Pharma advice needed.

[rileyman]

I have joined as my wife is in a bit of a pickle. She has open angular glaucoma; as far as we can tell, her pressure is concerning but not yet alarming. She has had drops, laser, and surgery to correct a macular hole. Her problem is that she also suffers from anxiety and depression which is badly affecting her ability to enjoy what is left of her life (she is 82). Whereas the majority of people sharing this condition can be prescribed for (SSRIs) these adversely affect glaucoma.

I wonder if any advice is available for anti-depressive medicines that are suitable for glaucoma sufferers? The usual herbals (valerian root etc) conflict with other physical problems.

[whitedog]

Hi

Sorry to hear your wife is struggling.

I've had bouts of depression and was prescribed different anti- depressants at various points. I was taking Citalopram at the same time that I had glaucoma. I also have open angle glaucoma - I think the risk is more with closed angle glaucoma but best to check with the experts.

I was also advised to avoid herbal remedies like St John's Wort because, as you say, they can clash with prescribed medication.

The only thing I'd say about anti depressants is they can take a long time to 'kick in' and, in my experience, they suppressed my emotions. So they can be calming if you're feeling very anxious but over time I realised I wasn't feeling any highs or any lows - just a numbness really.

I did find counselling helpful. Would that be an option? I'd really recommend a chat with her GP in any case.

All the best.

[rileyman in reply to whitedog]

That is very kind of you to advise from a personal angle; just what I am hoping for. We are in close contact with her/my GP who is very good and well on the case. but suffering from the same lack of contact as do we in relation to Rochdale Infirmary.

More info; talk about the plot thickens! She was coping until her beloved (the word obsessed springs to mind) cat died in September. She misses him, I miss him, but what we don't miss is all his little friends, who dived onto her as the nearest live supply of blood. Her back looked like I had shot her with a 12 bore! This led to an allegic reaction and a whole further world of pain as the various pharma required for the reaction then clashed with the valerian, the eyedrops, the asthma medicine. Then she had problems passing urine - I think her passageways were logjammed with tablets! Then she became seriously depressed. TBH hardly surprising!

Christmas has been cancelled in our house.

My intention is that on my next time round, I am not going to marry an 82 year old woman.

[whitedog in reply to rileyman]

Oh gosh. Have to admit I'm a bit of an animal obsessive as well!

Assume by 'little friends' you mean fleas? I used to have two cats (and, at one time, rabbits and guinea pigs and the dog in my avatar!) so also understand the issues. And the grief when you lose them.

My dog was my best friend for 14 years. Just me and her at home. And losing her was a big blow. I've looked after other people's pets for 20 years though and still walk a few dogs for people. Getting out with them really helps lift my mood.

Since losing the sight in my right eye but still having issues with uveitis and now dry eye, plus rheumatoid arthritis, I spend much more time at home or close to home than I used to. But there's lots of green space around here so just getting out for a walk, chatting to passers by, stopping for a coffee etc makes a difference.

And I started feeding the birds - and a squirrel who comes and finishes off what's still on the bird table!

I hope things improve for you in 2025.

[rileyman in reply to whitedog]

Cheers whitedog. My plan is to try to get her interested in something. She didn't even watch the "20 Years of Strictly" programme last night; usually she obsesses over Strictly.

Poor Kevin was in his 22nd year when he went. He was really fit, apart from the arthritis, epilspsy, matted hair, irregular heartbeat, senility, and death. None of this affected him greatly; it sounds as though we should have put him out of his misery, but trust me he wasn't in any. The fits were about monthly, and lasted for a couple of minutes. As soon as he finished fitting he would sleep for hours, then ask for food. He had a great life. I think his passing is a major factor in my wife's current state.

[whitedog in reply to rileyman]

Aw 22 is a grand old age. And a big loss, I'm sure.

Would your wife consider posting on here? It's nice to have this platform to offload frustrations and concerns sometimes, even if not looking for specific help or advice.

[rileyman]

Sadly no. She is to IT what Harold Steptoe was to watch repairing.

She looks with hope to the mental health nurse attached to our GP practice, and that way may lie salvation. Plus the GP is to liaise with Rochdale Infirmary Opthalmology about possible medicines.

[Astilbe]

Hi Rileyman, I can't really add to the other posts here regarding possible avenues for helping your wife.

What really shines out though is your sense of humour! That is a gift and must help you to navigate the roadblocks in your way at present.

Very best wishes to you and your wife.

[rileyman in reply to Astilbe]

Many thanks. All on hold until the New Year. I will update once things start to move.