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• Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-03-19 09:18:11 By Martha R
• I am 69 years of age. Yesterday, I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. Prior to this diagnosis, I had surgery on my left eye for a hole in the macula on September 19, 2007. The surgery went well; after one month, the surgeon was perplexed. He stated the hole in the macula was completely filled in but the symptoms remained. He requested an MRI; nothing appeared as unusal. I then to the Retinist Specialist on January 18, 2008; he said "let's wait a couple of months and see what happens". Yesterday, I started the monthly injections. At this time I do not know the name of the medication he injected, but I will find out today. My driving ability is ccnsidered "legally blind", meaning I am allowed to drive in the daylight, little traffic, and short distances. I am overwhelmed with all of the circumstances and events in getting to this diagnosis. Is there emotional information available on how to handle this disease? The thought of possibly going blind is very frightening. Thanks for listening, MarthaLynne

• Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-03-22 17:05:04 By Stefani W
• I was referred to a specialist two years ago by an opthamologist at 41 years of age and was told by the specialist ABOUT the disease. I did not worry too much about it because I was advised not to be concerned. I was told that it was so rare for someone my age to have the disease. The physician seemed so puzzled that he had one of his colleagues look at the x-ray to be sure it was what he thought it was. His colleage gave me one of those grid charts and told me to look at it from time to time and that if I noticed any crooked lines, to have my eyes checked. So I went on my merry and checked the chart from time to time and DID notice a change. Now, some of my vision is blurred and as I read more about this disease, I am becoming more alarmed about whether there could have been something I could have done about this two years ago to slow or halt this process. So I know how you feel as I am now becoming worried about my future. At the height of my career, I now have to face the possability of not being able to work in the near future. I have a young family to support and just had a baby last November and am wondering how long will I be able to care for him? Since I am a very resourceful person, I will keep you updated should I find something useful and beneficial.

• Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-03-25 11:23:03 By Martha R
• Stefani W
  I do not know if Physcians do recognize the symptoms of MD or the consequences if treatment is not received asap. I have no idea when mine started, but I do know it only became a reality when I had the surgery to fill the hole in the macula. To add to our "need to know" the RS referred me to the surgeon the first time I went in to see what was causing the distortion. At that time, the surgeon stated everything was fine I just needed a new prescription. I did as you did, went on my merry way. I knew right away the prescription, but thought "Oh well, my eyes just need to adjust. When I went back two months later because my vision and distortion had deteriated consiberly, the surgeon consulted with the RS. That was at 1:00 pm on a Tuesday. I noticed they were talking in low tones. Soooo! Twenty-four hous later I was in surgery. Co-Pay waived, no blood work done; no preperation of any kind. I will always believe the surgeon missed the MD the first time around. Anyway, I am so sorry that you are so young, so busy with your family and career and to receive this devasting news. You sound like a strong woman and will handle this challenge. The good news, as far as I am concerned for us, is they now have the possibility of saving our sight. Take care and email me anytime even though my replies are so longwinded. A friend once told me I should write a book as I can write a hundred words that really could hfave been said in ten.

• Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-03-25 22:23:03 By Barbara L
• HI Stefani! This is Barb; how are you? they found bleeding and swelling around my retina very early and were able to save my vision from becoming wet md. They ruled that out; to only be related to high blood pressure; but I had 3 shots of avastin successful but am putting up this annoying air bubble for 4 going on 5 months; is that normal; do you know anything about air bubbles from the injections? Thanks; nice to meet you Stefani; Barb

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-05 10:48:37 By Martha R
• I forgot to ask about distortions of the eye. My left eye continues to be distorted even after surgery. Is this normal?

• Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-01 11:25:44 By Mary S
• Hello Stephanie,
  yes your young and have the responsiblity of young children. This always makes this disease harder to take and deal with, makes it pretty dern scary.
  
  I do not know what you do for a living.
  But perhaps you can begin to look at some alternatives. You know there is a Mayor in New York who is blind. A Mayor of a whole city.
  
  ther are folks who ski and do sports with little to no vision.
  
  And there are those who continue on to go to college with little to no vision or legal blindness. Or how about those who are born blind?
  
  Determination and the right tools can help you to continue to work. I do not plan on quitting for a very long time. I am a R.N. and although I may have to alter the type of Nursing I do, there is always something out there that I can do that will not require me to be so visually in tune.
  Some people go for whole career changes. Again with the technology of today, and the computer , there is no reason you should have to give up working at something you like.
  
