile image
Lovemy2woofs in reply to

Thankyou Julie x

in reply to Lovemy2woofs

Oh you've been having a pretty rubbish time these last few weeks. Fingers crossed too that your laser treatment goes ahead and that it does its job. You have definitely been waiting long enough now.I know how scared I was when I was told about acute angle attacks but I was told they are more like migraines.

I only sleep on one tempur pillow now as 2 pillows can cause problems.

I have always had migraines since I was a teenager so I'm used to them but if you aren't a headache sufferer it would be worrying. Hopefully everything you have been doing will keep them at bay.

Take care x

Lovemy2woofs profile image
Lovemy2woofs in reply to

Thankyou Witchie.

I have for ages been sleeping on one gel pillow it’s like a support one . I am a side sleeper .

I heard Re raised sleeping it’s getter for eye pressure , Do added another softer pillow .

But what I did was have the support one horizontal as normal and the other one was vertical , as I found that comfortable .

But gone back to the one support one .

Yes this guy on the phone who was lovely and from up north by his accent , said it’s like a bad migraine , he said think of a ballon being blown up and about to pop with all that pressure .

Hope you are doing ok xx

in reply to Lovemy2woofs

I sleep on my side too, I did try sleeping on my back but I just couldn't get to sleep. That's good that at least you spoke to someone who described an angle closure attack to you. That would give you reassurance that you weren't experiencing one. I think we all end up totally obsessed with our eye pressure. I'm always terrified when I know it's going to be taken at opticians or eye clinic.

I'm fine, I had hospital the other week and I am getting a trab on my left eye too. My pressure was 21 and my consultant wasn't happy with that, so another op for me within next couple of months. I will be glad to get it over and done with and hopefully no more eye drops.

How are your lovely woofs ? Mine has been struggling with the hot weather with her wee woolly coat. We have cool mats everywhere for her 😁 and she does love sleeping on them. X

Lovemy2woofs profile image
Lovemy2woofs in reply to

I can’t sleep on my back either .I rung opticians first, it’s a 10 min walk , was hoping they could perhaps do me a quick pressure check but gave me this emergency eye clinic number , it’s national one , set up by government during covid , I imagine it’s just advice over phone.

Dogs haven’t enjoyed heat, but much better now as cooler .

Monty my old cockapoo has had nightmares twice , let out an awful scream and second time he wet himself . It was awful, stressed us out more than him he was asleep!

Hoping it’s just a blip, it didn’t as far as we can tell look like a seizure , but f it happens again off to vets .

Glad yours loves the cool mats , anything to help them . Mine hate fans, and bit hit and miss with the cool coats .

Sorry to hear your pressure isn’t quite right and another trab, hope that goes well and yes hopefully no more drops 🤞🏻

Take care x

in reply to Lovemy2woofs

I wonder why opticians didn't check your pressure first especially as they are local but just gave you emergency eye clinic number . Thank goodness the bloke you spoke to was lovely but I prefer to actually see someone not just get advice on the phone . Oh poor wee Monty, his nightmares must have terrified you , I hope it doesn't happen again. I hate when Lu cries in her sleep, it doesn't happen often but it's horrible.

I'm fine about getting another trab at the moment. I will be terrified on run up to it and not so brave then 😨.x

Lovemy2woofs profile image
Lovemy2woofs in reply to

I prefer to see someone too. Apparently this was set up by the government during covid as Drs not seeing patients about eyes .He said you can’t just go and have pressure checks now , something about paperwork etc.... 🤷‍♀️

Yes this was a scream with Monty the most awful sound .

The first time we thought it was Milly , as she was awake and agitated.

It upset hubby as he went back to bed and started shaking , took him ages to get back to sleep and he’s up at 3am for work .

Going to monitor and see how we go, as other than this he is doing great for 14 .

Not fun getting old lol , I’m 56 some days I feel so much older 😏 xx

in reply to Lovemy2woofs

I must admit my optician still does my pressures and will give me a field test too but possibly it's different in Scotland .Poor wee Monty it could well be something that won't happen again but it is so worrying when it's your wee furry babies. I know I totally mollycoddle Lu, she is not just a dog at all, I love her just as much as my son. My partner would have been a wreck too, your poor hubby he must have been in some state at work that day. He looks such a handsome boy and young for his age 😍.

