severe health anxiety and gluacoma

[ChocolateLover46]

I’m 47 went for a eye test 6 years ago they said I had something behind my eye,my anxiety went through the roof,got rushed to eye hospital then rushed to hospital loads of tests,scans,lumbar punctures,got put on blood pressure tablets then went to they eye clinic for a check up,the only words I heard the doctor say was I could go blind,since that day I’ve never been the same,I have been for appointments since and I have to use eye drops every night,I wasn’t in a good place last year and missed and cancelled appointments,got one next Thursday and my anxiety is through the roof with the thought of it,anyone else suffer with this

[NewSh0e]

I’m so sorry to hear you’re struggling. Glaucoma can be a scary thing but I wonder if it might feel less scary if you felt more in control of your treatment?

Before your next appointment you could consider writing a list of the questions you want answered because, while your doctor is right that you could lose your sight, it’s also true that there’s very little likelihood of this happening, if you’re fastidious about your drops and treatment plan overall.

I hope the appt goes well, there are loads of people in here in the same boat who will lend an ear when needed

[ChocolateLover46 in reply to NewSh0e]

thankyou for replying it means a lot,I’ve been trying to do some research on glaucoma and prepare myself with some knowledge on it,I will write some questions down to ask the doctor thanks for your advice

[Popsicle57]

Hi

I’m sorry your anxiety is through the roof, and like a previous responder, I suggest before your appointment you write down all questions you need answering, as it easy in the moment to be overwhelmed and forget some of your questions.

Keeping your appointments is paramount, especially as the appointments are there to check the eye drops are working and if any adjustments to your medication need to be done. Needless to say it’s imperative that you use your eye drops as instructed.

I hope your appointment goes well, and try to ease your anxiety by being pro active in your treatment, keep appointments and use the medication as directed. Everyone at the eye hospital has your best interests at heart.

[ChocolateLover46 in reply to Popsicle57]

Thanks for replying that’s what I keep telling myself that are there to help me,I’ve been researching glaucoma which is a massive step for me,I will make a list of questions to take with me to ask the doctor,thanks for your advice xxx

[Lucky200]

I agree with others on here. It is hard to keep focused on the positive things. As, has been already stated many diagnosed with glucoma never lose their sight. I've only recently been diagnosed and it can be scary and unfortunately consultants don't always have the time to explain things to you, which only adds to the anxiety. Reading up on everything and adhering to using your drops etc as instructed is a must. Be prepared with questions about your main concerns for your next appt.

My mum has had glucoma for many years and has always followed medical advice and hers has stayed stable and she's 93.

Good luck with your appointment.

[ChocolateLover46 in reply to Lucky200]

Thankyou for replying,I’m so glad I came across this group,I felt alone and scared but talking to people gives you hope,ah bless your mum and what a great age she is,thanks again xx

[Iona57]

I've found the Glaucoma UK helpline very helpful and reassuring when I've had questions or was feeling anxious about my symptoms. The number is on the Glaucoma UK website.

[ChocolateLover46 in reply to Iona57]

Thankyou I’m so glad I found this website,thanks for replying xx

[NoraBoneGirl]

I'm sorry you are so anxious. Like you I was diagnosed in my 40's. It can be very scary when you're diagnosed, but with daily drops and regular check ups my Glaucoma has been stable for over 20years. I have had a slight increase in pressure recently due to an infection but a change of drops has got things back on track. Glaucoma UK is very helpful and it's great to have the support from people in the same boat as you.

I agree with the advice you have been given on this site. If you don't receive satisfactory answers at your appointments ask Glaucoma UK and I'm sure they can reassure you.

All the best.

[ChocolateLover46 in reply to NoraBoneGirl]

Thankyou so much,so glad I found this website and being given advice and hearing how other people are is making me feel less

Scared,thankyou for replying xx

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi there. Sorry to hear that you are experiencing extreme health anxiety. Some tips that might help you;

1. Try to reframe your mindset. I know this is easier said than done, but being in control of glaucoma and regularly attending your appointments is key. These appointments are really important to make sure that your glaucoma is well maintained.