  I do not know how old your children are, but it would be wise, when you feel comfortable to begin educating them about your condition and how you may need their help with certain things.
  In addition, as a MOM you will find a way to keep them from pulling things over on you also. It will take time as first you need to adjust yourself to this disease.
  
  Keep in mind that it is an unpredictable disease. one could have it for 20 years and not loose centraal vision, some have it for 5-10 years and develop geographic atrophy or a scotoma. But they learn to use their peripheral vision to their advantage.
  
  You are at a good age in a sense that there is hope for stem cells or a better plan to help rectify problems with this disease.In the future.
  Keep a jouirnal for yourself,
  this can help you to look back at what was going on and how you managed certain problems that cropped up.It caan also help you to keep more efficient records of what is going on with you or suttle changes that you see happening to your vision.
  
  Know that as scary as all this is, You will find your way down that path.
  my best to you.
  Mary

• Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-02 00:42:07 By Barbara L
• Hi Mary; i wanted to know about air bubbles; can they take a long time to dissolve? I have had this going almost on 5 months; is that normal? I talked with my rs and they said it should be gone this summer; i guess they know these things from other patients and how much they injected in my eye; this has been a nightmare; the bubble lately is flattening and getting clear and i am starting to see through the eye. I had avastin and does it take a while to get vision back after surgery? Thaanks for any advice mary! Barb

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-02 08:18:36 By Mary S
• Barb.
  I wish I could give you an answer as I see you have asked over and over again about the bubbles.
  They or it must be bothering you realy badly.
  
  I am so sorry that you are going thru this discomfort with them/it
  
  I have never had Avastin or any of the other anti VEGF drugs injected into my eye, nor have I had surgery.
  
  Only laser, the PDT, with visudyne.
  
  I realy do not know from a professional stand point or personal standpoint how long these bubbles can last after treatments.
  
  My guess is that it can varry from person to person.
  
  I wish I could give you a better answer.
  the only bubble or something similar , that I have experienced is a floater that I have in my better eye.
  it has been there for a very long time, a couple of years. I do not think that floaters go away. It is tiny, and I have just gotten use to it and work around it.
  
  If your bubble is changing, then perhaps it is begining to slowly go away as your RS stated to you.
  
  For your sake, I sure hope it begins to move away more quickly over this next phase.
  
  I am so sorry I can not give you an answer on this one.
  
  My best to you.keep us posted on your progress.
  Mary

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-03 12:51:49 By Barbara L
• Hey Mary!!!! Guess what! They are not gone yet; but are very clear liquid as the days go by; i am frustrated they are swimming around; but the explosions are finally slowing up! They are getting weaker! My vision is coming back more not as blurry; am accepting this a lot better and am happy when I do see the healing too. Thanks for your support Mary. Sorry to bother you about these bubbles! Thanks for understanding; you need people through frightening times like these! I am finally starting to get better! Barb.

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-10 15:06:38 By Barbara L
• Hi Mary: Well guess what i am with you now; i have a floater not a bubble. I did get my avastin shot taken care of had another leakage but it was small and it was related to scarring tissue. What a nighmare; but i don't have a bubble but a floater; what do you suggest i take to help calm it down or alleviate more; zinc? I am getting laser tomorrow now too for the scarring tissue; i found out it was from a fungus from a chicken scratch; this all happened today; still have that floater; i thought it was a bubble. Barb. It is only one; but can i take anything that will help? I am thinking of zinc. thanks

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-11 10:43:10 By Mary S
• Barbara,
  sorry tohear you were wet again and needed another shot.
  
  the floaters we have to learn to live with.
  
  I would not take xtra zinc.
  there were some studies out that zinc had been found in the eyes of cadavirs upon autopsy.
  
  and they were questioning at that time if the high zinc in the AREDS formula was too much.
  and harming our eyes instead of helping them.
  
  
  I would ask your RS, and see what he says about the floater.
  
  I will try to find you an article on the zinc, I have some things to take care of , so it will be later this evening before I get to that.
  take care and best wishes.
  mar
  

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-11 11:51:29 By Barbara L
• HI Mary: Thanks for writing back just got your email; now i understand what you are going through; they sure take off don't they? Nightmare; well; i am trying to get used to them; thought they were bubbles. I get laser this afternoon for another leakage; but i don't have macular degeneration after all; just scar tissue and fungus from chickens; can you believe that? Well; i am in the floater club now; how do you handle when they take off? They do settle down from time to time; do they eventually drop down for a long time/ Thanks for your help and nice to hear from you; what a day; no macular degeneration; he changed his diagnosis. Barb.

