just scared of everything

hi everyone

I had my consultant follow up last week ( Monday) was advised to go for laser iridotomy would be put on the emergency list 2-4 weeks

Letter through today, appointment 22nd jan 3:10 pm!

nothing came with the letter about what to do etc just that I shouldn’t drive and I maybe there for ‘several hours’ not entirely helpful,

I’m absolutely petrified beyond belief about having this done, as a preventative treatment for angle closure. I’m always worrying about ‘what ifs’ I’m lucky that I do have very good vision currently and ‘what if’ the iridotomy ruins that?

im also scared about how ‘blurry’ will my books be afterwards, now im worried about having it done so late in the day, as it will be dark when i come out how will i see.

I’m also terrified of the dark now, because of angle closure,

I know that considering what others have gone through, my worries may seem like nothing.

But man am I struggling. It’s really effecting my mental health, I have contacted my gp and because I can no longer take setraline all they can do is give me a leaflet to ring a number to self refer for CBT. Which the waiting list is yonks for!

I have got a therapist I meet with weekly that I pay for myself on zoom, but all he cares about is smart targets 🙄 and it’s actually making me worse because it’s putting pressure on somehow.

In just don’t know, this is a desperate plea I suppose for help / support, if anyone can.

Paula

[Lucky200]

Not got any advice on the surgery you require sorry but no doubt someone on here will be along to help. I've got open angle glucoma diagnosed a year ago and it is scary not knowing what you'll face but try and get as much info as you can to put yourself in control.

Could you contact the consultant's secretary and see if she could arrange for someone to explain things. Health anxiety is the worst. Sorry I can't help anymore but wishing you well and good luck in getting things sorted.

[Hidden in reply to Lucky200]

Thankyou so much for your reply. Health anxiety really is the worst, I suffer terribly with it . Yes that’s a great idea I could definitely do that, thanks so much for your reply x

[BeeLib]

Hi Paula, I understand your worries. Some things you could explore that might help. Does your eye clinic have a patient support service? Would hospital transport be an option if you are concerned about travel to & from. I’ve never used this myself but might be worth exploring. Yes, you could try the consultant sectretary to see what the hospital can offer.

Glaucoma UK advertises a buddy service to match with people who have experienced / are experiencing similar procedures: details at glaucoma.uk/care-support/bu...

This might give you someone to chat over things with. I’ve never had this surgery so can’t comment on it specifically.

I wish you all the best.

Beth

[Pley in reply to BeeLib]

Paula, I was also diagnosed with angle closure glaucoma ten years ago and also had the laser treatment as an emergency as my pressures in both eyes was really high.The laser treatment itself is quite painless and straight forward and does not take much time at all.

The treatment did not effect my vision at all and I only needed a lift to the hospital because of the eye drops they use for the procedure blurs your vision temperaly and makes it hard to drive afterwards. Once the blurriness wears off, you should be back to normal.

After over ten years my pressures are still under control, but I still need to take eye drops daily. I know I've lost some peripheral vision, but I can still drive and do most tasks normally.

Hope this helps.

[Hidden in reply to Pley]

Thankyou so much for taking the time to reply to me it’s very reassuring to me that you are ok and have come through the other side of the procedure.

I’m a little lost on the the different types that people have, I have narrow angles anatomically with abit of plateau- is this the same as angle closure glucoma?

Paula x

[Hidden in reply to BeeLib]

Hi there thanks so much I’m not sure about that I’ll have a look online. My husband will come with me so I won’t need them to arrange transport this time. Good to know that there are options for such things if needed in the future xx

[Crafted]

Oh I just had to reply to you as I was feeling exactly the same before I had irridotomies on both eyes I had no choice though as pressure was at 62 due to closed angle. This was over 20 years ago and I didn't need drops during this time either. I can remember it being done and it didn't hurt but felt a bit like an elastic band being twanged on my eye. Just an odd sensation. The only complication was a blood vessel was caught which caused bleeding but this was stopped straight away. My colour vision was a bit dodgy for a week or so but then settled and resolved. Try mindful guided meditation to see if that helps your anxiety and check your vitamin levels are good - especially D as I was very deficient. Very happy to support you if you want to message again or ask me any other questions.

[Hidden in reply to Crafted]

Hi thanks for replying to me I really appreciate it, I feel like printing out some of these replies and sticking them on my wall as reminders! It’s so reassuring that people have had this procedure and although none of us would choose this- it’s seems something that I feel like I can cope with - maybe? Maybe I could take some vitamin d vitamins - as a natural redhead I do avoid the sun at all costs ordinarily 🤣 x

[JustAmanda]

Apologies that I can’t comment on your proposed surgery, but if you’re paying for therapy, I’d certainly withdraw from an arrangement that wasn’t helping.

Try googling local therapists and read through their bumph. Having peace of mind, and tools to handle anxiety, could make a big difference.

My understanding is also that GP practices now have funding for activities like these because in the long run they take a lot of strain off the surgery. Why not email the practice manager and explain your needs, and ask for suggestions.

[Hidden in reply to JustAmanda]

Thanks so much for your reply, I didn’t k on that THANKYOU . I’ll send an email over xx

[Nanacake]

Hi Paula, so sorry to hear how worried and scared you are. I totally understand and I'm sure many others out there would understand too. Regarding the iridotomy that you are having, l had this done back in 2018 and to be truthful, it was absolutely fine. Mine was to help with drainage and bring my pressures down. Not sure how much detail you require, as you say that your consultant explained everything to you. So l won't go into fine detail, only to say that each eye didn't take long at all. Afterwards more drops were applied and l had to sit quietly for a short while, they then checked the pressures in the eyes and when they were happy with them l was allowed to leave. My sight was fine, not blurry. All in all it wasn't a bad experience, the doctor knew exactly what he was doing and was very efficient and professional. Please try not to stress too much; l will be thinking of you, as will others I'm sure and please let us know how it goes. Love Kate x

[Hidden in reply to Nanacake]

Thankyou for such a lovely reply, reading them has made my day. I’m glad to hear that you felt overall it wasn’t a ‘bad’ experience. It’s given me a little bit more confidence. X

[Hidden in reply to Nanacake]

I wondered how effective the iridotomy was for you and if your case was similar to mine? Thanks so much again x

[Spookywooky]

Hi Bonniebear21I had this done years ago, it doesn't take long to do and there were no problems afterwards with my vision, I didn't know what it was called until I joined this group a few weeks ago 🤭

Also I have only been on drops for the last year or so didn't need drops at all for year's after the laser treatment.

Try not to worry about having it done it really isn't an issue and trust me when I say that as I have cataracts now and I'm terrified of having that done. x

[Hidden]

oh no this is my worry of having the iridotomy is it increased the risks of cataract