Allergic reaction no.3. Advice please.

[Shrimpie]

Over a period of years, I’ve had one Avastin, and many Lucentis and latterly Eylea injections. Both eyes are now treated. The injection procedure itself is usually ok, but on 3 occasions the after effects have been agonising. I hesitate to use the word agony, because I don’t want to upset anyone and I’m so grateful to be able to have this incredible procedure to save my sight.

The first occasion was after iodine was used. The burning pain to my eyelids was horrific. Since then, I always request that no iodine is used.

The second reaction happened over a year later. It was painful but not as excruciating as the first iodine reaction. I was assured that no iodine had been used. Since the 2nd incident they always irrigate my eyes following the injections.

Yesterday morning I had both eyes injected again. The procedure was ok. On leaving the hospital I was aware of a slight stinging, particularly in the outer corner of my left eyelid. The stinging soon increased, along with streaming eyes and nose until I was in agony for the rest of the day and overnight.

This morning there was still a slight rawness to my left eyelid, but by the afternoon I am feeling much better and can look at my iPad to write this! Can anyone advise me how to prevent further severe reactions as it looks as if I’m allergic to more than just iodine?

Many thanks

[kevinaki]

Ask for a couple of tubes of sterile water to take home with you. Then lay on your back holding a hand mirror and give your stinging eye(s) a good washout...

The pink plastic tubes I am given are called "AddiPak 0.90% sodium chloride solution"

[Shrimpie in reply to kevinaki]

Thank you for your suggestion kevinaki, best wishes to you

[Tetrazzini]

I was once badly "clamped" and, boy, that was sore - lasted 24 hours. I was almost walking with a limp!! Could that be part of it?

[Shrimpie in reply to Tetrazzini]

Thank you for your thoughts and experiences. Good luck to you with your eyes in the future!

[Hidden]

There is just a possibility that you are allergic to the anaesthetic. Try asking for a different one, most clinics have an alternative.

[Shrimpie in reply to Hidden]

That’s worth checking Rennatk , thanks for mentioning it.

[Hidden]

All good advice above. As you have long gaps between reactions I think its as tetrazini suggests. I've had scratched cornea from the clamp too. Either way lots of soothing drops should help. My clinic don't give them out like kevinaki's but my Dr gives me Hypromellose drops ( last 28days after opened) and also Hylotear drops which are thicker ( last 6 months after opening but I open new bottle after inj) - I believe both available over the counter.

[Shrimpie in reply to Hidden]

I’m always given Hypromellose drops, which I do use from the day after injections onwards. I try to leave well alone on the day itself. I’ll get a supply of both types of drops for my next procedure. Thanks for your reply, eyesright.

[10plantlover]

My Doctor insist on the iodine. My eye burns and tears for over 24 hours. These shots hurt so bad I have stopped even though I know I need to do them. I don't know if it is because of the way the doctor is doing it or not.

[Shrimpie in reply to 10plantlover]

Hi 10plantlover. We are very fortunate to be able to have these injections to save our eyesight. Just a decade ago the treatment wasn’t available. This means that we are actually pioneer patients; and our experiences will help future AMD sufferers.

I’ve had many injections WITHOUT the painful afterburn, so I have to remain positive that this problem can be resolved very quickly.

Wishing you all the best, stay strong and brave!

[McNaughton in reply to 10plantlover]

See my reply to Shrimpie.

[McNaughton]

Hi Shrimpie ...your description of your eye injections being agony .... is correct ... 7 hours of it .... I have experienced it four times ..... screaming, screaming pain, rather have two babies again..I have had 88 injections , mainly Eyelea, but had Lucentis and an Avastin one in Australiain last year.. (another story) now 76 . dry and wet both eyes, central vision gone in one, both eyes injected every month.

My view .....Iodine is the culprit.... I have tried the alternative..... agony again.... so heres my routine.

Always DILUTED iodine, one drop, my people refuse to ban it all together, (York UK hospital), and a REALLY REALLY good wash out, they are reminded every time. Two painkillers as soon as I come out .... dark dark glasses.....suck on a hard boiled sweets (it helps, no idea why). Once home a wash out with stelile eye drops, (perscribed by hospital) close curtains ... a double brandy and ginger..... watch an hour of television ...more of less back to normal.... ..jobs a good un.

[Shrimpie in reply to McNaughton]

Hi McNaughton...Thanks for sharing your story. Somehow, it helps to know that it isn’t me being a baby! As you say...I’d also prefer 2xchildbirths ! Do you think we can get Brandy on prescription....and maybe a week in a health spa! Very best wishes to you.

[RosMacularSociety Partner]

Dear shrimpie,

I am copying a link to our information sheet on Pain after injections:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

You could use this as a discussion point with your ophthalmologist.

Just to make you aware, we are currently offering free 6 month membership. This is a good way to keep up with current developments. Please ring us if you would like to benefit from this:

macularsociety.org/6months

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

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,