So I thought I might shed some light on the current progress of my eye. Not just for the purpose of ‘just because’, but because lately it wants so much attention. And I’m not kidding when I say it wants ALL of my attention. And it is totally getting ALL of my attention these days.
As if the cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis wasn’t enough, my left eye has gone ahead and added synechiae, glaucoma and cataract to its repertoire! Thanks Lewis! Oh yeah, just for the purpose of ‘fun’, we’ll call my left eye (Le)wis. The right eye can be (Re)ynold. But no one really cares about Reynold. Reynold never gets the spotlight and celebrity attention of photoshoots, dilating eye drops, and injections. But one loves Reynold very much. Without Reynold, one would be bumping into walls and falling face first on the cruel streets of Singapore! I love you, Reynold…
The synechiae is most likely caused by the inflammation in my eye (uveitis), resulting in the iris sticking to my lens. This can prevent the outflow of aqueous humour, which I’ve learnt is not good. But thankfully, there is an eye drop to the rescue! 1% Isopto Atropine –> Add to Cart. Instructions: 1 drop, 3 times a day
The 1% Isopto Atropine is not alone though. He has friends! He swims in a pool with Pred Forte, Acular, Cravit and Trusopt 2%. All very cool people. All keeping Lewis intact and occupied. Making sure he doesn’t get infected, or burst out of his bikini from ocular hypertension. Told you Lewis gets all the attention!
Friends.. pool friends..
Nonetheless, Lewis seems to be making progress on the CMV front. The scarring is still there, meaning I still have a dark spot looming on the top right corner of my eye. But based on the weekly photos they capture, the active virus seems to be having less impact on the eye.
Lewis’ latest passport photo
However, I still have to receive twice weekly injections of cidofovir (Vistide) and foscavir (Foscarnet). And really, who wants to have a needle poked into their eyeball?
The local anaesthesia helps a little with the pain, but still I find myself sitting uncomfortably in a chair, clenching my teeth while my right hand grips tightly to my left hand (there were so many times I just wanted to hold onto the nurse’s hand.. but I risk looking like a baby). Then I take a few silent, but deep breaths to hopefully make me woozier but with no luck. All of this preparation occurs as the doctor cleans the area, forces my eye open with an eyelid speculum, and then slowly but surely approaches my eye with a fine, fine needle. In it goes, and I am feeling it. My eye spazzes but I am not allowed to move because there is still a freaking needle in my eye! Doctor releases the medication through the needle and now I can finally breathe a huge, huge sigh of relief. “The End. Directed by Peter Jackson.”
Um sorry no, that is not the end. Sometimes the pressure is so high in the eye that my vision gets blurry, and I cannot for the life of me see a thing. So another needle is poked into my eye to remove some of the fluid, and I am finally returned the skill to count the number of fingers the doctor has on her hands. If you really want to know what the procedure looks like, Google image “intravitreal injection”. Actually, please do not.
How many more of these must I endure? At least another 3 weeks or until the eye doctors are satisfied that they’ve done everything they can to salvage my eye. Meanwhile, there are more exciting matters to attend to! Like playing with friends visiting from Melbourne, Taiwan, and Malaysia. And having eggs and grilled cheese sandwiches for breakfast made by Darren! Mmm.. grilled cheese..
Sunday spent feeling like a kid again with this beauty from Melbourne!
Does that not look glorious???
If you haven’t already, meet me at the beginning: https://beebstory.wordpress.com/2016/01/18/first-blog-post/
beebstory 