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-11 15:46:15 By Mary S
• Barb, maybe you need to go for a second opinion at a different RS office.
  
  what state are you in?
  
  If my floater bugs me, I just close my eye for awhile as it is the bad eye, and just look thru my good eye, giving the old bad one a rest.
  
  did he say you had histoplasmosis? occular histo?
  the leaks in that disease have better success with the avastin or lucentis also. that is what I have been reading. I do not like the laser , I have found that it leaves scarring in the eye also, making the situation worse.
  mar

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-11 18:12:17 By albert g
• mary
  
  thw inly bubble i am informed about is from surgary abs a gas bubble is injected it last for seven days. there schould be no bubble from injections in the ra.s office

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-11 19:09:07 By Mary S
• albert,
  I agree with you.
  100%
  it is Barb who has a bubble.
  anyway. the injections can cause floaters, this is a side of effect of those shots too.
  mar

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-02 11:58:26 By Mary S
• Barb,and all this is very close to how I see out of my left eye when you come to the end of the video.mar
  
  http://www.nei.nih.gov/photo/keyword.asp?conditions=Age-Related+Macular+Degeneration+%28AMD%29
  
  
  
  
  

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-11 18:02:29 By albert g
• hi i had sixinjectiobs of avascin in 3006 see a new doctor schould be no air bubbles
  
  al

• Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-02 12:17:54 By Barbara L
• Hi Mary; thanks so much for responding! Well this week they are finally slowing up! I am sure they are deflating; this has been a nightmare. I am finally able to see through them and have not been before; it is taking almost 5 months. Thanks for your answer; yes have been trying to find other people going through this; my rs said other patients are experiencing the same side effect; rs says it just takes a while but the activity will slow up and it already is; i still have the explosions but they are becoming more spread out throughout the day; my bubbles clear up faster now and the explosions are not as fierce and bothersome; i am amazed. Thanks for responding; hope you are doing well with the floaters; i do have reassurance that these are not permanent just until no more bubble is left.

• Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-14 07:25:27 By Barbara L
• Hi Mary; well guess what it is a floater not a bubble; and the doctor does not want to do a vitrectomy he said it is a blood vessel are that he is not touching; i had this for 6 months now; do they ever get better? I mean can they stabilize? I do see the squiggly lines with the tails. Lots of partying going on in my eye; it is just one small floater but how do you go about accepting it. I can rest better now just very disappointed that rs did not want to remove it do any doctors remove them? Thanks mary; i hope you are doing well; it is inside my eye.

• Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-14 07:25:32 By Barbara L
• Hi Mary; well guess what it is a floater not a bubble; and the doctor does not want to do a vitrectomy he said it is a blood vessel are that he is not touching; i had this for 6 months now; do they ever get better? I mean can they stabilize? I do see the squiggly lines with the tails. Lots of partying going on in my eye; it is just one small floater but how do you go about accepting it. I can rest better now just very disappointed that rs did not want to remove it do any doctors remove them? Thanks mary; i hope you are doing well; it is inside my eye.

• Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-14 07:25:36 By Barbara L
• Hi Mary; well guess what it is a floater not a bubble; and the doctor does not want to do a vitrectomy he said it is a blood vessel are that he is not touching; i had this for 6 months now; do they ever get better? I mean can they stabilize? I do see the squiggly lines with the tails. Lots of partying going on in my eye; it is just one small floater but how do you go about accepting it. I can rest better now just very disappointed that rs did not want to remove it do any doctors remove them? Thanks mary; i hope you are doing well; it is inside my eye.

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-14 10:48:23 By Mary S
• Barbara,
  here is a link were you can read all about floaters and what causes them.
  best wishes to you.
  http://www.uic.edu/com/eye/LearningAboutVision/EyeFacts/Floaters.Shtml
  
  
  

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-14 11:17:17 By Barbara L
• Thanks mary; i did have a vitreous hemorrhage 2 so i am understanding what is happening; i was so upset for a long time but today am finally making up my mind to change my attitude towards it. It is kind of relaxing like the ocean but annoying. Thanks for the link. Best wishes to you too! Glad to have supportive friends; i did want instant healing and if i get little by little even emotionally then i will accept that. I think we want instant life; it is not going to happen. Barb. thanks so much!

