One day after an injection: I am in a bit of... - Macular Society

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One day after an injection

25 Replies

I am in a bit of a quandary. Being on the 'as and when regime' makes planning very difficult as the clinical appointments may come at very short notice. I had already committed myself to leading a group of 20 people over an 8 mile walk over quite rough terrain with lots of ups and downs, a total ascent of 1100 feet. So now my next injection is due the day before the walk. In the past is has always worked out well so that I could take it easy the first 2 days after an injection. My eye is not usually particularly sore after 24 hrs, except for a short moment when the antiseptic drops go in. I do not want to let my friends down, but at the same time, I am a little concerned how I will cope. i am lucky to still be able to do the distances, being 81 and a 'arf', but am I pushing my luck a bit too far? Do any of you lovely people of any age ever engage in strenuous exercise the following day, and if so, how did you manage. Also: should I take the drops with me? They are supposed to kept in the fridge.

25 Replies
Ceri2 profile image
Ceri2

Hi Ayayay,

I always admire your energy and enthusiasm, but you would be well within your rights to sit back and let one of the other 20 lead the walk this time! I’m in my 50’s and jog and walk, but I do still give myself an easy day and a day off work the day after an injection. Sometimes we need to take care of ourselves too! Hope all goes well whatever you decide. 🌻

in reply to Ceri2

Thanks, Ceri2, you are probably right. I will have an experienced walker with me who could take over so I could take a short-cut. If only I wasn't so stubborn! Will see how it goes.

Hi ayayay, you inspire me!

But there's no way I personally could contemplate such a strenuous day so soon after an inj. I'd also be worried about dust in eye etc. In my humble opinion your eye health trumps anyone else's day out. Also, forgive the lecture and I say this with love and respect but it's not good mountain leadership to set off knowing you have a potentially debilitating condition.....if your eye becomes sore etc it's going to be a hard trek home and you won't be in a fit state to help others esp if weather turns .( I know you are motivated by not wanting to let friends down and that's to your credit but it''s not what should dictate safe procedure).

If you do it and can't use the drops before/ after at home suggest you keep them cool using an ice pack?

in reply to

Thanks, eyesright. I really appreciate your concern. Being an experienced leader of many many years I know exactly what you are saying about the safety aspect and I never take it lightly. I have turned out on occasions when I was not really up to it, but never so short after an injection. So this is a new experience for me. One of my walking friends will be able to take over if need be and I would have the option of a short-cut. So I may brave it. Stubborn? Foolhardy? True to my reputation! I had hoped that someone might have given me positive encouragement. It seems not. I suppose that I should take that as a warning. Again thank you. I will consider my options.

2468G profile image
2468G

Hi ayayay

Got to admire you. You obviously live life to the full. I'm a bit of a wuss so give myself an easy day after my injection even though I recover quite quickly.

I think you should be kind to yourself as already advised by Ceri2 and eyesright and maybe let someone else take the lead on this occasion.

My Injection appointments always seem to come at busy times and interfere with social arrangements but they have to take priority. There's nothing more important than our eyesight.

All the best to you. 2468G

Hi 2468G

Like the others, of course you are right and deep down I know it. So I am battling with my fierce sense responsibility towards my friends, with all aspects taken into consideration. Perhaps I am too stubborn for my own good. Will see how it goes - if it goes. Thanks for your concern anyway.

IvyRose2 profile image
IvyRose2

Hi Ayaya, I have always been on as an when to, to be honest I am a little younger I'm 65. I started injections in left eye at 60, right eye at 64. I asked doctor if I should work and he said fine so I have always carried on as normal the day after. I'm retired now but still look after a 2 year old, walking two miles plus. It helps me forget about it. We don't have drops anymore to Instill which is a bonus, I have been to choir, out to meals quite soon after with no problems, my friends pick me up. I think see how you feel and get someone prepared to take over in case, ask the Clinic. You are an inspiration, exercise is good for our health.

in reply to IvyRose2

Thank you, IvyRose2. That is encouraging to hear.

IvyRose2 profile image
IvyRose2

If you do wear good sunglasses, I'm sure you do anyway. Good luck. My injection normally on a Thurs but this time it's a mon am 9.15 I've just realised I do Slimming World shop Monday eve, so just let them know, my friend will do paperwork and money, but as long as I feel ok I will go to help make tea and pack up and a good catchup with friends. It's local so I can walk. The only thing I give up after injection is swimming, and strenuous activity. It is only a tiny needle with a small amount of fluid going in after all. It's the iodine that's the worst. My eye seems to have got used to it all.

in reply to IvyRose2

Yes, I'll wear wrap around sunglasses that keep dust, wind and glare away from my eyes. Although it is going to be somewhat strenuous, I'll go at my own pace. Thanks again, IvyRose.

Catseyes235 profile image
Catseyes235

Have you got a small freezer pack just to keep drops cool and use them as much as needed. The main problem I can see with your plan is not the excercise but the importance of keeping the eye free of the possibility of infection. I was certainly warned off gardening etc as you might inadvertently rub near your eye after scrabbling about? The injection site takes 5 days to heal. My eyes are also more light sensitive after injection so good sunglasses needed. I would not cancel though as the gap betwen injections is important ( not sure of. 'As and when' are there irregular gaps between treatments?) and you may have to wait longer than is good for the condition.

in reply to Catseyes235

Thank you very much for your reply, catseyes. I certainly will not cancel my appointment as I can tell by increased wavy lines that I really need the injection. and can not risk waiting any longer. Yes, indeed, the gaps with as and when are irregular and can be anything from 6 weeks to 5 months. That is why planning ahead is so difficult if you don't want to put your whole life on hold.

The ice pack is a good idea. Thanks. I will invest in one. I will also carry antiseptic hand wipes with me so I can clean my hands. And the wrap around sunglasses are always a must for me for the first few days.

