Posted by quilter on February 19, 2000, at 20:39:25
In reply to Re: I need info fast!, posted by Janet from Brazil on February 19, 2000, at 15:43:35
> > > > I have just been told that I have pigmentary glaucoma, with the pressure in my left eye so high it was off the scale. I have struggled with severe refractory depression for more than fifteen years, taking all kinds of medication combinations during that time. I am currently taking the following medications: Effexor Xr 375 mg , Cytomel 25mcg, lorazapam 1.5 mg , Celexa 30 mg , cyclobenzaprine 20 mg ( for fibromyalgia), neurontin 900mg, and now xalatan drops for the glaucoma. I haven't been able to discover what the implications are regarding my current meds , and what options are now going to be eliminated in the future because of this new horrible dx. I'm really frightened . Will see an eye specialist tomorrow a.m. and really need to know what to ask him. This may be the last straw.
> > >
> > > Dear quilter,
> > > I empathize with your terror--have been with my mother and aunt thru opthalmic emergencies. If you can, have someone go with you--you may need them to drive you home and it's difficult to hear accurately when you are terrified.
> > > Information on your condition on the web is available at: http://www.glaucomanet.com/pigmentary/pigmentary.html
> > > Re what to ask the doc:
> > > If a drug regimen is recommended ask
> > > 1)Will this drug conflict with current meds?(take complete list including any OTC or supplements)
> > > 2)what are common side effects and adverse reactions; how often do you see these in your patients?
> > > 3)What is this Rx expected to do and why this drug and not others?
> > > 4)Is this Rx considered a long-term fix?What is prognosis on this therapy?
> > >
> > > If surgery is recommended, ask:
> > > 1)Is this an emergency procedure or is there time for a second opinion? (always a good idea)
> > > 2)Is the surgeon board-certified in opthalmic surgery?
> > > 3)How many of these surgeries has he performed and what has been his outcome experience for a case such as yours?
> > > 4)What is this surgery expected to do, is it a permanent fix, what are complications, what is prognosis post-surgery?
> > > 5)Why this procedure and not other alternatives?
> > >
> > > Hope some of this helps. Please post again and let us know how things go. Best of luck
> > > medlib
> >
> >
> >
> > Noa, I'm not aware of any relationship between BP and ocular pressure. My BP was 126/68 last time it was measured (2/14).
> > and Medlib, Thankyou so much for organizing the questions for me. You are so right about not thinking or remembering clearly under stress. I have enough trouble with that when I'm not under pressure. I have been reading this board for some time and it seemed natural to come here for help. As an artist I'm dependent on my hands and eyes and the thought that both are malfunctioning is almost unbearable. I'm having a lot of trouble with carpal tunnel right now just to add some spice to the stew.
>
> How did your doctors appointment go? Well I hope. Best Wishes Jan
I'm beginning to really believe in the power of prayer (and better living through chemistry). After 2 days on the eye drops my pressure in both eyes was down to normal. I guess this was as big a surprise to the docs as to me. I was too shocked to remember any of your good questions so will ask them next visit. I did find out that this type of glaucoma does not effect any drug options I will need in the future. I'm really reeling from all of this, it seems so nightmarish and confusing. And of course now I'm wondering if the good readings were a fluke and awful stuff is still going on. I sure am glad that all this came up during a good spell and not when I was teetering on the edge!
poster:quilter
thread:22074
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000209/msgs/22567.html