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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Janet on February 24, 2000, at 20:56:14
How's the pressure? Has it stabilised ? Best Wishes Jan
Posted by quilter on February 24, 2000, at 23:58:26
In reply to Quilter, posted by Janet on February 24, 2000, at 20:56:14
> How's the pressure? Has it stabilised ? Best Wishes Jan
Thanks for asking! The pressure in both eyes was down to normal on Tuesday. I'm feeling quite down about it today though. I thought I knew at last ( i'm 46) what I was to do with my life, but now my eyes and hands are failing as well as my mind. Not knowing how to plan for what lies ahead really bothers me too. A blind visual artist leaves a little something to be desired, don't you think ?
Posted by Janet on February 25, 2000, at 16:57:01
In reply to Re: Quilter, posted by quilter on February 24, 2000, at 23:58:26
> > How's the pressure? Has it stabilised ? Best Wishes Jan
>
>
> Thanks for asking! The pressure in both eyes was down to normal on Tuesday. I'm feeling quite down about it today though. I thought I knew at last ( i'm 46) what I was to do with my life, but now my eyes and hands are failing as well as my mind. Not knowing how to plan for what lies ahead really bothers me too. A blind visual artist leaves a little something to be desired, don't you think ?I'm sorry it must be terrible to have a creative talent and to lose the means of expressing that talent. But is losing your sight inevitable ? Can't it be treated? Doesn't your artistic talent help with your depression? Sorry to be nosey but these questions are just popping out. I myself am looking at a similar abysm. I,m nearly 49, my marriage is breaking up because of my depression and fatigue . I've never been able to hold down a job for the same reason. So I'm unemployable with 2 school-age children . My husband calls me a'mala sem alça' which is portuguese for a suitcase without handles. Graphic description don't you think?. Best Wishes Jan
Posted by Noa on February 25, 2000, at 17:55:29
In reply to Re: Quilter, posted by Janet on February 25, 2000, at 16:57:01
Quilter, say more about the vision thing. Like Janet, I want to know if it is inevitable. How long? Any treatment possibilities?
Janet, wow, that is a powerful image.
Posted by Quilter on February 25, 2000, at 22:59:28
In reply to Re: Quilter, posted by Noa on February 25, 2000, at 17:55:29
> Quilter, say more about the vision thing. Like Janet, I want to know if it is inevitable. How long? Any treatment possibilities?
>
> Janet, wow, that is a powerful image.
Amen to that!
The eye doctor was able to explain some of what could be done to try to control the pressure in my eyes. Meds are the first thing they use but they tend to have the same "poop-out" problem that has made controlling my depression so difficult. Since I am already taking so many medications we agreed that the next thing for me to do would be to try laser surgery. That too will work for a while, and conventional surgery can be tried after that, but nothing can really stop the progression of the optic nerve damage until the cause of the pigment sloughing is discovered.
Pigmentary glaucoma is caused by shedding of tiny fragments of iris coloration which clog the circulation of fluid within the eye, kind of like sand blocking a drain. The frightening part is that the symptoms of really high pressure are problems I deal with daily (headache, dizziness). Pressure as high as mine was when I happened to go for my yearly exam, can destroy vision in a matter of days. Permanently. Obviously, I'll be seeing him more often for tests, but during my "I can't bear my life anymore" phases it will be as easy to stop caring for my eyes as it is to stop bathing, eating and drinking. I wish I knew how to stay in control of just one of these stupid, miserable, incurable, disabling but invisible diseases. ( Expletives deleted).
Posted by Janet on February 27, 2000, at 20:53:51
In reply to Re: Quilter, posted by Quilter on February 25, 2000, at 22:59:28
> > Quilter, say more about the vision thing. Like Janet, I want to know if it is inevitable. How long? Any treatment possibilities?
> >
> > Janet, wow, that is a powerful image.
>
>
> Amen to that!
> The eye doctor was able to explain some of what could be done to try to control the pressure in my eyes. Meds are the first thing they use but they tend to have the same "poop-out" problem that has made controlling my depression so difficult. Since I am already taking so many medications we agreed that the next thing for me to do would be to try laser surgery. That too will work for a while, and conventional surgery can be tried after that, but nothing can really stop the progression of the optic nerve damage until the cause of the pigment sloughing is discovered.
> Pigmentary glaucoma is caused by shedding of tiny fragments of iris coloration which clog the circulation of fluid within the eye, kind of like sand blocking a drain. The frightening part is that the symptoms of really high pressure are problems I deal with daily (headache, dizziness). Pressure as high as mine was when I happened to go for my yearly exam, can destroy vision in a matter of days. Permanently. Obviously, I'll be seeing him more often for tests, but during my "I can't bear my life anymore" phases it will be as easy to stop caring for my eyes as it is to stop bathing, eating and drinking. I wish I knew how to stay in control of just one of these stupid, miserable, incurable, disabling but invisible diseases. ( Expletives deleted).I'm sorry that sounds awful. But if they get to the bottom of the pigment sloughing, is there hope then? I can understand your worry about not caring for yourself when you're depressed, I do the same thing. The worst thing about depression is that it detroys our ability to deal with the "challenges" that life throws our way. It's like being thrown into the ring with two hands tied behind your back. Take Care Jan
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