Delay in second loading injection

[Koalajane]

I had my first injection on Tuesday in my left eye for macular oedema and was told the next one would be in 4 weeks. I received my appointment today and it is for 28th August (8 weeks)

Can you advise me as to whether this will be detrimental to my sight please.

I did call appointments and asked for an earlier one but was told there weren’t any as there are not enough doctors and everyone else is in the same boat

[Bobbie915]

I can only speak from my own experience but, my hospital sent all 3 appointments at the same time for loading injections. Each was for about 4 weeks apart. Only after the initial loading, did they gradually increase the time. Have you tried to contact the Consultant's secretary about this? Or maybe PALS. Be prepared to stand up for yourself. Why don't you give the Macular Society a call. Good luck.

[Tetrazzini in reply to Bobbie915]

Yes - says it all. I agree 100%.

[Koalajane in reply to Bobbie915]

I will be calling the Macular Society on Monday about it and then going to the PALS office on Wednesday. The eye clinic appointment lady was very nice and said she would make sure I got any cancellation but I have heard this before.

[Bobbie915 in reply to Koalajane]

Good for you. Let us know what happens.

[fed13]

Speaking from my own experience I got stonewalled by the appointments team; and when the dust had settled in retrospect I felt sorry for them. I wasn't even given an appointment, but was told I "was on the waiting list". (Waiting to go blind{er})!!? I wrote a very strong letter to the Trust; copies to my GP, MP, consultant, and the Macular Society. It worked: I was given an appointment. I was told more clinics were being organised. Things are so much better now. If it shows signs of getting worse I ring the consultants secretary, If she can't help, I ring the Macular Society.

You have to stand up for yourself as said, and not take "many others in the same boat" as a get out!. (Although what can the poor booking/appointments team do?) We'll cost the "system" much less money if we get treatment on time than if we're left to languish on a waiting list, or get appointments 4 weeks late, and not getting the appropriate treatment to prevent our sight deteriorating.

Good luck!! Where are you as a matter of interest? Let us know what happens please.

[Koalajane in reply to fed13]

I am in Shrewsbury in Shropshire

[Bobbie915 in reply to fed13]

Spot on Fed13.

[springcross]

Hi Koalajane. I agree with Bobbie915. I know it's east to say but try not to let that go it's too long. Let us know how you get on. x

[Koalajane]

I will, thanks all

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear KoalaJane,

I think it is possible that we have already spoken on the phone this morning?

It would be worth chasing your appointment via the ophthalmologist's secretary in the first instance. If this does not work, it may be worth contacting the hospital Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO). If neither are able to secure a rapid appointment for you, then please contact us and we can email the hospital on your behalf.

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,

[Koalajane in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Yes, we did speak and I am waiting for a call back from the Consultants secretary.

Thank you very much for your help. It is much appreciated

Jane

[Koalajane in reply to Koalajane]

Just to say the consultants secretary rang this afternoon saying more clinics were being set up. She said 8 weeks was too long and that 5 was the maximum. I should have my new appointment in about a week or to ring her.

Thanks for your help.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner in reply to Koalajane]

Dear Koalajane,

I am glad to read that this. However, if you do not manage to secure a more rapid appointment, please contact us back for support.

Kind regards.

[Koalajane in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Hi Rosalyn,

I have today received a new appointment which will be 6 weeks so I will be ringing the consultants secretary again on Monday morning. I have also had an appointment for laser for the same eye. I was surprised by this as now having injections in this eye. Does this sound right? I will ask the secretary about this too and let you know how I get on

Jane

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Koalajane,

It is the ophthalmologist that you need to check with regarding both concerns, via their secretary.

Yes, keep us updated.

Kind regards.

[Koalajane in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

It is now all sorted by the Consultants secretary. Laser appointment cancelled as consultants decided it is not required now I am having injections. Injection appointment is 6 weeks from the last one which they say should be fine.

Thanks for your help

Jane

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

I am glad to read that all is sorted.

Contact us if we can ever be of any further help.

Kind regards