Having a difficult time these last few months.....

[popshaw21]

my sight has deteriorated to a point where i can't see anything in my left eye,and now I'm losing the sight in my right eye.

After my last consultation at my local eye clinic the consultant has said theres nothing else they can do to help me,and has suggested i go to st thomas's to there eye clinic.

I feel this journey would be a waste of time,and would not be benificial as my eye condition "Anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy" cannot be reversed.Has anyone else had the same eye condition?And has anyone been to the eye clinic in st thomas's thats been benifical and given some hope with any new treatment?

Regards

Popshaw21

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi there, sorry about your plight it must be very very difficult, however if I were in your position, as long as I had somebody to come along with me, I would take up the offer of St Thomas' just to get a very careful second opinion. All the best to you. Mary F x

[Kate-L]

I would take up the appointment at St Thomas', however if you live in (or near) London then go to Moorfields Eye Hospital (Old Street, London EC2) too - they are eye specialists and are truly brilliant. I can really recommend them. You don't even need a referral - they have an A&E 24-7 so just walk in and you will be seen by really good doctors. They saved me from Glaucoma, so I cannot praise them enough.

[Hidden]

Yes, I agree with Kate L - do try to take up the appointment with St Thomas' as they have an excellent reputation, as do Moorfields - probably the best unit in the UK for eyes. I hope they can help you.

[emmaj]

im waiting for an appointment to see the eye specialist at guys at themoment, I would take the appointment it may just e the one that makes the difference,and better to go than wonder what if if something dreadful happens. If you have a sudden deterioration then moorfields seems a good option while your waiting for the referral. Good luck,i know the fear you are feeling,my aps and something else is affecting my sight but ive only just gone to guys so at least there is hope-theyve said to me they will try immunosupressants,maybe a new perspective may help-good luck,and let us know how you get on x

[popshaw21 in reply to emmaj]

Thankyou emmaj for your message and i hope you get the help you need.

I have many problems one being haunted daily with "complex partial seizures" which leave me feeling anxious and exchausted.

I will be seeing my rheumatoligist on friday and will raise the question about going to st thomas's and listen to his advise before i make up my mind.

I will update you on the outcome.

Best wishes.

Popshaw21

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi there, again. I went behind the scenes for you and asked a colleague I know who has worked as an eye surgeon, their reply was: Regarding an appointment etc:

'Anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy" generally cannot be reversed although sometimes a slight natural improvement does occur.

To confirm this it would NOT be a waste of time for the patient to visit St Tomas's as it is one of the best in London.

So not a bad idea. Let us know what you decide to do. Mary F x

[popshaw21]

Thankyou Mary for asking questions on by behalf to one of the doctors who have more exsperience about my eye condition and i have been pondering and asking questions regarding the appointment to st thomas.

I will be seeing my rheumatololgist on friday,so i will raise the subject about going to st thomas with him.

I have to tell you how difficult it will be for me to attend this appointment due mainly to the terrifying seizures i exsperience on a daily basis,which haunt me through out the day and cause severe anxiety.

my problem is i would need a carer with me to give support and assurance for which i would have to pay to accommodate.

unfortunately since my wife past away in 2008 i have been in a deep depression and i don't see anyone or go out,my home has become my prison.

I'm grateful for all the assistance ive recieved from the RNIB with the talking books and equipment they have surplied me.

five months ago i was rushed into hospital with double pheumonia and was close to death,thankfully i found the strenght to fight and made a good recovery.

when i was in hospital which was about 3 weeks,I did alot of thinking and one thought was about my poppy who is pictured on my profile,and what was best for her as im unable to walk her myself now,so i concidered finding her a new home with a family who could give her all the attention and love she needs.

Well poppy is still with me thanks to "Devon insight" who have an army of volunteers who walk poppy for me 7 days a week.

sadly the depression is a harder fight and im not strong enough to find the mental strength to fight back,but im happy ive still got poppy,who is such a character and a great companion.

Thankyou again mary for your message and i will update you when ive made up my mind regarding going to st thomas's

Best wishes.

Popshaw21

[emmaj]

Surely you are entitled to patient transport for hospital appointments,and the drivers are medically trained-could you call the PALS office at your hospital to arrange this,at least you would be in safe hands from the minute you leave your house. Dogs are called mans best friend for a reason,and im so pleased you kept her,dont feel guilty for a second thinking you cant give her what she needs you will give her companionship and love food and attention which amounts to much more than many animals get from a fully abled owner. please do let us know how you get on x

[Lure2]

Hi popshaw21

It is a lovely picture of your Poppy. I wish you all the very best.

Kerstin