(Untitled)

[emrinalexander]

It just keeps on. I had a complete ophthalmic exam including visual field testing. That was fine. But when the ophthalmologist did my follow up check on Friday he discovered I have very beginning indications of  macular degeneration. I just...I don't even know how to process this on top of the RA.

Comments

[lexin]

I am so sorry. That really sucks.

[emrinalexander]

Thank you. I'm kind of stuck right now - every time I go for a test for one thing, they find something else I didn't even think about.

[elayna88]

I hope it can be treated or slowed... :-(

*hugs*

[emrinalexander]

They told me that it was a very tiny area and that if I get my blood pressure down, exercise to increase blood flow, take the antioxidants the doctor prescribed, and switch to really healthy eating, that with what I've got these measures can massively slow down or even halt the progression. I have to do these things anyway, because it's the same advice I got for dealing with my RA. I'm just terrified of losing my sight.

[mrshamill]

You won't, it'll be okay. My father's side has macular degeneration and it takes decades to get worse. DECADES. My aunt has had it for about sixty years, and she can still see. You've just got to be like me and suck it up and eat your vegetables. Woman doesn't live by Cheerios alone, it's just that vegetables are boring and repetitive and man, do I get that.

I miss you. If we hadn't been so damned exhausted I would have lobbied to swing by and see you this last trip north.

[tx_cronopio]

Oh, Jesus, honey. I'm sorry.

[emrinalexander]

Sigh. I'm paying now for 50 years of not taking care of my body. The one good thing is that the ophthalmologist told me that it was a very tiny area and that if I get my blood pressure down, exercise to increase blood flow, take the antioxidants the doctor prescribed, and switch to really healthy eating, that at the extremely early stage I'm at, these measures can massively slow down or even halt the progression. I have to do these things anyway, because it's the same advice I got for dealing with my RA. I'm just terrified of losing my sight. I've always been super nearsighted, but the thought of just having peripheral vision left is giving me nightmares.

[tehomet]

I'm really sorry to hear that.

[emrinalexander]

I'm paying the piper for ignoring my body for the last 50 years.

[dimity_blue]

I am sorry to hear that. I hope it stays in the very beginning stages and doesn't progress at all. :o(

[emrinalexander]

Thank you - I am doing everything the doctor told me to keep it in check, so fingers crossed.