Have wet in left eye. Inj every 9week Doc ... - Macular Society

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Have wet in left eye. Inj every 9week Doc said it has been dry . I asked him if I can stop inj. He said it's not worth the risk.

Ugean profile image
11 Replies

Stop inj.

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Ugean profile image
Ugean
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11 Replies
thom3patty profile image
thom3patty

I know injections r tough I have had plenty but it sure beats the alternative stay strong and God will get u thru it it’s def worth it 🙏

RP1944 profile image
RP1944

Hi Ugean, you are not doing too badly with injections every nine weeks.

It's worth having the injections if you have leakage as otherwise you could lose your sight. Keep going and hopefully the injections will keep your sight. I've had 12 injections over three years and will keep going as long as they keep working. One day we might have another treatment, hope so.

Hope this helps.

If you find the injections uncomfortable you could ask if the clinic has an alternative anaesthetic which might help, most have at least one other.

Another option is to ask if the injection can be in a different quadrant around the lens, some people find that helps. Often a clinician injects in his or hers preferred same area every time regardless of the patient. this might also cause scar tissue to develop making the injection more uncomfortable.

If your discomfort is post injection having the eye area thoroughly washed might help as might having the Betadine diluted.

I would have thought they would review at some point to decide if eye stable? They must do because I've seen people on here say they have longer gaps between inj. How will they know if they don't ever leave it longer than 9 weeks?

That said, if Dr says inj needed every 9 weeks maybe it's because he sees the beginning of the wet then ie 9 weeks is your dry limit? Definitely have them if so as the alternative is worse.

I would ask him to explain to you why your schedule is set. Good luck.

Hi Ugean

After 5 eylea injections my treatment was halted for a blissful 5 months. It was the consultant's decision, not mine. But I had regular check-ups. Then the fluid came back and I have been on a 8 or 9 week injection routine ever since.

It is possible that in your case, although the leakage may have stopped, the neovascularisation may still be prominent. If you are offered continuous treatment there is a reason for it and you should accept it. I know the thought of having a break is tempting, but you would never forgive yourself if suddenly something went wrong. At least you know you have done all you can to preserve your eyesight.

All the best

Bobbie915 profile image
Bobbie915

I wish my hospital hadn't thought it was worth the risk to stop injections. After 6 months I ended up with massive bleed and loss of central vision in one eye and the other badly damaged. I had monthly check-ups but none of the doctors said I had fluid or bleeding and needed injection. I understand, that in the UK injections are only given if there is fluid or bleeding. Are you in USA? Good luck - grin and bear the injections , it could save your sight.

Rosalyn-helpline profile image
Rosalyn-helplinePartner

Dear Ugean,

It is important that you follow your ophthalmologist's advice.

In general, the function of the injections for wet AMD is to suppress the abnormal blood vessels, stabilise the eye, maintain vision and prevent further damage. Therefore, if the eye becomes stable for a period of time, due to the abnormal blood vessels being successfully suppressed, then there will be no function for the injections. However, it is possible that the wet AMD may become active again, in which case further injections would be needed.

However, an ophthalmologist would not suggest an injection unless they felt that it was needed.

Just to make you aware, we are currently offering free 6 month membership. This is a good way to keep up with current developments:

macularsociety.org/6months

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further help. The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

help@macularsociety.org

Kind regards,

Jannetef profile image
Jannetef in reply to Rosalyn-helpline

I live in Florida in USA it seems most of information is England is there another site for usa

Mimisea profile image
Mimisea in reply to Jannetef

Hi Jannetef,

I’m in North Carolina and when I first came to health unlocked, I tried to find a similar organization in the states. I never did but in the meanwhile I realized how helpful this group is so I actually quit looking. I’m just past 2 yrs AMD wet/right and dry/left and in my early months (when I was very confused, frightened, worried, etc.), I was so thankful for this amazing forum. Of course, our care and insurance varies significantly but I’m happy you found this site with it’s wonderful people and support.

Best to you,

Mimí

Marilyn602 profile image
Marilyn602 in reply to Jannetef

I also live in Florida and am new to this site. I have been treated for wet macular degeneration for 2 years and am always looking for some progress in treatment.

Jannetef profile image
Jannetef

Mine stopped. No longer wet

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