I'm going to be 60 !!!! but I'm sure that's wrong I think I'm the youngest not the eldest 😊. My brothers definitely aren't wearing as well as me ha ha apart from my dodgy 👀 x

Lovemy2woofs profile image
Lovemy2woofs in reply to

When your dodgy eyes are sorted 🤞🏻 There will be no stopping you, enjoy your 60s ! 🍹😎🥳 x

in reply to Lovemy2woofs

😂 x

Wales99 profile image
Wales99

Oh sweetie I didn’t realise it was today! I would have wished you luck. So glad it went OK. I haven’t had that procedure but they didn’t take my pressure when I had my Trab. I guess they don’t see any point until you’ve had the procedure & you go for your follow up. Take it easy now. Xx

in reply to Wales99

Hi Wales99 thankyou for your message. I really hope it works. Hope your doing well. X

Wales99 profile image
Wales99 in reply to

I’m sure it will work. They won’t do these procedures unless they are sure they will work. I’m doing OK thanks. I’ve got another follow-up appointment tomorrow so hoping pressure has stayed down. Xx

in reply to Wales99

Morning hope everything goes well today xx

Wales99 profile image
Wales99 in reply to

Thank you. 🤞 xx

Wales99 profile image
Wales99 in reply to

Hope you’re doing OK now after your SLT. Xx

in reply to Wales99

Hi I’m not to bad actually minor discomfort but apart from that I’m ok. Hurts a little more when I’m outside but I always wear sunglasses. Just so want it to work x

Wales99 profile image
Wales99 in reply to

That’s good. I’m sure it will settle quickly. I felt the same about my Trab - praying it would work & convincing myself it hadn’t 🙄. I’m sure it will work for you, as I said, they wouldn’t do these procedures if they didn’t think they would work. When do you have your follow up? Xx

in reply to Wales99

I have the other eye done in 6 weeks so guess they will check the one they have done then. How are you x

Wales99 profile image
Wales99 in reply to

Oh well sounds like they are on top of it then. Saw my consultant today & all good. Pressure is settled at 10 so that’s good. Only slight annoyance is that he’s prescribed a mild steroid drop for me to take until I see him again (December) and I was hoping to come off drops completely but oh well, really not the end of the world. 😊.

in reply to Wales99

I’m so glad everything went well for you today that’s amazing news my eye feels fine but I have a massive headache today it’s horrible. It’s good your not back till December though isn’t it xx

Wales99 profile image
Wales99 in reply to

I can sympathise completely with the headache. I’ve been getting daily chronic migraines & had to go back on beta blockers. Yes I’m pleased that I haven’t got to go back until December although my health insurance will have run out by then so I will have to pay. I need to make the decision as to whether I continue to go private & pay myself or go down the NHS route. I’ve just heard such awful stories about NHS clinics & people not getting appointments for years. Your eyes are so important. I don’t know what the NHS eye clinics are like in this area though.

in reply to Wales99

Oh bless you. Down here nhs has been amazing I can’t fault them I only went private once but that was just due to sheer panic of diagnosis but I know where your coming from because I’ve heard lots get cancelled I asked my private consultants secretary if there were problems with nhs could I come back to him and she said yes but I don’t have health insurance I just paid so I’m thinking maybe get some health insurance it’s so difficult the nhs were always something you could rely on but sadly with the pandemic it’s not that way and like you say eyes are so important. How are your headaches now x

Wales99 profile image
Wales99 in reply to

I’m very lucky in that I work for a private healthcare company but no health insurance will cover chronic conditions because it’s too expensive for them. I might carry on paying myself & then when things settle down post-covid I’ll see about NHS. My consultant’s secretary has glaucoma & she said she’s NHS & hasn’t been seen for 2 years now. There’s lots of good private healthcare deals around now because so many people are going private. It’s really bad though- people shouldn’t be forced to do that. Headaches are way better because of the propranolol but the problem with that is that it lowers eye pressure so can mask the signs of glaucoma which I think is partly why my opticians missed it in my right eye so I’m terrified the same will happen with my left eye. I spoke to my consultant about it & he’s referring me back to the neurologist so hopefully he can come up with an alternative.

