A SMALLER DOSE

August 4, 2012

Since I've been a diabetic for so many years, (65 years in fact) I do have problems with my eyes..  Diabetic retinopathy along with many floaters, jelly pulling away from the back of the eye and many laser scars that cause traction on some parts of the retina.  There was a period of time back in the 1980's when I was  legally blind with 20/200 vision.  I traveled with many blind and legally blind people (dogs and canes)  who were taking a class with me at Baruch College in New York City.  We were learning how to handle the internal functions of a computer with no visual ability.  I learned to replace a mother board without seeing it!  Things certainly changed now.  I was still working at the time and used the subways in New York City to go anywhere I had to.  I did find that if one gets lost, the best directions can be given to anyone is from a visually impaired person.  They'll tell you what train to take, which car to get into and even which side to get out of the train.  It's always nice to know that it's only "3 stops, or 5 stops" or whatever, without having to read any signs.  

After having much surgery, I had the miraculous experience of returning to 20/70 vision and even being able to drive again.  I believe that was due to the yet non-FDA approved lasar treatment I was able to get through an experimental program.  I was taken out of that program because one of the young interns who was learning how to use the lasar, struck my optic nerve and actually knocked me to the floor!  Since the optic nerve was damaged, I experienced double vision which is still with me today.  However, in all, the treatment I did have, saved me from total blindness.   

I am still able to drive but am having chunkis of vision beginning to disappear because of the various problems we diabetics have.

The big issue we have beginning eye disease is the retina can not be nourished easily by tiny blood vessels stuffed with sticky sugar from high blood sugars.  Even keeping my sugars as controlled as possible, I still have these problems.  I get checked every 3 months now because of those disappearing chunks of people's faces!  There's not a drop orf retinal space available to do anything to help me with this because of the extensive treatments I've had in the past.  No complaints though.  It has been a miracle.

Recently I was put on Digoxin for a rapid heart beat.  I always ask about contraindications to eyesThe doctor stated the small amount I was given should make no difference.  However, he has regular vision.  I look through small pieces of normal retina. If HE has small malnourishment to some part of the retina, he won't notice.  But if my tiny piece of 'seeing' retina is malnourished or blood circulation is less there, I will suffer the consequences. Well, after a few weeks of taking the Digoxin and slowing the heart and circulation, I noticed a dimming of my vision making me think I had put on the wrong glasses; maybe old ones.  It wasn't until I started developing a rash on my nack that we knrw the Digoxin WAS too much for my system.  

What does one do?  Can't seem to balance the benefits against the contraindications at this stage of the game. 

I think I would rather succumb to heart and have some vision to the end than live a long time without my vision.  This is a very personal opinion of course.  However, it's important for the patient to realize we are each different with our physical needs and 

"It shouldn't be too high a dose" may not be the same from one to another.  I opt for the smallest and can then increase.

Watch those medications regardless of what the doctor tells you.  I always request the smallest amount possible to start but unfortunately some doctors don't realize what small is!

Keep up your courage .................