I've come on here because i'm really upset and frightened having just had a phone call from my Drs surgery referring me to the hospital eye department.
I have severe anxiety so i'm getting in to a right old state.
I am 31.
18 months ago during an optician check up they said i had some drusen in my right eye,gave me an amsler grid and told me to take lutein. They said i shouldn't have drusen at my age. I was a bit anxious and unsure of what it really meant but i then got diagnosed with epilepsy so my focus was on that,the symptoms,tests and medications. I stopped taking the lutein about 10 months ago when my hair started coming out due to my epilepsy meds and i started taking biotin.
3 weeks ago i had another check up at the opticians and she said she can definitely see drusen in my right eye and wanted to write to tell my GP.I had a massive anxiety attack and although she tried explain things to me i got into a right state and i don't understand what this means and i'm really really frightened.
What will happen at my appointment? Does drusen definitely mean i will get MD?
Ideally you need to be referred to a retinal specialist with additional specialisms in younger people. If you contact us on the Macular society helpline, then we can send you a list.
It may be easier if you contact us direct for further discussion.
The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.
It is understandable that you are frightened; you are having a bit of a bad time, say the least. I feel for you. There are 2 kinds of drusen - the hard type does not necessarily lead to MD while the soft ones are more likely to do so, but that does not mean MD is imminent. Did the optician say which type you have? When you go for your appointment the clinic will do a number of eye tests, but they are really nothing to worry about. And when you see the consultant have lots of questions ready for him or her. The better you understand your condition the easier it is to eventually come to terms with it, though I know, at the beginning it is confusing and scary.
Try to relax. I know it is not easy especially if you are already suffering from panic attacks. Believe me, I know what that is like - I had my share when I was your age. Look for the good things in life. You are still so young and I am sure there is peace and contentment waiting for you around the corner. You may have to work on it a little. Wishing you all the best. Keep in touch.
No she didn't tell me what type they were. Just that they should not be there in someone of my age!
My mental health is poor anyway so i'm frightened of whats to come.
Hi Mrs cake (love your name!).
Sending you a hug X
The Mac Soc will help you so try not to feel adrift x
If you are checking with the amsler and there are no wavy lines /blank or blurry spots or any changes then relax a little as that suggests you don't have anything needing urgent attention. The Mac Soc will advise better though and talk you through anything you're worried about.
Mental health can be a fragile thing but, like muscles, it improves with use ie the more you are able to deal with the stronger it becomes because you know you can. Don't try to cope with the big unknown stuff now - take it a bite at a time, chew slowly with no tension, and let it slide down or spit it out - don't allow it to linger in your throat tasting bad!
I suggest you make yourself a list that you can feel positive about completing. Eg got Dr appt, tick/checked amsler , tick/got hosp appt, tick/made list of Qs to ask, tick/joined Mac Soc, tick/ and so on. Small things easy to achieve but put you in control and leave the uncontrollable alone (I keep those things in a box in my head and pull little bits out to desensitize every now and then before pushing them firmly back if still can't cope! But it is easier every time to contemplate although of course I do get overwhelmed sometimes as we all do ).
The trick is not to let the worry of an unknown tomorrow spoil the potential of a wonderful today.
I do hope you are able to manage this journey with all the other luggage you have x Best wishes going forward x
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