• Im in the same situation
• Posted: 2009-10-21 08:15:19 By
• I am 35 and was tols a year ago I have 4 children 3 young and I am a full time college student! Not having any answers and being given an grid and told sorry theres no cure and we dont know what to tell you about the amount of time or the progression so Im left with worry about my kids, if im wasting time in college for nursing when i may not be able to actually work at that in a couple years do i need to try and hurry and see things i want to see? will i ever get to see my kids grow up or teh faces of my grandchildren? im so upset and i only get by day to day by not even thinking about it but then i feel as if im not "doing anything"

• Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-01 11:12:47 By Mary S
• Hello Martha,
  my name is Mary, I have had mac degen since my early 50's. I was diagnosed on a routine eye exam.
  The only things I had noticed prior to the exam, was it took my eyes longer to adjust going from a bright light into a darker area, or vice versa. " accomidation" I believe they call it.
  In addition to that I had noticed a slight blurr and more difficulty seeing things, but I thought It was just because I needed to have my prescription eye glasses changed. I have myopia along with a severe astigmatism.
  
  less than a year after diagnosis, I went wet in the left eye. I received 4 PDT treatments with visudyne which did not work well for me. My vision worsened from 20/20 with correction to 20/150 and I developed quite large central scotoma in the left eye.
  
  the right eye has remained dry and it is about 5 years now. the visual acuity in that eye was 20/20- 20/25 over the last years.
  I am currently 59, and I still work part time, along with driveing. However I have some restrictions, extra side mirrors and so on.
  
  I hear you about the fears of going blind or loosiing central vision. we do so much visually in this world or ours.
  
  Ther are devices with modern technology that we can use to help us. CCTV's computer enhanced progrms, verbally qued progrms that read to us and we can speak to in order to give a reply.
  there arel also a variety of magnifiers and other assistive devices.
  
  Low vision doctors are there to help you find exactly what your visual capabilities are and can offer help with some of these devices and how to obtain them.There are also companies that you can order from.
  
  Some folks with realy poor vision opt to go to a school for the blind, and learn how to use canes, and adapt to their world with low vision or legal blindness.
  
  Of course all these things are not the same as being able to see normally, but know that they are out there to help keep you as independent as possible as you go down this road of Mac degen and vision loss.
  
  I will end here because this is rather long right now. more later.
  my best to you.
  Mary

• Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-02 12:50:24 By Vonda T
• Dear Mary,
  
  I had the same experience with the laser. Only mine happened with just one treatment. Large black spot vision decrease from 20/20 to legal blindness. I kept my left eye vision for almost 6 years. This year I noticed changes in my vision and first it was wavy then ok then distorted then ok. I went to the specialist (a different doc.) they did all the test and see a blister...In Feb. I was 20/40 He suggested the shots Avastin or Lucentis. I was so afraid to lose the sight I waited . Well, I am now 20/70 down from 20/25 one year ago at the optometrist. I called the specialist and am scheduled to start the shots on Monday. I am full of anxiety. I hope It works. I need to know if they are mostly successful and how much a of avision change did most experience.
  Thanks for listening,
  I so understand how the young person feels. I am now 70 and have grandchildren and love reading and art and planned to travel in retirement. I had a career in education and counseling and was retired from the schools but doing private practice when the first eye went.
  Thanks to all for any help regarding the shots.
  
  Vonda

• Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-02 15:12:16 By Vince M
• The shots work. I had similar experiences with both PDT in my bad eye at age 72 with bad results and the eye has a large scar. About 5 years later my right eye turned wet and I started avastin shots. I had 6 the last in April 2007 and my eye seems to have stabilized. I have about 20/30 in that eye.
  The first shot was the worst because I didn't know what was going on but was encouaging as I felt there was some almost immediate improvement. They are not painful and I had no real adverse reaction. Somtimes for a short time it felt like I had something in my eye. I think that was caused by the gadget they use to hold the eye open.
  Follow yor Doc's advice and do it.

