Question:
Hi John, MRI would only be a problem if glaucoma shunts were made of metal, which they are not. All glaucoma shunts are plastic and/or silicone, except for the Ex-Press glaucoma minishunt, which is not commonly used anymore. Those are metal, but I believe they are not magnetic. Hope that helps. –Rick Cohn, MD Glaucoma Specialist
Response:
MRI machine operators usually question people closely about possible metal fragments remaining in eyes after accidents; presumably because MRI can move these metal fragments around. Wouldn’t the same apply to the metal plates installed in "shunt" glaucoma surgery? — particularly in "brain" MRI scans? I started wondering after having lower spine and pelvis MRI’s today. I did not think to mention my two shunt surgeries, which was probably just as well. Thanks for any comments. John
Response:
"John" <j…@nospam.net> wrote in message
news:bpck41dao2gbubk88gcj756f74jj94trvn@4ax.com… > MRI machine operators usually question people closely about > possible metal fragments remaining in eyes after accidents; > presumably because MRI can move these metal fragments around. > Wouldn’t the same apply to the metal plates installed in "shunt" > glaucoma surgery? — particularly in "brain" MRI scans? > I started wondering after having lower spine and pelvis MRI’s > today. I did not think to mention my two shunt surgeries, which > was probably just as well. > Thanks for any comments. > John
It would depend on the type of metal. I have a titanium implant in my arm. It is a non-errous metal which is not magnetic. I would imagine your shunts are non-ferrous metal too, but you might check with your Dr.
Response:
Question:
Hi Axel, Unfortunately, hard to say if your doc is a "good one" or not…to me the tools are not as important as the communication and your level of comfort. It does sound, based on your description, that you probably do have glaucoma, but without seeing your optic nerve I can’t know for sure. I’m sorry I don’t know anyone in Dayton, but if you are concerned, a second opinion certainly couldn’t hurt. I seldom start Travatan as a first line agent because of the redness. I almost always start with its cousin, Xalatan, first as it is much better tolerated. Well fewer than 1/2 of a percent of my patients require surgery because they can’t tolerate ANY of the drops out there. Even if they are allergic to the preservatives in them, there are preservative-free versions of several available. Good luck to you, Rick Cohn, MD
Response:
"Axel Grease" <A…@Grease.org> wrote in news:1153v9jjp8qig31@corp.supernews.com: > Thanks Dr Cohn, > Here is more info to go on… > My opthalmologist is a DO, not an MD. He was chosen because my > insurance plan at work pays for glasses through his office and other > vision care companies are too far away and/or have no evening or > Saturday office hours. The medical part of this is being paid for by > my major med insurance plan (separate from glasses plan).<snip> > Axel
Normally, regular medical insurance will pay for eye conditions other than routine eye exams and glasses for refractive problems. Check with your insurance – bet they’ll cover a ophthalmologist or glaucoma specialist for glaucoma. Because of the glaucoma diagnosis when I get a refraction, my medical insurance will cover that – however, not glasses. No way would I see an optometrist to treat glaucoma! Sorry if I offend any optometrists monitoring the list with my comment, but that’s just the way it is – glaucoma is a *medical* condition that needs a *medical* doctor and preferably a specialist, at least for proper diagnosis and to get treatment started. I’m being followed by my ophthalmologist but he refers me back to the glauc doc when necessary. I really don’t think optometrists keep on top of medical conditions of eyes – some even still think glaucoma is diagnosed by elevated IOP – wrong! If I had no major problems with my eyes and only needed glasses, I’d go to an optometrist – went to one for years – and my glauc doc has an optometrist in his office for refractions after surgery. Sherry
Response:
Thanks Dr Cohn, Here is more info to go on… My opthalmologist is a DO, not an MD. He was chosen because my insurance plan at work pays for glasses through his office and other vision care companies are too far away and/or have no evening or Saturday office hours. The medical part of this is being paid for by my major med insurance plan (separate from glasses plan). Initially, a *Optomap* device made a scan which seemed to show some "cupping" of the rim of the optic nerve around the blood vessels at the back of the eye. The doc admitted that may be a birth defect since he had no previous scans to compare to. However, a visual field map showed loss of vision in some regions. After 2 doses of the Travatan the redness of the sclera was very severe, but the IOP went down. Also, Travatan seems to have had a carry-over effect even 5 days out. My IOP was back down to 18 or a bit less. My opthalmologist wants to get the numbers down more. He gave me a sample af ALPHAGAN-P (Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%; Alpha-agonist ) to use once per day for a week and then 2x daily for 3 weeks if I can tolerate it. After one dose, I am not seeing redness with the ALPHAGAN-P drops, but it does "itch" for a while after I put them in, just prior to going to sleep. Axel <eyegu…@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1112332189.077148.217000@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Axel, > Unfortunately, hard to say if your doc is a "good one" or not…to > me the tools are not as important as the communication and your level > of comfort. It does sound, based on your description, that you > probably do have glaucoma, but without seeing your optic nerve I can’t > know for sure. I’m sorry I don’t know anyone in Dayton, but if you are > concerned, a second opinion certainly couldn’t hurt. > I seldom start Travatan as a first line agent because of the > redness. I almost always start with its cousin, Xalatan, first as it > is much better tolerated. Well fewer than 1/2 of a percent of my > patients require surgery because they can’t tolerate ANY of the drops > out there. Even if they are allergic to the preservatives in them, > there are preservative-free versions of several available. Good luck > to you, > Rick Cohn, MD
Response:
"Axel Grease" <A…@Grease.org> wrote in news:1156knibrsf5v90@corp.supernews.com: > Sherry, > If elevated IOP is not the criteria, then what tests should I be > looking for? > I need to know because there seems to be a shortage of glaucoma > specialist MDs around here. I want the right tests and the right > Doc. > I also tested as having some loss of visual field. I noticed what > seems to be progressive night blindness starting about a year or > more ago,b ut thought it was just "age". My eyes hurt frequently, > but I also have allergies and horrid sinus trouble. I’ve only had > one sinus headache in my lfe. It started in 1953 and it is still > going. Axel
Glaucoma is diagnosed based on damage to the optic nerve. Visual fields, HRT, gDX and a good dilated visual exam of the optic nerve by a glaucoma specialist are good ways of determining the presence of glaucoma. Some people have ocular hypertension – elevated IOP – and never develop glaucoma. Others have normal pressures and have glaucoma. According to http://www.retina-international.org/nightbld.htm, loss of peripheral vision can result in night blindness, however night blindness has to do with the rods and not everyone who has night blindness has glaucoma. Sherry
Response:
Dr. Cohn, I live in southwestern Ohio, near Dayton. I have been seeing an opthalmologist, but have no idea if he is really all that good. I am trying to figure out if I should I get a second Dx or just trust this guy. Obviously, this is a seriuos matter. He Dx’ed my eyes as having glaucoma. He seems to have a well equipped office. With a couple of differenct computer based Dx devices, he has mapped my eye inside and found nerve impairment and/or damaged areas. He measured my pressures as varying quite a bit from day to day, ranging from 20 to 27. His tools sseem impressive, but I wonder how reliable the results are and how can I know if an opthalmologist is a good one or not? My next appointment is Wed, 30 March. I was already taken off of travoprost (after 2 days) because of the excessive redness it caused in my eyes. I have rather bad hay fever too. How many patients end up needing some kind of surgery because the drops/drugs have too many adverse side-effects? Axel
Response:
Sherry, If elevated IOP is not the criteria, then what tests should I be looking for? I need to know because there seems to be a shortage of glaucoma specialist MDs around here. I want the right tests and the right Doc. I also tested as having some loss of visual field. I noticed what seems to be progressive night blindness starting about a year or more ago,b ut thought it was just "age". My eyes hurt frequently, but I also have allergies and horrid sinus trouble. I’ve only had one sinus headache in my lfe. It started in 1953 and it is still going. Axel "Sherry" <she…@excite.com> wrote in message