Thank you again.

Catseyes235 profile image
Catseyes235

Where on Earth are you receiving treatment? Some far flung outpost? It really shouldn't be so erratic! I, and everyone I come across, has regular treatment. I started with every four weeks and after about 15 months am now on every 12 week injections.

in reply to Catseyes235

If you can call South Yorkshire the outpost, then yes. I started treatment just like you - loading dose of 3 injections at 4 weeks intervals, then I had 3 at 6 weeks, then 2 more at 8 weeks. then a 5 months break because the fluid had dried up. When the fluid built up again I had 2 more at 8 weeks, then 2 at 2 months interval then another break of 5 break. Now the fluid has returned and I am booked in for 2 more at 6 weeks intervals. I even had one on a Sunday. I have a scan at least every 2 months.

Maybe this has something to do with cost-cutting? Who knows?

Catseyes235 profile image
Catseyes235 in reply to

Ha ha maybe there are far flung parts Of South Yorkshire. Like with so many treatments there isn't always consistency. However reading back on your posts yours does seem appropriate though I've never had 2 appointments made in advance as the gap is determined by the results of the scan.

Rosalyn-helpline profile image
Rosalyn-helplinePartner

Dear ayayay,

Which type of injection are you having for your wet AMD?

After the initial loading dose of 3 injections, once a month for 3 months, then how far apart the subsequent ones are is determined by which type of injection an individual is having.

If it is Eylea, then injections are every 8 weeks for the first year, then the time between them can vary in the second year and should be clinically determined.

If it is Lucentis, then an individual can be on one of 3 treatment regimens:

1. 'Pro re nata' - the 'as needed' regimen

2. 'Monitor and extend'

3. 'Treat and extend'

It would be worth clarifying with your ophthalmologist, via their secretary, which treatment regimen you are on and the implications of this for the time between your injections. This may then help you to identify whether there is any cause for concern in terms of the time left between injections, so you know whether you need to chase your appointment or not.

if you do ever have any appointment delays, please do not hesitate to contact us for support.

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,

in reply to Rosalyn-helpline

Thank you for your reply. I have been on eylea for about 2 years. Had the the loading dose of 3 and then 2 more at 6 weeks intervals. Then I had 2 total breaks of about 5 months each when the fluid had dried up and more injections when needed before and after the intervals. What concerns me is the massively increased distortion when I look at the Amsler Grid. Not only that, I see some distortion even when I look at items around me with both eyes, though my right eye alone sees no wavy lines. I just wondered if the time span of 4 to 5 weeks between diagnosing another fluid build-up and the injection was rather too long, which the distortions indicated. I am concerned that this may cause further permanent damage.

Catseyes235 profile image
Catseyes235 in reply to Rosalyn-helpline

Sorry that is not the case with everyone. I, my brother and everyone I know on Eyelea starts with it every 4 weeks until there are signs that the condition is drying depending on the rare they may change to every 6 or 8 weeks the as I had put on every 10 weeks and now 12. Not sure if the condition can be cured or if just controlled!

in reply to Catseyes235

One of my consultants told me that AMD cannot be cured, only be kept at bay, controlled in other words. But he also told me that in time my condition would get worse.

By the way, this topic somehow got into the wrong post. It has veered away from my question at the top of the post: One day after injection. Gremlins?

Catseyes235 profile image
Catseyes235 in reply to

Off piste again?! Ah well . .

Rosalyn-helpline profile image
Rosalyn-helplinePartner in reply to Catseyes235

Dear Catseyes235,

The function of the injections for wet AMD is to suppress the abnormal blood vessels developing behind the retina, stabilise the eye, maintain vision and prevent further damage. Therefore, if the eye becomes stable for a period of time, 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. During these periods of stability, it is important to check an Amsler grid weekly. This will help gauge if there are any changes to the eye, which may indicate if more changes are needed. If any changes are identified, then it is important that the eye clinic is contacted straight away.

If you would like to discuss this further, 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,

Catseyes235 profile image
Catseyes235 in reply to Rosalyn-helpline

Thanks . .as I thought. I've reacted well to Eyelea and now on every 12 week injections. However the right eye is showing slight signs so keeping the Amsler to hand. One thing I notice however is a change in colour tone, the left, slighter weaker sight wise, shows things brighter than the right which can especially in half light seem duller and yell lower and if I wake up at night almost lose central patch. No wavy lines as such on Amsler but a shadowing (like a double line).. Hospital said to go straight there if any change so may do that Monday though not sure if related (and it was something I used to get at work on computers). Many thanks

Rosalyn-helpline profile image
Rosalyn-helplinePartner in reply to Catseyes235

Dear Catseyes235,

If you are in a period of stability and you are not currently receiving injections, or have missed one as a result, it is important that you contact the eye clinic straight away with any changes.

If you currently have active wet AMD and are concerned that the injections are not holding your eye for 12 weeks, then it is important that you raise your concerns with your ophthalmologist via their secretary.

If the hospital have generally told you to report back any concerns about changes as soon as possible, then it is important that you err on the side of caution and report the above to them.

Kind regards,

Macular Society helpline

Catseyes235 profile image
Catseyes235 in reply to Rosalyn-helpline

Thanks I will next week. Have been sightseeing for a week so eyes v tired anyway. The shadowing is something I got when eyes very tired so may calm down and no sign of AMD when checked at Moorefields years before current diagnosis but was given Amsler then. May be to do with double decompression for thyroid eye disease which included double vision and squint -twenty years ago and was hoping that was the end if eye probs . .. Joy!

Rosalyn-helpline profile image
Rosalyn-helplinePartner

Dear ayayay,

I would discuss your concerns with your ophthalmologist via their secretary.

Kind regards,

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