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-08 18:36:12 By Vonda T
• I received my first shot of lucentis yesterday. i had gone another level in just a week from 20/70 to 20/100. I had some discomfort last night gritty feeling and tearing. I took 2 tylenol and by morning it was fine. I have about the same vision today as when I went for the shot. It was not difficult and the worst was the prep. I get another in May. I have only this eye and hope for improvement. I would recommend this to anyone. At least I am the same and hopefully will improve as I get more shots. Thanks for encouraging me. Vonda T
  

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-11 10:37:40 By Mary S
• Vonda , Happy to hear that things worked out for you.
  good luck that you see some improvement and drying.
  mar

• Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-02 17:18:55 By Mary S
• Vonda,
  I have not ever had the shots of Anti=VEGF drugs. I can tell you what I have read, and what others whom I know, that have had these shots have told me.'
  
  First of all"
  Not one of them have said they would stop the injections.
  Some have had a stabalization of their vision.
  Others had improvement and stabalization.
  some have to continue to have these shots every 4-6 weeks to keep them dry.
  
  the shots are a treatment not a cure, and while they can help and do help some folks, in time more abnormal vessels can form and begin to leak. and then they get another round of shots.
  
  that being said,
  those who have had the shots that I know say they were not comfortable to go thru.
  some say the eye speculum bothered them, others say it was the betadine and after effects of the shot. only a few have said they felt the needle.
  
  some tips.
  betadine is used to clense the eye and help to keep infection from happening.
  ask your RS to rinse out your eye very well after ward.
  
  perhaps ask for a lubicrant under the speculum.
  
  ask to make sure, they numb your eye well.
  
  you can use cold wet compresses once the numbing med has worn off, or even before hand to help decrease the discomfort post shot.
  
  some folks take tylenol or some other analgesic , Some do not need any of this. It is very individualized.
  
  some folsk say you can feel like you have a foreighn body in your eye, or grit or sandy scratch feeling for 1 4 days after ward. again this is very individualized.
  
  despite the inconviences that they experience no one has said they would not continue to get the shots again and again.
  
  the final decision to have these or try them should be between you and your RS.
  
  Read about the medications,educate your self, then discuss all with your doc.
  keep us posted.
  best wishes to you.
  mar
  
  
  

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-29 11:55:26 By Barbara L
• Hi Mary! I definitely do have a small floater; it is annoying but i am learning to get used to it. I did find a doctor who does laser vitreolysis to remove it since it is a small one and am going to look at it. I had another small hemorrhage; rs ruled out macular degeneration; it is scar tissue that leaked from fungus from a chicken virus. I cannot believe this. He is going to keep an eye on it every so often. I hate seeing the swimming around; how do you get over it? I just see water waves and some dots and squiggly lines. The rs says that it is not too bad so he does not plan on doing anything right now; but this other doc seems to be open to removing it hopefully. I will keep you posted. I hope you are doing well. I can still do computer work and watch tv and quilt. It is just annoying not having the clear eye i used to have. Thanks for any encouragement too Mary! :)

• Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-02 17:22:52 By Mary S
• Vonda that was suppose to read,1 to 4 days, not 1 4.
  
  mar

• Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-03 06:01:26 By Martha R
• Vonda
  I had extreme anxiety when the RS announced the procedure would be an injection into the eye. From the time the RS started the procedure until finished was approximately one minute if not less. I am scheduled for my 2nd injection, of Avastin, on April 15th. I had no adverse reactions to the 1st; within a couple of days I noticed a slight improvement, I believe the injections of Avastin is the way to go to return my vison to somewhat normal. My RS stated there is no guarentee or how long the injections will be. Whatever, I am willing to try. Good Luck, Martha

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-03 12:07:31 By Vonda T
• Thank you to all who wrote. Everyone was so positive. It is encouraging. I am scheduled for Monday. I am now trying to decide the pros and cons of Lucentis vs Avastin...not factoring in the cost. Also, my vision seems to fluctuate. sometimes it is better than other times. I also have a large scacoma in the lright eye that was laxered and am legally blind in that ieye. The one they will do is the left. which is showing 20/70 from 20/35 in about 3 month time. Thanks everyone...Vonda

• Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-03 06:02:29 By Martha R
• Vonda
  I had extreme anxiety when the RS announced the procedure would be an injection into the eye. From the time the RS started the procedure until finished was approximately one minute if not less. I am scheduled for my 2nd injection, of Avastin, on April 15th. I had no adverse reactions to the 1st; within a couple of days I noticed a slight improvement, I believe the injections of Avastin is the way to go to return my vison to somewhat normal. My RS stated there is no guarantee or how long the injections will be. Whatever, I am willing to try. Good Luck, Martha