news:Xns962EDAF65FE99TansyRagwortNetscape@216.196.97.142… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> "Axel Grease" <A…@Grease.org> wrote in > news:1153v9jjp8qig31@corp.supernews.com: > No way would I see an optometrist to treat glaucoma! <snip> > I really don’t think optometrists keep on top of medical conditions of > eyes – some even still think glaucoma is diagnosed by elevated IOP – > wrong! > If I had no major problems with my eyes and only needed glasses, I’d go > to an optometrist – went to one for years – and my glauc doc has an > optometrist in his office for refractions after surgery. > Sherry
Response:
Sherry, I do thank you for that clarification. Now, perhaps I can procede on a more reliabel track. Axel "Sherry" <she…@excite.com> wrote in message
news:Xns962FDD52746E4TansyRagwortNetscape@216.196.97.142… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> "Axel Grease" <A…@Grease.org> wrote in > news:1156knibrsf5v90@corp.supernews.com: >> Sherry, >> If elevated IOP is not the criteria, then what tests should I be >> looking for? >> I need to know because there seems to be a shortage of glaucoma >> specialist MDs around here. I want the right tests and the right >> Doc. >> I also tested as having some loss of visual field. I noticed what >> seems to be progressive night blindness starting about a year or >> more ago,b ut thought it was just "age". My eyes hurt frequently, >> but I also have allergies and horrid sinus trouble. I’ve only had >> one sinus headache in my lfe. It started in 1953 and it is still >> going. Axel > Glaucoma is diagnosed based on damage to the optic nerve. Visual > fields, HRT, gDX and a good dilated visual exam of the optic nerve by a > glaucoma specialist are good ways of determining the presence of > glaucoma. > Some people have ocular hypertension – elevated IOP – and never develop > glaucoma. Others have normal pressures and have glaucoma. > According to http://www.retina-international.org/nightbld.htm, loss of > peripheral vision can result in night blindness, however night > blindness has to do with the rods and not everyone who has night > blindness has glaucoma. > Sherry
Response:
Question:
Hubert Mak wrote: > I guess you already try one or more of these eyedrops(drugs). Why you > need more? It will benefit to all readers in this group if you > can post your experience with these eyedrops(drugs). > Thanks in advance. > ——————————————————–
Good suggestion. In random order, Pilocarpine does a decent job on pressure but constricts the pupil to the point where not much light comes through, making vision quite dim in the eye in which it’s used–also, there are cautions about possibly causing cataracts. Timoptic (and Cosopt since the same drug is in it) also does a good job on pressure, but tends to reduce respiratory capacity in a person with an asthma history, and seems to affect urination. Cosopt also seems good with pressure, but is irritating to me and has the Timoptic effects, plus I’m concerned about the other ingredients affect of red blood cells since I have a family history of anemia. Xalatan, again, is good with pressure but I’m starting to get some discoloration of my eyelids, and notable iris darkening. Alphagan and AlphaganP are good on pressure, but are very difficult for me to use as my eyes get quite red, burning and itching. Both Travatan and Lumigan made my eyes feel unbearably uncomfortable and had to be discontinued rather quickly. Currently I’m using Xalatan at night, and Cosopt night and morning. Hope this information is helpful to you, and others.
Response:
I guess you already try one or more of these eyedrops(drugs). Why you need more? It will benefit to all readers in this group if you can post your experience with these eyedrops(drugs). Thanks in advance. ——————————————————– On 19 Mar 2005 halt…@aol.com wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I wonder what the newest glaucoma medications might be. I am familiar > with Alphagan, AlphaganP, Travatan, Lumigan, Cosopt and the older > Timoptic, Pilocarpine, but wonder if there are any more recent ones > that have been helpful with POAG. > Thanks
Response:
Tom wrote: > I havent heard of the urination problem with timoptic. What is that? Also, > I am not sure if timoptic has > effect on red blood cells although it certainly has > an effect on the heart.
"Urination difficulties" is listed on the package insert with timolol maleate. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (a Cosopt ingredient) are reported to accululate in red blood cells and possibly affect blood cells in a manner similar to sulfonamids.
Response:
. Xalatan, again, is > good with pressure but I’m starting to get some discoloration of my > eyelids, and notable iris darkening.
