I have learned so much from my Journey with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. I know there is so many things I wish I had known in the beginning. Even though my last couple of appointments have not been great experiences his knowledge of what works is really great and the Dr. shares this information. I have found the more I know the better I am prepared. So I though I would share some things I have learned.
1. My best tip I have received so far is to sleep with two pillows propped up at an angle. The main reason behind this is because most hemorrhages happen overnight so if you are lying flat the blood will flow into the your vision. I have been doing this since Last October and things are much better.
2. The interesting thing about eyes if you have retinopathy you have it in both eyes not just one. I know I have one that has hemorrhages but the other has had not issues and in fact I have great vision. They are always monitoring it to make sure I don't have any issues in that eye.
3. If you have higher blood pressure that can create more issues such as more hemorrhages. ( I have not experiences this but good to know if you do have high blood pressure or other issues). Higher cholesterol, anemia and kidney issues can also cause more issues if not properly controlled.
4. Almost every online websites says that the laser treatments are not painful but that was not really true for me. I have found them to be painful and the drops they put in for pain just burns. So most of the time I just grin and bear it and take Advil once I am done with my treatments.
1. My best tip I have received so far is to sleep with two pillows propped up at an angle. The main reason behind this is because most hemorrhages happen overnight so if you are lying flat the blood will flow into the your vision. I have been doing this since Last October and things are much better.
2. The interesting thing about eyes if you have retinopathy you have it in both eyes not just one. I know I have one that has hemorrhages but the other has had not issues and in fact I have great vision. They are always monitoring it to make sure I don't have any issues in that eye.
3. If you have higher blood pressure that can create more issues such as more hemorrhages. ( I have not experiences this but good to know if you do have high blood pressure or other issues). Higher cholesterol, anemia and kidney issues can also cause more issues if not properly controlled.
4. Almost every online websites says that the laser treatments are not painful but that was not really true for me. I have found them to be painful and the drops they put in for pain just burns. So most of the time I just grin and bear it and take Advil once I am done with my treatments.
Thank you for posting these - I didn't know most of this either. I know many will benefit from having these tips.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen. I am hoping it will be helpful to someone else. I know I wish I had these tips in the beginning too.
DeleteThanks ... all information is good information
ReplyDeleteThanks Dolores. Thought it might be of interest for someone.
DeleteWoW Tarra, I've always slept with minimum pillow, long ago was told that was best for back and neck...darn
ReplyDeleteIf you have Retinopathy it seems to go against other advice. I know my dentist does not want patients sleeping on two pillows but I find my site is so important that I follow the Retina specialist advice instead.
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