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-03 12:50:07 By Barbara L
• Hi Vonda and Martha! This is bubble barb; well guess what they are clearing up in my vision; I am getting my vision back month after month; they are annoying to see the swimming around; but they are finally losing their air; they just get in from the needle. I am finally getting major healing and would not let this keeping me from getting avastin; my vision has improved to 20/20 and they stopped my hemorrhaging; they caught symptom of md really early before it developed. I am very happy; just had to put up with the side effect; i still have it but it is clearing and deflating finally; the air bubble from the avastin. Not everyone gets them but they don't hurt you at all. They are kind of pretty to look at. I cannot believe how I am getting my vision back; i am very happy. Hope you Vonda and Martha are doing well! Barb.

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-04 08:06:07 By Martha R
• From Martha R.
  Thanks Barb for the encouraging note. How many injections have you had so far? I have not yet experienced the bubbles that several of you have discussed. A few floaters, but no bubbles. When did they start for you? I only have had one injection; no discomfort, but defintely some improvement. My RS also told me that I am legally blind. He said it would be ok to drive during the day, little traffic, and short distances. I am fortunate, as I live in an area where all of the shopping I need to do is within an 8 block radius. Denver has a tremendous transportation system. I am slowly learning the bus service and liking it. It has taken a tremendous amount of pressure off of me; meaning concentration, tension and some fear. It really helps to read all of the positive results of Avastin. Thanks again, Martha

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-04 09:22:17 By Barbara L
• HI Martha; glad to be an encouragement to you; just got your message this am! I am finally starting to see better days with these bubbles;if they would just fade more and not act up then i would be happy with them; and i am starting to see through the bubble now. I just don't like the wobbling and bouncing around it makes me dizzy; i have not been driving either lately because of them the rs says they should all be cleared up by this summer; i guess they can tell about how much they gave me i had 3 shots my vision is 20/20 the first two the bubbles went away within a day but this last one they double dosed and it is taking me longer for these to dissolve; i am learning to cope with them; crying sometimes but they are neat to look at at night. I am glad you are doing well; i just don't drive am okay with walking. I may start wearing an eye patch in the sun since the sun will be brighter; i just have a hard time at church because it is a modern building with bright light; at home i am okay. I guess home is where your heart is. I am going to start a bubble cult when these are gone and have a bubble blowing party; i will be very happy when they are gone; it is not permanent just until they wear off and they are starting to get weaker finally! They are actually bubbles LOL. Floaters sound horrible; sorry you have to put up with them; bubbles; i am glad they are not in color. That would be worse! Nice to hear from you again; keep the faith; i hope everything will go well for you in Denver! Barb :) I talk to them to tell them to behave and it seems to work!

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-05 08:21:25 By Martha R
• Thanks Barb for your details of what you have been and are going through. The best part was your last sentence. "I talk to them to behave and it seems to work." I have always believed that no matter how difficult any situation can be, you can always find at least humourous moment that helps you to get through. You certainly made me laugh. I have a cat who had to listen to me all of the time. He is very patient with me and looks at me as if he understands. Thanks for the warning that with the bubbles it is probably likely there will be no driving. I will take your suggestion and email you as I am sure the other writers are not really interested in all of my minute questions. Thanks, Martha

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-05 09:19:24 By Barbara L
• Hi Martha; well this morning; it has broken up to smaller bubbles my husband looked at it; so I am very happy it is dissolving; that means it if it keeps breaking apart; i am getting very happy about that; i was just concerned that I might have it all my life; but the rs reassured me they are probably tired of me calling them; i just call once a week to let them know the progress; they are so nice; they said that is what we are here for! They also have been very kind since we have had trouble paying the last bill for the dye test; they are so expensive but worth keeping the vision. I just don't like getting dilated but it is worth it and when i got the dye test before i thought that the needle was really thick but it is just a regular needle for the dye; it was being dilated that made it seem that way; i think i was a stat report the first time when they spotted this! I heard the doc doing my dictation; i do medical transcription from home and love it; you can work your own hours around your husbands and be at home! We have a cat too; i hope to meet you sometime Martha; maybe we can! I am glad to be of encouragement to people; this forum is wonderful! You don't feel alone. back to the bubbles; I am serious they are actually bubbles; i feel like i am in spongue bob's house! I am happy though it is dissolving will be glad when the .... is gone! Keep up the faith; i am not crying over this any more trying to find humor; i used to cry and cry but not anymore; they are pretty at night like the moon. Have a great day Martha; got your message; i hope we can meet. Barb.