I sometimes feel like I’m pouring lemon juice in my eyes with Xalatan and other times no stinging at all? Anyone know why this is? Al C.
Response:
"Al C." <crankinh…@optusnet.com.au> wrote in news:42513911$0$5190$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au: > . Xalatan, again, is >> good with pressure but I’m starting to get some discoloration of my >> eyelids, and notable iris darkening. > I sometimes feel like I’m pouring lemon juice in my eyes with > Xalatan and other times no stinging at all? Anyone know why this is? > Al C.
Al, Never had any pain problems with Xalatan (Trusopt was another story!) Not sure why the stinging would be inconsistent like that though. You could try putting a lubricant drop in about 10-15 min before using the Xalatan (no sooner – you don’t want to dilute the Xalatan!) Sherry
Response:
<halt…@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1111347968.366030.276320@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hubert Mak wrote: > > I guess you already try one or more of these eyedrops(drugs). Why you > > need more? It will benefit to all readers in this group if you > > can post your experience with these eyedrops(drugs). > > Thanks in advance. > > ——————————————————– > Good suggestion. In random order, Pilocarpine does a decent job on > pressure but constricts the pupil to the point where not much light > comes through, making vision quite dim in the eye in which it’s > used–also, there are cautions about possibly causing cataracts. > Timoptic (and Cosopt since the same drug is in it) also does a good job > on pressure, but tends to reduce respiratory capacity in a person with > an asthma history, and seems to affect urination. Cosopt also seems > good with pressure, but is irritating to me and has the Timoptic > effects, plus I’m concerned about the other ingredients affect of red > blood cells since I have a family history of anemia. Xalatan, again, is > good with pressure but I’m starting to get some discoloration of my > eyelids, and notable iris darkening. Alphagan and AlphaganP are good on > pressure, but are very difficult for me to use as my eyes get quite > red, burning and itching. Both Travatan and Lumigan made my eyes feel > unbearably uncomfortable and had to be discontinued rather quickly. > Currently I’m using Xalatan at night, and Cosopt night and morning. > Hope this information is helpful to you, and others.
I havent heard of the urination problem with timoptic. What is that? Also, I am not sure if timoptic has effect on red blood cells although it certainly has an effect on the heart.
Response:
Question:
I wonder what the newest glaucoma medications might be. I am familiar with Alphagan, AlphaganP, Xalatan, Travatan, Lumigan, Cosopt and the older Timoptic, Pilocarpine, but wonder if there are any more recent ones that have been helpful with POAG. Thanks
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -eyegu…@aol.com wrote: > halt…@aol.com wrote: > > I wonder what the newest glaucoma medications might be. I am familiar > > with Alphagan, AlphaganP, Xalatan, Travatan, Lumigan, Cosopt and the > > older > > Timoptic, Pilocarpine, but wonder if there are any more recent ones > > that have been helpful with POAG. > > Thanks > Lumigan was the most recently released drop. Nothing new has come out > since. > –Rick Cohn, MD
Istalol is fairly new (2004) but as far as I can tell the only advantage over other brands of timolol is that it is once a day dosing. I think the side effects would be the same. -Gudrun
Response:
halt…@aol.com wrote: > I wonder what the newest glaucoma medications might be. I am familiar > with Alphagan, AlphaganP, Xalatan, Travatan, Lumigan, Cosopt and the > older > Timoptic, Pilocarpine, but wonder if there are any more recent ones > that have been helpful with POAG. > Thanks
Lumigan was the most recently released drop. Nothing new has come out since. –Rick Cohn, MD
Response:
Question:
I’m curious….let’s say there was a person who was diagnosed with ocular hypertension at age 21 years old, and another person who is also diagnosed with the same condition at age 40. Would the 21 year old have a bigger chance of getting glaucoma than the 40 year old because of the "longer age term" or a longer age period in ocular hypertension?
Response:
NRushing1…@gmail.com wrote: > I’m curious….let’s say there was a person who was diagnosed with > ocular hypertension at age 21 years old, and another person who is also > diagnosed with the same condition at age 40. > Would the 21 year old have a bigger chance of getting glaucoma than > the 40 year old because of the "longer age term" or a longer age period > in ocular hypertension?
