Scared of injections

[Sarahdoggy]

I have not had injections yet but know it is only a matter of time. I am really scared about having them. So much so that I am thinking of saying that I would rather not have them. I don’t seem to hear anything good about them on here.

[Sarahdoggy]

Thank you for that. I don’t have wet AMD. They said it was just due to the diabetes! So not sure what that means!

[tallyho in reply to Sarahdoggy]

Hi Sarah I have TD1 too and have eye injections for diabetic Macular oedema. It’s honestly not as bad as it sounds. If u phone the Macular society they can get a buddy like myself to phone u and talk to u about your worries I would be happy to speak to you if that might help.

[Sarahdoggy in reply to tallyho]

Thank you.... I might just do that. You are very kind. Feel so much better. X

[Eyerecovery1]

In my experience the thought of the injection is always far worse than actually having one done! I have to say I wasn't looking forward to it the first time but having the injection done isn't bad at all!

The nurses who did mine were brilliant and made sure I was nice and numb before the injection and all I ever felt was some pressure when the needle went in but no pain! A big worry for me was seeing the needle come at my eye! But they have you look in a completely different direction so you can't see it coming. It's very quick and over before you know it! I used to have some discomfort afterwards but nothing some pain killers, big sunglasses (while traveling home) and cool eye mask (once you get home) - won't fix!

It's always worth trying something even if it's a scary thought. Something I always tell myself is 'you don't have to get it done again if it's too bad' and it never ends up being as bad as I think! Hope that helps alittle x

[Hammiepaeroa in reply to Eyerecovery1]

Its lovely to read something positive. It's made me less stressful.

[Catseyes235 in reply to Hammiepaeroa]

When I had my first injection I didn’t even register it had happened at first. After nearly three years I still ask for a hand to hold during the procedure - it helps to let them know how you feel!

Those who deliver the injections are also getting more experience regarding techniques and patient reactions and my last 6 injection have needed few or even no lubricating drops after. As previously said the thought is worse than the reality. Even doctors and nurses have flinched at the idea!

[Patjo]

Hi. Fully understand how you feel. I called my gp before my first injection and asked for valium prescription because I was so scared. As others have said, tje thought of the injections is worse than the actual thing. Don't worry just call your gp when the time comes.

[Fishing1949]

I have had 9 injections in my right eye and from my experience so far there is nothing to be unduly worried about although obviously it is only natural for you to be anxious beforehand. In my case there was no pain when the injection was given and the post operative discomfort each time was only brief and was significantly improved by my consultant changing the antibiotic from iodine to chlorohexadine. I hope this helps.

[Sarahdoggy in reply to Fishing1949]

Yes helps so much. Thank you for that. X

[Hammiepaeroa in reply to Fishing1949]

Its lovely to hear such positive results.

[Hidden]

I agree with what everyone has said. For me the inj have saved my sight. Yes I've had a few that were unpleasant but most were fine and all were worth it to be still able to read etc.

I watched a u tube vid of a woman having an inj and she didn't flinch. It might help you to watch it as its the unknown we fear the most. Remember, there are many thousands of people having the inj who aren't on this site - its not all doom and gloom.

Good luck going forwards.

[eesnapal]

Well here is the good news. The age related degeneration you have experienced will deteriorate if untreated. I have received injections for over 2 years - they have all improved the quality of sight between injections but have required maintenance to retain the improvement. The procedure itself is done with care and involves little if any discomfort. Sometimes there is a sense of a little grit in the eye for 12 to 18 hours which is relieved by eye drops the clinic can provide when asked. The procedure takes 5 to 10 minutes- a small overhead to retain the use of your eye.

Steven

[Eyeproblems]

If you are offered injections, please don't turn them down as otherwise your central vision will go. Yes, I do find some of them painful, but it's over very quickly and worth putting up with to keep my sight. I have never taken Anything before the injection but believe some people do. Speak to the macular society who I'm sure will give you lots of help and this forum is great as well. Best wishes.

[McNaughton]

No problem ..... now on my 88 .... you will have had worse sessions at your dentist. Do not refuse them you will loose your central vision.

[Hidden]

I fully appreciate your concerns, I did not sleep the night before the first one.

However, I felt NOTHING at the injection and since then I have had 84 and never felt anything other than slight pressure on occasions.

There is no doubt that for me at least the anticipation was infinitely worse than the reality.

I was blind in the eye before the injection and regained my sight within hours, that was 8yrs ago.