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-11 21:01:16 By Barbara L
• Hi Martha; wow what a week! Well; i have floaters like you all not bubbles i am a new member of the club; but don't have macular degeneration; i only had fungus from a chicken that caused scarring and the bleeding all the bleeding and swelling is taken care of by avastin; yesterday; dye test; injection; today; laser surgery to fix the bleeding. what a week; and to find out that i did not have macular after all or symptoms close. Did you say you have floaters? They are fun but annoying; i decided to get a natural remedy to take inside my body to dry them up; i hope to see success. I am getting used to them but it is difficult! TTYL Martha; hope you are better; keep in touch; Barb.

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-13 20:37:07 By Barbara L
• Hi Martha; well it turns out that i have a floater a very small one behind my eye; he does not want to do a vitrectomy because it is a blood vessel area. I think that this month it is starting to improve going on 6 months for me. What a nightmare; am going to try herbal remedy for coating etc. I will let you know how that works; this week i had the dye test; injection and laser. What does it mean when the floaters become clear liquid? They tell me no surgery to remove them; i thought it was an air bubble from avastin but it is from the vitreous hemorrhage that i had a blood vessel leakage; so; that is the story; i did not have macular degeneration but a scar from a chicken histo. this week i went because of the floaters but they found the smaller leak and he changed the diagnosis. When floaters slow up are they improving somewhat? Thanks; just was checking. hope you are doing well; Barb

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-16 14:22:32 By judy P
• Martha:
  
  I saw in you message that you still had distortion after your injection. How long did this last? Did it clear up before your second injection. I had a lucentis injection on April 11th and the waviness is still there and seems to be a little more pronounced. My vision seemed a little blurrier, but this seems to have cleared up. The distortion is still there. Did you see any improvement in the distortion. I had wet AMD treated in the other eye, which has improved, but the other eye had deteriorated because at the time I was diagnosed the injections were not available. They gave me macugen in that eye, but it did not seem to do much for it. After it deteriorated to 20/200 I received lucentis and avastin injections in the eye until it was stabalized and no more bleeding was seen. So I cannot compare my left eye to the right one which was first affected. The right eye stayed dry until now, but turned wet just a couple of weeks ago. My doctor said I caught it at a very early stage and he gave me an injection of lucentis. However, I still have this waviness. Is this normal or should I contact my retina specialist that gave me the shot. I do not want to seem like I am overanxious, but unfortunately I am, as if my vision deteriorates in the eye that was good 20/20 vision, I will be legally blind. I would appreciate your reply to this message.\
  
  Judy P.

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-16 14:58:32 By Vince M
• Hello Judy,
  Hope you don't mind my jumping in here but thought you mind be interested in my experience.
  Seems as though there is variation among shot recipients as to the effects of the shots. In my case I received my first shot almost as soon after diagnosis as you received yours and now a year later I still have waviness but the eye is stable and my vision has remained at about 20/30. I had a total of 6 shots of Avstin. My RS has repeatedly told me the goal of treatment is to keep the eye from getting worse. All the better if there is some improvement.

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-16 15:19:55 By judy P
• Vince:
  
  Thank you for jumping in here. I am so happy to hear that your vision has remained at 20/30 despite you still seeing waviness. That is very encouraging to me. I received treatment in the other eye before injections were available. The first 2 treatments I received were laser and then I received 3 macugen and 2 avastin injections until the lucentis was approved. Then I received 2 lucentis and then my doctor seemed to think that the avastin was more effective and went back to giving me avastin. I received 3 more injections of avastin and then my vsion stabilized that was 8 months ago and it has not started bleeding again. Although I had lost complete vision in my right eye, to the point where I could only see fingers at 2 feet, it has now improved to where it has gone back to 20/200. I know this does not seem great, but I can now distinquish color in that eye and see a little more peripheral. It is blurry, but it is 10 times better then what it was and since I received my last avastin shot in that eye it still continues to improve. My doctor is very encouraged by the results in this eye. Just wanted to let you know that even when you discontine the shots you might still notice an improvement in the eye. I hope so! Thank you for your reply. It is very much appreciated!
  
