Can I ever run again?

[Runningislife]

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with pigment dispersion syndrome this year and glaucoma in my left eye as a result. I have now gas laser treatments and taking drops every night in both eyes.

Was told that all training was no longer an option. I used to run more than 60K a week and go to the gym 5-6 times a week as well as 40K of walking friends and families dogs.

It feels like my life has ended..dramatic perhaps bit training is who I am...its now been 6 months since I was told I couldn't train and I don't know how to cope. (Races are cancelled, sponsorships ended, kit picked away. )The idea of never running or training again just makes me cry (which I try hard not to do because of pressure).

I understand grieving is normal when you have to change your whole life and everything you are...but is there anyone out there who could tell me more about this? Will I ever be able to train again?

For reference (if it matters) I'm 40.

Thank you

Zandra

[Bluella]

Hi Zandra - very sorry to hear about your condition and can only try to imagine how hard it can be to be told you can't run when this is something you love so much. Have you considered walking instead or other forms of working out?

[Wales99]

Hi Zandra. Although I can’t answer your question I can fully sympathise. I too love running and working out at the gym. I was a regular gym goer until 5 years ago when I started getting debilitating headaches every time I did any exercise at all. Five years on, two neurologists and a cardiologist later I was referred to my ophthalmologist who diagnosed glaucoma and said that was almost certainly causing the headaches. However, the headaches post-exercise have continued. I haven’t been able to exercise properly for five years. My ophthalmologist has referred me back to the neurologist and I’m hoping he will come up with some medication I can take with glaucoma. I really hope you get an answer. I guess the best person to answer it is your consultant. Don’t give up though, one thing the last five years have taught me is never give up, you are stronger than you think you are and there is always hope. Take care & keep us posted. 😊.

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi Zandra - I can understand how difficult it must be for you, when all your exercising habits and options have been banned from you partaking. I am sure it has been explained to you that because you have pigment dispersion syndrome which has lead to glaucoma, by doing energetic sports and exercises it can increase the amount of pigment from your iris to block more of your drainage angle inside your eye.

I would however, be inclined to ask your consultant if they can recommend other exercises which they think would be okay. Think of things that you could substitute for what you can't do and suggest them to your consultant. I would imagine the walking you did previously should be a safe activity but do check.

I think it would help you in time to have something to replace what you have been exempt from doing.

Keep in touch and let us know.