Good news - different injector - no blood shot eyes!

[Catseyes235]

I recently wrote than when a particular individual did my eye injections I came out with two bloodshot eyes. This person said there may be some bruising as I’m now taking blood thinners. I wasn’t sure this was true as thought it was more likely her technique, which despite reassuring words felt more like she was using a flat headed screwdriver!

So when I went to the eye unit last Tuesday I was preparing for the worst but a completely different person did my injections. After the first one I said I felt I could just fall asleep as I was so relaxed! I also have the alternative to iodine. I walked out and continued the rest of the day with no discomfort, no pain , no painkillers and needed very few eye drops .

If there was a star system for injectors she would get a full five stars!

[Koalajane]

I have to say that I have had many different injectors but occasionally I get the one I really like for a few times on the trot. She is gentle and kind but I can still get a blood shot eye as they cannot see the veins when they inject.

[Catseyes235 in reply to Koalajane]

The ‘bad’ one was very kind - explained what she was doing, gently washing eyes etc and asking if I could feel anything but when she came to the injection I just feel she took too long saying ‘now I’m just injecting now’ and injecting slowly in the time others would have been in and out! More time injecting means your eye has more time for slight movement... and I was aware of seeing a dark swirl with the injection. Just needs a little retraining methinks on the timing and angle of entry. After 3 years and little bruising except with her it’s really not down to my medication! Good luck with your continued treatments.

[kevinaki]

Takes great skill & technique to inject a drug painlessly and without after effects into someones eye...unfortunately, not everybody has that ability...

[Catseyes235 in reply to kevinaki]

I think ’bad’ one is trying so hard to reassure you and take her time which ends up a slower procedure when injecting and angle not quite right. So patient also has longer for slight eye movement. Obviously trusted to do double injections! During lockdown doesn’t seem like best time to make a complaint so have to frame letter delicately! The good one is faster and more efficient.

[Hammiepaeroa]

Great news you must be very happy. Its nice to hear some positive feed back. Take care.

[Catseyes235]

Thanks - in these strange times good news is welcome. The Royal Eye Unit has been so good in keeping everything going throughout so I don’t feel I should complain so i’ll just keep fingers crossed for next time! Hope your treatment is going well.

[JJnan]

I'm so happy for you Catseyes, I totally understand as I to have had "bad injectors"....the latest one, rubs my eyeball with her finger quite hard, 😟...she said it helps with the pain!!!....I asked the consultant about it when she first did it, he was taken aback saying nobody should be doing that.....but on it goes...so unfortunately I'll have to mention it again.....

they are taught by the consultants, I wish they were all on the same page .....I so hope you get "good" injectors in the future

Good luck x

[Catseyes235]

Thanks for responding. God, rubbing eyeballs sound ridiculous and I hope you say you’ve told the consultant and he was horrified. I once had someone who tested my eyes and it was like a point of honour to squeeze as many letters out of me. I said the consultant said not to guess and she said oh but it’s good to guess!! Duh... so no blood shot eyes at the Xmas table that is if I’m allowed at the Xmas table given developments round London! I wish you a merry little Xmas and unrubbed eyeballs in the New Year.

[JJnan in reply to Catseyes235]

Merry Christmas to you to, I hope you are allowed around the Christmas table, I to have to "guess letters" lol....Good luck for 2021 x

[Lizjim]

I have been getting eye injections for over 4 years at St Johns eye clinic in Livingston Scotland ,over that time I have had many different people injecting ,without exception they have all been pain free and skillfully delivered with great care and kindness .I realise I am very fortunate to have so many skilled well trained staff.So a hugh thank you to all of you ,I am so very grateful.

[Catseyes235 in reply to Lizjim]

My brother in Callander also has AMD - gets injections somewhere where there’s no doctor on site, so scans are seen remotely and after the injection. Goodness knows what people do without people with cars to take them as it seems to require several buses. Luckily in Kingston I have a bus nearby that goes right into the hospital. Also luckily the other injectors have been great up until this year! Let’s hope she’s not moving north!!