I believe the Ocular Hypertension study showed that ocular hypertensives convert to glaucoma at the rate of about two percent per year. So if that’s all you looked at, then over an average lifespan the 21 year old would be more likely to live long enough to get glaucoma. But there are lots of other factors–for example, the higher the eye pressure, the higher the risk, and thickness of the cornea plays a part too. Also, from what I’ve read, there is some natural thinning of the optic nerve fiber caused by aging, so it might happen that the 40 year old’s optic nerve becomes less resistant to pressure over time. Another thing is that eye pressures often tend to rise as people age anyway. I’m not a doctor, this is just gathered from various sources I’ve read. But my guess is that there are too many factors that influence the development of glaucoma (some people with higher than what is considered normal eye pressures will never have any damage, and of course normal tension glaucoma patients have damage even though they are not considered to have ocular hypertension) that it would be hard to predict. One thing, however, I think is that the 21 year old can pretty much count on better treatments and probably a cure for glaucoma in his lifetime, although possibly the same is true of someone currently age 40. I hope so. -Gudrun
Response:
Question:
Brought a memory of my Henri back along with a few tears. Many many Purrs for your friends catMelissa, and for Tristan and Alexi too. And major healing Purrs for your friend Donna Jean.P.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. 
( Melissa was a dilute brown tabby kitty born in 1987, and my friend, Donna, has had her since she was a kitten. But in the past few years, Melissa had developed trouble with her heart and kidneys, as well as glaucoma. Donna kept tabs on her health as best she could, including regular vet visits, but she knew that Melissa’s remaining time was limited. Today, the vet had to break the news that Melissa’s kidneys had shut down. So Donna had to make the decision to give Melissa the one remaining form of relief, the final act of mercy. And she’s heartbroken. Purrs of consolation for my friend Donna, and for my little kitty niece’s peaceful journey to the RB, will be appreciated. Purrs for the other kitties (Tristan, 14, and Alexi, 4) in the household will be appreciated, too. One sad Auntie Donna, feeling like even nine lives aren’t long enough
Response:
Purrs of consolation for my friend Donna, and for my little kitty niece’s peaceful journey to the RB, will be appreciated. Purrs for the other kitties (Tristan, 14, and Alexi, 4) in the household will be appreciated, too.
Purrs for Melissa’s journey and for the family she left behind — Elise (supervised by Gossamer & Jeeves)
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. ( Melissa was a dilute brown tabby kitty born in 1987, and my friend, Donna, has had her since she was a kitten. But in the past few years, Melissa had developed trouble with her heart and kidneys, as well as glaucoma. Donna kept tabs on her health as best she could, including regular vet visits, but she knew that Melissa’s remaining time was limited. Today, the vet had to break the news that Melissa’s kidneys had shut down. So Donna had to make the decision to give Melissa the one remaining form of relief, the final act of mercy. And she’s heartbroken. Purrs of consolation for my friend Donna, and for my little kitty niece’s peaceful journey to the RB, will be appreciated. Purrs for the other kitties (Tristan, 14, and Alexi, 4) in the household will be appreciated, too. One sad Auntie Donna, feeling like even nine lives aren’t long enough
Comfort purrs for Donna. Candle lit for Melissa’s safe passage to the Bridge. Sam, assisted by Mistletoe
Response:
I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. ( Melissa was a dilute brown tabby kitty born in 1987, and my friend, Donna, has had her since she was a kitten. But in the past few years, Melissa had developed trouble with her heart and kidneys, as well as glaucoma. Donna kept tabs on her health as best she could, including regular vet visits, but she knew that Melissa’s remaining time was limited. SNIP One sad Auntie Donna, feeling like even nine lives aren’t long enough
Purrs and blessings for my little namesake kitty on her journey over the bridge. But she was a lucky cat in life, having had such a devoted and responsible slave to care for her. (((Hugs, Donna))) You’ll have many, many years with Captain and Stanley to enjoy before you must face that last goodnight. But my sympathy to your friend. I chose Francesca because I wanted a lovely brown tabby, so I feel for the other Donna’s loss. Melissa