  Judy P

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-18 00:16:44 By Martha R
• Hi Judy,
  The distortion is still very much there. The improvement I have had thus far is being able to determine the "E" on the eye chart. Before the avastin injection, all I was able to see was a huge wavy blob. I could almost make out the second line, but I was not positive of my answers. The technician said that I had read them correctly. I have also noticed, when looking out a large picture on the wall the frame is considerably less wavy. I am truly encouraged and will continue with this therapy. I have never asked what my vision actually is, but will the next time I see the RS on May 20th.

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-30 08:00:12 By Martha R
• Hi Judy
  I had my second injection two weeks ago. I definitely have noticed a small difference in my vision. I have had no floaters so far. The distortion has also reduced. I can at least define large letters. I am looking forward to the next injection to see if the improvement continues. The waviness is still dominant, but only seems to be on the inner part of my eye. I sure believe in Avastin. Hope things are improving for you.

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-29 11:49:40 By Barbara L
• HI Martha; it has been a long time since i emailed you; hope you are well; i still have the floater now; it is a small one that swims around and breaks up; i have had this now for going on 7 months. I did find a doctor that does floater treatment for possible removal and am looking into that. My retinal surgeon is willing to work with him and give him my papers that is encouraging; i am just learning to put up with it; it is hard. I hope you are okay. Barbara

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-04 19:03:29 By Vonda T
• Dear Barbara,
  Thank you so much for the encouragement. I got tested to see if allergic to beedtadine and so far so good. Have fish allergy. I am scheduled for lucentis. My doctor picked it. I have lost all central vision in the right eye so I think he choose this because of my bad experience with the laser for that eye. I am nervous but ok/ Had anxiety attack at first but getting calmer.
  I have lots of allergies so that aspect makes me nervous but somehow I feel good about this. I have been able to see a little better lately as far as the far vision but near is worse. It seems to go back and forth. I really want to get rid of the constant changes that always seem to end of for the worst. Thank you for the encouragement. Vonda

• Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-04 19:09:05 By Barbara L
• Sure; I am glad to be an encouragement; any time you need a friend; email me psalms5556@yahoo.com sorry you lost your vision; i have to put up with bubbles going on 5 months next week. I am finally getting some relief today; they are getting clearer and smaller all day the last few days; it is horrible them swimming around; some times i feel like i don't want my eye than go through this; the nurse said by what i said it is starting to get better; they are starting to not be such as nuisance! I am glad we have this forum especially when you go through frightening times; i am so glad they caught my bleeding and swelling around the retina; they said it would have been worse if i had not gotten it checked; they actually caught it before it became wet md. I am very grateful; would rather put up with air bubbles for a year out of my life almost and have my vision for life. Always important to see the doctor. Hope you do well. I hope the lucentis helps. Barb.

• Re: Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-16 09:46:28 By Martha R
• Hi Vonda and Barb - I had my second Avastin injection yesterday. I asked for additional deadening drops and this time I felt nothing. My vision has improved somewhat and I feel very encouraged that this is the way to go. I have stopped driving as the tension was just too great for fear of an accident. Hopefully, after the next two injections I won't be so tense. Thanks to everyone for all of your comments and encouragement. You have taught me alot.

• Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-08 23:45:24 By Barbara L
• well martha; things are looking up my rs is willing to remove the bubble. I cannot believe it. I was giving up hope and then i called the emergency to get in touch with him. He said he is willing to remove the bubble unless it really is almost gone I think that is what he meant. But; i wanted to let you know; he can remove it. I will be very happy. Hope you are doing well; am thinking about you. Barb. :)

• Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-10 02:15:27 By Stefani W
• Thanks to all of you for the encouraging words. I have not done anything yet with regards to treatment so I cannot answer anyone's questions about bubbles, etc - sorry about that. I do have an appointment for my annual check up on the 17th of April and will keep you all posted as to what my specialist will suggest or do. In rhw meantime, you all take care and keep in touch as will I.

• Re: Re: Macular Degeneration
• Posted: 2008-04-29 12:00:22 By Barbara L
• HI Stefani; just wanted to say hi and hope you are doing well also; i am getting used to my floater; this is a different world to live in; i did find someone who does laser vitreolysis and am considering it no matter what. My rs sees me in june for my next check up; i had another leakage and he is not that concerned it is from a chicken fungus scar tissue; but i am learning to cope. I have not driven for a while. I may still be able to drive; just need to with my husband get my courage back up. I hope everything is going well; just wanted to say hi! :) Life really changes doesn't it? Wow. Makes you grateful for what you have every moment.