Appointment Review

[NettRoy]

Hello, it's worry guts here again. My worry is I have had three eyelea injections, then was told next app in two months, which is the 8th of March, a letter came today that said this app is for review only no injections at that app. Do you think they are going to stop my jabs, I have been able to read some of the letters on the chart, whereas before I couldn't so I'm sure something has worked, is all this procedure the norm. Thank you

[Crochetalong]

When you go for your review, they will be able to tell from the eye scans whether you need an injection or not. It is usual to do a ‘loading’ dose of one injection a month for 3 months and then do them every 8 weeks. Have a word with the doctor, I am sure they will put your mind at rest. In my experience this is the usual procedure. Look on the Macular Society website or NHS never look on Google. I hope this helps.

[NettRoy in reply to Crochetalong]

Thank you so much for that

[RP1944 in reply to Crochetalong]

Hi, this is usual in my experience. After the three loading jabs they wait a bit and see how well they have worked. Then you get checkups. If there is more leakage you get an appointment for another jab, if no leakage an appointment for another checkup. This is how it’s been for me during the last six years or so. Hope you are doing well.xx

[kohai]

Hi NettRoy,I agree with Fruitbat2. The first three doses are what's called a 'loading dose'. After that, the specialist does a review of your condition, how it's responding to the injections and how often the injections need repeating.

For me, my first three doses were in both eyes, my fourth appointment I was told they were only injecting the right eye and (no pun intended) but would keep an eye on the left one at that time.

I was told at that appointment that the results and how the eye(s) respond to the injections etc often depend on whether injections are done on that day, but they did inform me that "after the loading dose, the following injections can be spread out anywhere between four and eight weeks apart".

Mine are now only done in the right eye as my left eye stopped responding to treatment, but my right eye injections are now every six weeks.

On one or more of the information letters the hospital gave you there should be the hospital's phone number (or a Google search can tell you it). The person who answers your call will direct you straight to a staff nurse who can explain specific questions you may have or give more detail/clarification on what the specialist has said.

Any other information, as Fruitbat2 so rightly pointed out can be answered by either Macular society leaflets, which do cover a wide variety of questions and answers, or phoning them directly. They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and will make sure that any and all questions you have are answered so your mind is put at ease. (And you do not have to be a member to phone them).

[NettRoy in reply to kohai]

Thank you I really appreciate all the time you have both taken to reply to me. Keep safe

Jeanette

[tallyho]

Hi there as said the 3 injections re loading ones. Hospitals then do a review to see how treatment is going. If you were to have diabetes then you might have more than 3 losing injections as people with diabetes can take longer to respond then those without. Some hospitals continue with a series of injections then a review, Moorfields doe this for example but my hospital does not. For me I have no reviews as we already know I am on a treatment plan which involved injections every month. Some places will have a ‘one stop shop’ where everything including an injection is given on the same day some injection on a different day then the tests are done. So it all seems common practice what they are doing for you. I wish you well.

[NettRoy in reply to tallyho]

Thank you

[Penelopeflower]

Hi NettRoy, yes as others have said all perfectly normal procedure, I actually went for a review on Friday, have been having injections in right eye for some time. I had an injection after the review, the consult ant explained that they try and find out what is the longest period they can go between injections, in my case it is no more than eight weeks, which is not too bad, but of course they will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Best wishes.

[NettRoy in reply to Penelopeflower]

Thank you very much

[sueahall]

Hi are you at Moorfields Bedford as the same happened to me. I went yesterday and would normally get an injection as well but the consultant was off. They said he will review the scan on his return and book an appointment if an injection is required. Now I am really worrying to as the gap was already 9 weeks instead of 8.

[NettRoy in reply to sueahall]

Hello, yes I was atMoorefields Bedford yesterday I did the eye chart then I had a scan, I was told that i would not be seeing a doctor and that I will be contacted, I am worried too I have now gone eight weeks without an injection, no one seemed bothered by that, I do feel that something doesn't feel right with my sight, I'm so worried that any good that has been done will now back to being undone.

[BlurryArtist]

When that happened to me .I nipped into Specsavers and asked them to check my last scan and current one. It cost about £10 but they took the time to show me the improvement despite their still being fluid. This helped calm my fears until my injection appointment arrived a day later