Referral to another hospital

[KBIOW]

Hello again,

Ok I’m just looking for some advice please.

Quick overview.

I apparently have narrow angles in both of my eyes, I had a laser iridotomy back in November, but as my eyes are apparently healthy it partially healed so this needed enlarging which was done in early March.

My pressure has been high in both of my eyes and the hospital have been changing my drops and doseage of the tablets. It has been down to 17 and as high as 44.

I am on various drops.. and the dreaded tablets.

Cosopt x 2 a day

Pilocarpine x 3 times a day

Lumigan x 1 at night

Viscotears to help with dry eye at night

I’m also taking Acetazolamide tablets x 4 a day

I went yesterday as I requested that my eye pressures were checked due to a change in my medication last week as above, the pressures are down to 13 and 14. Is this just down to the medication or could the laser hole be working now? Fingers crossed 🤞.

The consultant said the hole is there.

The downside of the meds are the pilocarpine give my a thick head and achy eyes, the Acetazolamide makes me tired (I was previously on the slow release version but you can’t get hold of this at the moment), I also get the tingly hands, face and legs. I was concerned about the side effects of taking this so requested a blood test which came back all ok.

Last week I was being referred to a Specialist at another hospital, as they have exhausted all that they can do at my current hospital and this area is not something they specialise in, they also think I may have Plateaux Iris…..they are taking about me needing a Trabeculectomy but want a second opinion from this specialist.

I rang the new hospital today just to chase it along a bit and see what’s what, and have been informed that they have my referral and the Specialist will look at it and decide how urgent I am.

I have also unfortunately found out that the specialist is on leave until the 16th May…. Am I being unreasonable expecting to be seen in a few weeks? Should I try and see someone privately or should I just be patient and wait? I believe I can see this Specialist privately but I don’t really know how this works, this I am assuming will also be after the 16th May.

I am not coping with this very well and just feel the sooner I am seen the sooner the next stage can happen….

any feedback would be great.

thank you

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi. I understand about the frustration of having to wait for appts. However, as you say, if you see this particular consultant privately, it probably won't be any earlier. Your pressures are at a good level at the moment, due to the medications you are taking. It is also possible that the laser hole is helping.

It is completely up to you, whether you go private of course.

[KBIOW in reply to Helen_GlaucomaUK]

thanks Helen, could,it be that the hole is working….? Or is more likely the medication is bring ing the pressure down.

It’s so difficult to know what to do, I feel like I’m in the system and don’t want to have to start all over again, but at the same time I don’t know when I will actually be seen.

Thank you

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator in reply to KBIOW]

I wouldn't be able to tell you what exactly is bringing your pressure down. Very likely a combination. It's difficult waiting, when you are experiencing some side effects from the medication. Try to stick with it a little longer, until the consultant is back from their holiday, or give the secretary another call to tell them about the side effects and that you will need to be seen as soon as possible on their return.

The important thing is your pressures have lowered.

[Bellamolly60 in reply to Helen_GlaucomaUK]

good advice Helen