[Zool]

I was terrified of getting it the first time but the RS was really good. Never felt a thing. Have been getting them for about 2.5 yrs. now. There might be a little blurriness that day but it will clear up later on and a slight discomfort but nothing major. It may feel like you have a speck in your eye but after a couple of days that clears up as well. Think positive and stay strong.

[Whitegoose]

Hello Sarah, it’s not as bad as it sounds, if you have any after pain

Talk to your consultant. I suffered pain afterwards for hours, I never said anything to the doctor, it turned out to be the antiseptic wash that caused it. So after they changed it, no more pain problems. Thanks to this blog several people told me it could be the antiseptic wash. The injection Is very quick, and it will be numbed with drops. The main thing it is preserving your sight. These injections are very successful at keeping the eyes as best as they can be with the condition you have.

[Sarahdoggy in reply to Whitegoose]

Thank you so much for that. Has made me feel so much better! X

[Hammiepaeroa in reply to Whitegoose]

I would like to hear more positives on this website. Thank you.

[IvyRose2]

Please do not worry about the injections I have been having them on and off for 5 plus years, my eyesight stabilised and am able to do all the things I enjoy. Try to relax, I know that's easier said than done, I find something to occupy me well I am waiting, like my crochet, anxiety will only make it feel worse. On injection day I always get in something easy for tea or ready prepared. Fresh pillow case and towels, and a relaxing treat in the evening, like a glass of wine! I find the Boots eye wipes helpful if my eye gets a bit sticky from the eye prep etc, the next morning. I follow the hospitals instructions. Yes it will feel a bit stingy and uncomfortable until the morning but most injections have that effect.

The nurses and staff are lovely. I must admit I used to be scared, but somehow I've just got used to it. I feel very lucky to have them, there was no treatment for my parents who became partially sighted rapidly.

[Hammiepaeroa in reply to IvyRose2]

I feel less stressed reading your article. Thank you.

[rosyG]

Hi Sarah

I was really scared and didn't sleep before my first injection. I don't think anything about it now- have got my 17th next Tuesday- it sometimes is a bit sore but often is not as bad as a flu jab1 Its uncomfortable afterwards because of the iodine used but often they wash that out well and it's fine.

[Spottedog]

I’ve had 2 injections. Since my first injection my eyesight has improved. My doctor told me I may be able to get them further apart if my eyesight continues to get better. Without the injections I had one avenue available to me— the loss of my sight. Seems like a “ no-brained” to me. Like seeing.😊

[Marbaloo]

I too am terrified of injections and I literally shudder when I think about the possibility, however my cousin recently started her AMD injections and I take her and sit with her during the procedures. This has been an odd blessing. She has had very little discomfort. The worst was when there was a defect in the eye speculum and it pinched her eyelid. Of course our Dr. replaced it at once. The eye is extremely well numbed And the actual procedure is astonishingly fast.

Take your preservision or occulite and fear not.

[Lizjim]

I was like you absolutely terrified ,but I value my sight too much to refuse I was actually shaking when I went ,I hadn't slept at all the night before ,but it was not nearly as bad as I imagined .The staff were so caring and so gentle ,there was no pain just a little pressure on my eye and slight stinging afterwards .I know everyone reacts differently but I now have them with no problem.Good luck.

[Jimford]

I would say that physically it's not as bad as the thought of it. I've said to my injectors that it's worse than donating blood, but nowhere near as bad as canal root treatment! I find that the worst bit is the soreness for a few hours afterwards.

[Eyelet]

Truly ,truly the thought of it is the worst it will get. It really isn’t as bad as you anticipate. We all hate it but hey presto it’s done and dusted and hot chocolate time. Long slow breaths ,hold the nurses hand tight...go on make her wince and think of hot summer days.

[enopmar]

I've had 19. I assure you, the anticipation is MUCH worse than they actual event. I've felt absolutely nothing, or occasionally slight pressure.

[mararay]

I've gotten about 7 injections in my Right Eye since Sept. 2018 and it isn't as bad as it sounds. After the first one I was a bit sore for a day or two but with the rest of them the discomfort was less and less. The injection itself doesn't hurt me personally. I tend to do better when I have somebody in the room with me and the last time I was by myself and felt a bit anxious. So if by chance you have somebody to go with you that might help with any anxiety. Good luck

[Sarahdoggy in reply to mararay]

Thank you so much. X