This is my first post to this forum

[Bazza1234]

- I usually hang out in the 5 & 10K runners forum on the Healthunlocked website

I got a bit of a shock yesterday - I am quite fit for my age 71YO and a recent full blood test showed that -- except of course for my usual high cholesterol level. My cholesterol levels have always been very high but they have fallen significantly over the past couple of years with treatment and care. I have a recorded level of atherosclerosis ( calcium hardening of the arteries) which is basically connected to the cholesterol problem .

Anyway , yesterdays shock was this - after getting a good result from my GP ( other then the cholesterol) , I went to my local optometrist to possibly get a new pair of glasses as I was aware that my vision had become a little "blurred" - only to be told that I need to see an opthamologist urgently because I had a "problem". A visit to the optomologist told me that I had a problem with liquid under my macula and I needed injections from another specialist, which were promptly organised for next Thursday. So now - I have all sorts of questions that I need answered - and maybe that should be by the opthmologist I saw and not by the "needle" doctor who I will see next week??.

So anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself - and seek advice of how things "happened" in the early stages of people discovering that they are going to need eye treatment of the kind that it looks like I am headed towards.

[thom3patty]

So sorry to hear your news but I have been receiving injections for over 4 years and surviving quite well they do work my prayers r with

[LancasterLady]

Getting this sort of diagnosis is a huge shock for many of us. I'm glad that you have been referred rapidly and are getting prompt treatment.

The Macular Society macularsociety.org/ has a huge range of information which will help you learn about macular problems and should also give you encouragement and support. There's probably a local members group near you too.

Good luck!

[Macular_1]

Hi Bazza,

So sorry to learn of your diagnosis.

If you would like a chat with the Macular Society helpline, please call us on 0300 30 30 111 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday).

Best wishes

Macular Society

[Hidden]

Hi Bazza, sending you a hug x diagnosis is always a shock. The Mac Soc are brilliant and have lots of info and support.

Make sure you know exactly what eye condition you have as there are many and treatment varies.

Usually you get a loading dose of the inj. 3 spaced a month apart then a review. Inj may continue. They work well for most folk. The inj are to stabilise the eye but you may see a bit of improvement. My clinic gave me an info sheet about the inj ask yours for one. They should also give you a tel no in the ( unlikely) event of post inj problems.

Download an Amsler grid from the Mac Soc and check it weekly. It will show you wavy lines or grey/ blank spots in your vision. I mark them on mine with a pencil then I can tell any changes week to week. It's also good to see any improvement after inj.

Re the inj themselves they should not hurt. Ask for lots of anaesthetic drops and also a good wash out after as the iodine they use can cause some unpleasant irritation. Come back to this forum if you have any issues post inj and we'll support you but always ring your eye clinic first to be safe.

As a runner you probably have a positive outlook but be kind to yourself as it's known sight issues are akin emotionally to bereavement. It may hit you later.

Best of luck with your treatment.