in reply to Wales99

It’s awful your consultants secretary hasn’t been seen for 2 years it should never be like this. I’m so shocked. I’m glad your headaches are better but understand your worry with medication making out pressures maybe lower than what they actually are. You have closed angle don’t you sorry if I’ve got that wrong. Have you only got it in one eye I would be terrified like you and it’s good your consultant is referring you to a neurologist do you know when that is. Hopefully not long. Xx

Wales99 profile image
Wales99 in reply to

Yes I know it’s awful, my cousin is the same, she said she hasn’t been seen for 18 months. That would worry me so much - I’d be ringing them every day! I remember that my mum (she had glaucoma) used to always be ringing the clinic because she hadn’t had an appointment through and there was no covid then. It does vary depending on your area though I think. It’s still private so hopefully I will get a neurologist appointment soon. The secretary said she’d faxed the letter already. Hopefully he can come up with some alternative.

in reply to Wales99

That’s awful you really wouldn’t have thought things like that would go on back then. It’s wrong it’s down to areas. I think eventually things will be private. I hope you get an appointment soon x

Wales99 profile image
Wales99 in reply to

I know- the NHS are just snowed under. I have just got my neurologist appointment through - 11th August which I thought sounded ages away but actually it’s less than 2 weeks- time is flying!

in reply to Wales99

That’s great news about your appointment. Yes time is flying it’s scary x

Sunshine88888888 profile image
Sunshine88888888

Hi so pleased it seems to have gone well, such a relief bless you! Not too long until you have your other eye done too. Take care and take it easy! x

in reply to Sunshine88888888

Thankyou so much x

in reply to Sunshine88888888

Hi Sunshine88888888 how are you doing now xx

Sunshine88888888 profile image
Sunshine88888888 in reply to

Hi thank you for asking. I was doing ok however both eyes are really sore, so guess that can’t be as a result of the last cataract op. I’m normally really positive however the last couple of days I’ve been feeling low. I keep telling myself it might to do with all the eye drops and possible side effects. Really tearful and lacking energy which is not like me. Given myself a strong talking too! This just isn’t good enough 🤣hope you are doing well and feeling ok 😊

Redshoes15 profile image
Redshoes15 in reply to Sunshine88888888

Hi Sunshine, sorry to hear you have had a bad day with sore eyes. Maybe you just need to rest them after your op -not too much binge watching tv or looking at screens for a couple of days! Hope you soon feel better. Take it easy as you have just had eye surgery, see you soon in Sea Horse xxx

in reply to Redshoes15

Oh Bless you it’s definitely not like you. Have you spoke to your consultant. We are all here for each other and you have been an absolute rock to so many of us. Keep talking to us all and take care sending hugs xx

callie77 profile image
callie77

Well done Julie. Take care x

in reply to callie77

Thankyou xx

Jennymary profile image
Jennymary

They do eye's 6 weeks apart as it gives the first one time to heal completely, as you'll need that one while the second one heals

valfrance profile image
valfrance in reply to Jennymary

Hi my doctor did my slt the following week.... she wanted to do both eyes at the same time... i was a bit reluctant due to other people's comments about problems... however i had no problems with my 1 eye... and wished i had had them both done on the same day.. i guess it just depends on your eyes. i live in france so maybe its just different.

Jennymary profile image
Jennymary in reply to valfrance

SLT and other laser treatments weren't even though of when I was diagnosed, but cataracts are done a few weeks apart to let the first one heal and I would have thought they'd be done a week or two apart just in case there's a problem with the first one

valfrance profile image
valfrance in reply to Jennymary

Hi Jennymary, slt has been around for 20 plus years, the machines have changed and improved. I don't know how long ago you were diagnosed. thanks for the reply valfrance

