Too Frightening

By maobow21

1 min read

I have had AMD (wet in one eye, and dry in the other eye, of which I do get injections in the wet one. But the thought of having these injections is really frightening and scary. I wish there could be another solution.

When were you diagnosed with macular degeneration?

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Sharon Moore Moderator
<inline-mention username="maobow21" user-id="4788787"/> you are not alone with your desire for an option other than injections for wet macular degeneration. There are exciting clinical trials going on now that may result in a different delivery method down the road. Do you feel the injections are helping to slow down the progression? Warm wishes, Sharon Moore patient leader
maobow21 Member
Hi Sharon, thank you very much for your message. The injections have made no difference at all. I had operation in my Right Eye 2 years ago. I am waiting to have operation in my Left eye in the future. I also have Glaucoma in both of my eyes, of which I have apply eye drops 2 x a day. My vision is not clear, and I am glad that I don't drive. Thanks for your encouraging words. 
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="maobow21" user-id="4788787"/> I hope your vision doesn’t continue to worsen. I still drive in the daytime but it makes me nervous. Reach out anytime you have a question or need support. Sharon, patient leader
maobow21 Member
Hi Sharon, thank you for your support. Much appreciated
CommunityMember188 Member
I agree that the injections seem barbaric and I will probably never get totally comfortable with them. However, I am SO incredibly grateful that they exist! They have been keeping my WMD stabilized for the past two years since diagnosis. This option sadly did not exist for my mother who lost most of her vision in both eyes due to WMD despite state of the art treatments in the 1990's. I am still anxious at every retinal appointment but know that the actual injection will be over quickly. I make my appointments early in the morning and then go out for breakfast with a dear friend, so I have something to look forward to afterwards. Laughter and blueberry pancakes definitely help!
maobow21 Member
Thanks for your helpful comments, much appreciated. 
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 Thanks for letting us know comments from the community were helpful to you. We are glad to have you as a member of the community. Warm wishes, Sharon Moore patient leader
maobow21 Member
Hi, Sharon, thanks for your support and encouragement 
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="maobow21" user-id="4788787"/> you are welcome! Please feel free to reach out anytime. Sharon, patient leader
CommunityMember689 Member
I have been getting shots in both eyes .I also have blood in the eye for almost 2 wks after the shots.
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 It’s unfortunate you experience hemorrhage following each injection. Do you take any blood thinners? They can make a bleed more likely to occur. Thanks for joining the conversation. Warm wishes, Sharon Moore patient leader
2. CommunityMember689 Member
 <inline-mention username="Sharon Moore" user-id="3129425"/> I get the numbing injections that's when I get the bleeding
ny2sf Member
That shouldn't be happening on a regular basis. I too receive shots in both eyes--have had a total of between 35 and 40; have only had a bloodshot eye after one of them, which was given by a retinal fellow, not a fully trained, experienced RS.
1. CommunityMember689 Member
 <inline-mention username="Sharon Moore" user-id="3129425"/> I don't take blood thinners. I dread the monthly shots
2. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember689" user-id="4835375"/> I am sorry the monthly injections are such an ordeal for you. I hope new and effective treatment options come out of ongoing clinical trials. Thanks for sharing, Sharon Moore patient leader
ny2sf Member
I was told that this occurs when the syringe hits a superficial blood vessel. One RS who has treated me told me that she doesn't use the numbing shots (only drops and gel) in order to minimize the odds of this happening.
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 Thank you for sharing your retinal specialist views on the use of numbing shots. It cuts the risk by half by using only the numbing drops or gel. Do you experience any discomfort with the injection? Warm wishes, Sharon Moore patient leader
maobow21 Member
Thanks very much for your advice. I never knew this other method. It is worth mentioning. Much appreciated.
ny2sf Member
Did I mention that I am not currently under treatment by this doctor? When I was, I had no more discomfort without the numbing shots than I did with them--just a momentary twinge as the syringe pierced the eye. She did say that, when bypassing the numbing shot, the gel must be allowed at least 20 minutes to take full effect. 
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="ny2sf" user-id="4572419"/> that 20 minute delay may explain why most retinal specialist use the numbing injection. It would limit the number of patients that could be seen in a day. How are you doing with your new retinal specialist? Warm wishes, Sharon Moore patient leader
ny2sf Member
<inline-mention username="Sharon Moore" user-id="3129425"/> Moore
maobow21 Member
Hi Sharon, yes I do experience much discomforts with these eyes injections. 
1. CommunityMember689 Member
 <inline-mention username="maobow21" user-id="4788787"/> me too
ny2sf Member
<inline-mention username="Sharon Moore" user-id="3129425"/> Moore Actually, most of the doctors at the office use all three--gel, drops, numbing shot. And I don't have a new RS: my old doctor has returned from leave. But I have a high opinion of all the doctors in that office who have treated me ( 5 or 6, I think).
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="ny2sf" user-id="4572419"/> I am glad your retinal specialist has returned from leave. It’s wonderful you have so many doctors to choose from. Thanks for sharing, Sharon Moore patient leader
ny2sf Member
<inline-mention username="Sharon Moore" user-id="3129425"/>
CommunityMember150 Member
I have a question is it possible that my macular degeneration comes from the use of Gabapentin?
1. Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember150" user-id="4170805"/> thanks for your question and for being in our community. I would love to have an answer for you, but this question needs to be answered by a medical professional. Are you able to ask your doctor? I hope you are going ok with your sight. Warm wishes, Wendy, Patient Leader.