New Doctor

By edielaude

1 min read

My doctor quit so on my next visit March 19th I will be seeing a new doctor in a new place.

Terrified to see a new doctor

I know this sounds ordinary. Right! Well After going to the same doctor at the same place for over a year where I received 9 injections it terrifies me to # 1 go to a new place much further, and of course, seeing a new doctor.

My previous doctor was extremely patient and considerate

I feel foolish writing this down but I have no one to share this ridiculous feeling of dread. My previous doctor was extremely patient and considerate knowing I was very anxious. It takes me a long time to get numb so he always put a lot of gel in my eye and waited for me to get numb. He did write in his notes in my file that was sent to my new doctor about my numbing problem. But I agonize thinking that the new guy may ignore all the notes. It is hard for me to admit that at 88 years old I am such a scared person. I make myself sick playing these worst-case scenarios in my head over and over.

Thank you for letting me talk freely.

Edie Laude

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Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
@Edielaud I think your feelings are very understandable and quite normal. I would feel the same way. May I share with you that the same thing happened to my 96 year old father who has been having injections for many years. His eye specialist of five years abruptly left and moved to another state, with no recommendations for future treatment for her patients. After many phone calls, I found a new specialist for him, and guess what - he is much better than the first one, very kind and considerate. After his recent first visit, Dad is going for an injection on 15 March, and isn't worried because of the caring nature of the doctor. I hope you have the same experience. Would it be possible to phone the doctor's surgery the day before, and remind them of your need for extra numbing, and remind them on the day, too? Best wishes, Wendy, Advocate.
1. edielaude Member
 Thank you for telling me about your Dad. I admire the fact that at his age he is still willing to go to the doctor. I get so scared that I do sometimes consider stopping the injections, but the thought of losing my sight gives me the push I need to continue. I will be telling this new doctor when I see him that I have difficullty with numbing. The problem is they don't always believe you. I had the experience and on one occasion I felt the shot this is why I have such anxiety. By the way I also have this problem with dental work. General anesthesia is fine. ( I only had it once but it went well). It seems to only apply with topical or shots. I know it sounds strange but the fact you wrote me makes me feel a little bit better. Maybe it is because I do not feel so alone and for a moment my mind stops churning the same story over and over. Thank you for your kindness Edie Laude
2. Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
 @Edielaude we'll be thinking of you on the 19th. Please let us know how you go. Good luck. Wendy, Advocate.
malleycat Member
I have the same problem with sensitive eyes. It's almost impossible for me to put in my own eye drops. My doctor originally prescribed Tramadol 50 mg tablets before I went in for my injections I didn't find they did much for the initial pain but help during the day of the shot. I found that 2 500 mg tablets of Acetaminophen did better for me before heading to the doctor's office. I can't sleep the night before my injections and anticipate the needle puncturing my eyes so my doctor prescribed Diazepam 5 mg the night before so I can sleep and another tablet before I go to the office. This combination works well for me. I get a good night's sleep and am calm and collective before my injections.
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="3141252" username="malleycat"/> thanks for sharing your experience with the injections. If you can get by with only acetaminophen that is preferable to Tramadol. You are fortunate to have a doctor that recognizes the anxiety surrounding the injection and will prescribe medication to help you through the process. Best wishes, Sharon Moore Advocate