Jennymary profile image
Jennymary in reply to valfrance

I was born with glaucoma and diagnosed in the late seventies..if you've seen my story you'll know I'm. 4th generation, my gran died in 1983, I was diagnosed before then

in reply to Jennymary

Thankyou jennymary

valfrance profile image
valfrance

Hi Julie, I was thinking about you and your slt.... congratulations they did it... are you still continuing your 2 different eye drops... i did for about 5 weeks, then i suggested just using 1. mainly because how do you know it works without eye drops if you continue taking 2 drops a day. however your next eye is not until 6 weeks. My other eye was the following week... just to let you know my eye pressure went down again to 18 within 1 month of my last check.. 1 month ago it was 19. in january it was 28. I only take monoprost now and i have been taking that for 2 years... then my pressure went up as my eyes got used to monoprost....then slt... now back on just 1 drop monoprost...it is now 4 months since i had my slt.

I am very hopeful for you that it will be successful and i really wish you well. take care valfrance

in reply to valfrance

Hi valfrance thankyou for messaging. Yes I only had one done I’m in a bit of discomfort this morning but nothing major. I’ve only ever been on one drop a day which I take at 7 am each morning and have to continue with. I’m guessing he’s not to worried about my pressures because he didn’t check them yesterday and also it’s 6 weeks before the next eye so in my mind he’s ok with that and so am I. I’m glad yours is working I’m hoping the same for myself

camonline486 profile image
camonline486

So glad it went ok! Take care!

Thankyou

Engima profile image
Engima

Good to hear all went well with your SLT. I had my first cataract op on Monday. Went OK but I cannot see any better than before - n fact at the moment it is worse. I was told the distance sight would be much better than my previous sight, but it is worse. Cannot see road names etc until I am on top of them now. And of course I cannot read very well which is allow as I get through a book every two ays normally. Am having tomenlarge the print on my computer to see plus I am seeing double print. just hope it improves. Am seeing the consultant this coming Monday. So far pretty disappointed.

in reply to Engima

Hi Engima thankyou for your message. Oh bless you I’m sorry your op hasn’t gone well have you been back in touch with the hospital is it just recovery time. Sorry I don’t know much about cataracts. I hope it gets better for you soon let me know if you call your consultant. Take care xx. Always here for a chat xx

Engima profile image
Engima in reply to

Thanks Julie. I've decided to wait until I see the consultant on Monday in the hope that the vision may improve. I can't really say that I cannot see, but it is not as good as I was led to believe it would be. x

in reply to Engima

Oh Enigma I'm sorry to hear that, hopefully the consultant will be able to give you some reassurance next Monday. My cataract ops were purely to open up my narrow angles and hopefully decrease my eye pressures as the cataracts weren't impacting on my actual vision, so I never expected my actual eyesight to improve but I can imagine the disappointment you are feeling now.

One of my friends who is diabetic had issues after one his cataract ops with his vision, in his case it took a few steroid injections to improve this His consultant blamed his diabetes for the vision problems.

I really do hope it improves for you 🤞 x

Engima profile image
Engima in reply to

Hi Witchie, thanks. As I said to Julie although I can see , the vision is not as good as I was led to believe it would be. As far as I know I am not diabetic. I do have bad astigmatisms though which probably do not help. I will ask about that. If the consultant thinks if the astigmatisms would improve my sight and it was safe to have it done with my glaucoma then I would pay for the laser treatment necessary to correct them. Will have to see what he says on Monday. x

in reply to Engima

It is a disappointment that your vision isn't a good as you expected. As you say you will find out more on Monday and see what the consultant says about your astigmatism . Let us know how you get on x

Engima profile image
Engima in reply to

Thanks. Eye seems very slightly better today. But only slightly!

in reply to Engima

I’m glad it’s slightly better. Take care xx

Engima profile image
Engima in reply to

Thanks. How are you doing after your SLT? x

in reply to Engima

I’m ok Thankyou it’s a bit tender but that’s only in the morning I guess I laid on it in the night even though I try not to also a headache but they are easing felt a bit dizzy this morning though don’t know why xx