2. Be careful researching online. Looking online for health advice can be scary and some people read horror stories on there, but this is often not the reality for most people. I find this can trigger people's health anxiety, but it is important to remember that everyone's situation is unique.

3. Reach out to relatives and friends. Having someone to talk through your problems with can be beneficial for you, so that you feel you are not alone. Perhaps someone is able to come to your appointment with you?

4. Prepare questions for your appointment. Ask what the way forward is, how your pressures are, and if there is any changes etc. Anything that you want to find out, make sure you ask. Once you are in that room that is your time to get some more information.

5. Reach out to Glaucoma UK helpline! We are only a call or email away, and we can try to settle your anxiety and provide you with some reassurance. We can be contacted on 01233 648170 or [e-mail].

Best of luck with the appointment.

[ChocolateLover46 in reply to KieranGlaucomaUK]

Thankyou for replying,so glad I found this website,I am really trying to change my mindset to being more positive

[Pete_uk]

What I found out which might be useful was that the pressure lowering tablets I was on for several months (diamox) and oral steroids had some terrible side effects including affecting my ability to think clearly and in a normal and positive way. Only after coming off them did I realise how much it had affected me.

[ChocolateLover46 in reply to Pete_uk]

Thankyou for replying,I’m only on eyedrops at the moment thank god,hopefully my appointment goes well,glad your feeling more clearer and positive

[Gyfers]

Poor you - anxiety is horrible! Are you receiving treatment for your anxiety? It sounds like something you could/should talk to your GP about - there are ways of treating it, and you deserve to not have to suffer.

As everyone has said, glaucoma doesn’t have to be a big deal, especially if you keep on top of your treatment. Although I’ve experienced anxiety, fortunately in my case it’s not been health-related. I was diagnosed with glaucoma a couple of years ago in my mid-40s - very early for glaucoma. But these days I honestly barely think about it, apart from when I put my eye drops in. If you keep up with your treatment and your glaucoma is stable (which you can only find out by going for appointments) it doesn’t have to be a big deal in your life at all.

[ChocolateLover46 in reply to Gyfers]

Thankyou for replying,yep health anxiety sucks,I’m on medication for it have been for years,seen therapists,yet it still comes back with a bang,reading your message has helped Thankyou,I need to get out of my head and take the bull by the horns xx

[Gyfers in reply to ChocolateLover46]

Ah well I’m glad you do at least have support. Sounds like you’re definitely moving down a positive path by asking here and getting encouragement to go to your next appointment.

You can do it, and I bet you’ll feel so much better about things once you do. Perhaps you can take someone with you for support?

[ChocolateLover46 in reply to Gyfers]

yes I know I will feel totally different once I’ve been that’s what’s so frustrating,I’m taking someone with me for support too,reading on here what can be done to help,I’m only on drops at the moment so there are other options which I’m relieved about,I’ve been researching glaucoma too which is a massive step for me,thanks for you advice and reply xx

[Gyfers in reply to ChocolateLover46]

You’re doing really well 👏

There’s so much that can be done these days to keep it well-controlled. Also, bear in mind that people mostly come to forums like these when they have a problem - there are thousands of people out there just sailing through life with glaucoma who aren’t much bothered by it, but they never post here 😊

(I just pop in here occasionally to see if there’s anything interesting to read!)

[ChocolateLover46 in reply to Gyfers]

Thankyou for helping me xx

[KayGeeBee]

Anxiety is often the result of a shortage of information. Our minds fill in the gaps with worst-case scenarios, boosted by non-applicable conditions that we've discovered online. Our eyes don't actually cause anxiety, its our minds that do that, which in theory ought to be ours to control - easier said than done, as you know. Take written questions to your appointment and don't be afraid to ask too many. I hope that you will find things easier to cope with once you have more information.

[ChocolateLover46 in reply to KayGeeBee]

definitely over thinking all the worse case scenarios,definitely taken questions to ask,Thankyou for replying xx