Engima profile image
Engima in reply to

Pleased to hear you are OK. Expect it will be a bit tender for a few days (probably up to a week from what I have been told by other people). Hope the headaches and dizziness disappear very soon. xx

in reply to Engima

Thankyou and sending hugs to you xx

Engima profile image
Engima in reply to

Sending hugs to you as well. x

in reply to Engima

Even slightly better I hope means it could improve more x

Engima profile image
Engima in reply to

Hope so! x

Ktpink profile image
Ktpink

Well done Julie, sounds like that went really well for you. Take it easy xo

in reply to Ktpink

Thankyou so much. Hope your well🙂

Redshoes15 profile image
Redshoes15

That’s good Julie, fingers crossed for you that it works with good pressure control xx

in reply to Redshoes15

Thankyou so much I really hope it works x

Redshoes15 profile image
Redshoes15 in reply to

Of course it will! xx

Trish_GlaucomaUK profile image
Trish_GlaucomaUKPartner

Thats great news Julie. Glad it went well. As you say, if there was any concern it would be much sooner than 6 weeks until the other is done. Plus it will give the lasered eye to settle too.

in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK

Thankyou Trish I thinking along those lines has I do know people who have had both done at once. I hear the success rate is good I was scared when they said they were doing it because I thought I need that already I’ve only been diagnosed since December last year but then I guess it’s to catch it early has I have no visual field defects and they have never mentioned any other damage so I hoping all is good I’m sure they would say otherwise. Thankyou for messaging

Beecalmed profile image
Beecalmed

Hi Julie! I did notice the date and was thinking of you and sending positive vibes. Didn’t post - just in case- as didn’t want to unsettle you if you were in a good place before your procedure. Well that’s all sounding very reassuring! Fingers crossed things carry on in this positive direction for you!👏🏻

in reply to Beecalmed

Hi Beecalmed yes I’m just hoping it works. I’ve a little discomfort but nothing like I thought it would be. How are you x

Beecalmed profile image
Beecalmed in reply to

I’m good! Last week I paid privately to see an optician at my practice who is a specialist in glaucoma (he has stood in for my consultant at the hospital and has a great reputation). It was really useful I asked all my questions I haven’t been able to ask as I haven’t seen my consultant for 2 years now. I’d attended a virtual clinic at the hospital end of June but I’m still waiting for the scan results and they say I could wait a month more. Anyway my pressures have taken a welcome nose dive and he checked with the more sensitive IOP reader the hospital use and confirmed they are still 16 in both eye. This is good for me! I also asked why laser was discussed in 2019 and then heard nothing during covid. He said that had l been diagnosed in the last year or so I would have been offered it first and could have it now. However he thinks 16 is a good result on drops and to continue for now but if they popped back up to 18 then he might suggest laser. Anyway I feel much happier and had time to sit and discuss my optic nerve scans and small haemorrhages in detail now I have more knowledge and understanding. So I’m all good. Waiting on DVLA but that could be a long wait! 😬 Out walking my dogs now in some wild blustery weather! 4 of my 7 bee hives have mated queens.👏🏻 The poor spring weather was not good for bees and lots of queens died trying to mate! 😞 I’m counting my queens and my luck! Take it easy Julie and rest up. X

Lovemy2woofs profile image
Lovemy2woofs in reply to Beecalmed

Shame you had to pay as really we should all get this type of consultation , but happy for you that you have more info, questions answered etc... you must feel loads better 😊

That’s what we all need, someone to take a bit of time to listen and inform us, it’s really not too much to ask.

I despair at how we get treated now, not just eyes, but health care generally, very much a lottery .

I dread getting ill now, I rather not go to Drs now if I can help it , as that just seems they want to prescribe drugs .

However a type 2 diabetic , I do need to se them and now with eye issues .

Not that I do the lottery, on the odd occasion, but if I won a lot a money , paying for health care would be top of my list.

Would be lovely to have that freedom to afford that and peace of mind .

Now if I won a lot of money , I would treat you all to some private eye care too .

Oh no sorry to hear about bees. Good luck with your Queens 🤞🏻X

Lynne-H profile image
Lynne-H

Hi Julie

Pleased to hear that you`ve had one eye done and hope all goes well for you with this one and when you get your other done in six weeks time.

Sending hugs.

Love Lynne xx

in reply to Lynne-H

Thankyou so much Lynne hope your keeping well xx

Lynne-H profile image
Lynne-H

I`m fine thank you Julie xx

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