Response:
Lots of purrs and hugs, — Polonca & Soncek
I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. (
<snip
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. ( Melissa was a dilute brown tabby kitty born in 1987, and my friend, Donna, has had her since she was a kitten. But in the past few years, Melissa had developed trouble with her heart and kidneys, as well as glaucoma. Donna kept tabs on her health as best she could, including regular vet visits, but she knew that Melissa’s remaining time was limited. Today, the vet had to break the news that Melissa’s kidneys had shut down. So Donna had to make the decision to give Melissa the one remaining form of relief, the final act of mercy. And she’s heartbroken. Purrs of consolation for my friend Donna, and for my little kitty niece’s peaceful journey to the RB, will be appreciated. Purrs for the other kitties (Tristan, 14, and Alexi, 4) in the household will be appreciated, too. One sad Auntie Donna, feeling like even nine lives aren’t long enough
{{{{Donna}}}} I am so sorry. Gentle purrs going out for your friend’s healing and for Melissa’s journey to the Bridge, as well as Tristan and Alexi. Ginger-lyn Home Pages: http://www.spiritrealm.com/summer/ http://www.angelfire.com/folk/glsummer (homepage & cats) http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~summer/index.htm (genealogy) http://www.i-love-cats.com/meow/glsummer/ (The Violence Against Animals in Movies Website)
Response:
I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. (
Purrs for Donna and a candle lit for Melissa. Even when you know there is no choice it’s always difficult. 
— Adrian (Owned by Snoopy & Bagheera) A house is not a home, without a cat.
Response:
I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. ( (snipped)
We will light a candle for Melissa, and send purrs of condolence for your friend. —— Krista
Response:
rec.pets.cats.anecdotes : Purrs of consolation for my friend Donna, and for my little kitty niece’s peaceful journey to the RB, will be appreciated. Purrs for the other kitties (Tristan, 14, and Alexi, 4) in the household will be appreciated, too.
Awww.. condolences to your friend. Purrs being sent for her heart, and for Melissa’s journey to the bridge. — Cheryl
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. ( Melissa was a dilute brown tabby kitty born in 1987, and my friend, Donna, has had her since she was a kitten. But in the past few years, Melissa had developed trouble with her heart and kidneys, as well as glaucoma. Donna kept tabs on her health as best she could, including regular vet visits, but she knew that Melissa’s remaining time was limited. Today, the vet had to break the news that Melissa’s kidneys had shut down. So Donna had to make the decision to give Melissa the one remaining form of relief, the final act of mercy. And she’s heartbroken. Purrs of consolation for my friend Donna, and for my little kitty niece’s peaceful journey to the RB, will be appreciated. Purrs for the other kitties (Tristan, 14, and Alexi, 4) in the household will be appreciated, too. One sad Auntie Donna, feeling like even nine lives aren’t long enough
"Rise up slowly, Angel. It’s hard to let you go…" Sincere condolences to those who grieve. MLB
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. ( Melissa was a dilute brown tabby kitty born in 1987, and my friend, Donna, has had her since she was a kitten. But in the past few years, Melissa had developed trouble with her heart and kidneys, as well as glaucoma. Donna kept tabs on her health as best she could, including regular vet visits, but she knew that Melissa’s remaining time was limited. Today, the vet had to break the news that Melissa’s kidneys had shut down. So Donna had to make the decision to give Melissa the one remaining form of relief, the final act of mercy. And she’s heartbroken. Purrs of consolation for my friend Donna, and for my little kitty niece’s peaceful journey to the RB, will be appreciated. Purrs for the other kitties (Tristan, 14, and Alexi, 4) in the household will be appreciated, too. One sad Auntie Donna, feeling like even nine lives aren’t long enough
Awwww. Please give her a big hug. I’m so sorry. Purrs to the whole clan.
Response:
Purrs of consolation for my friend Donna, and for my little kitty niece’s peaceful journey to the RB, will be appreciated. Purrs for the other kitties (Tristan, 14, and Alexi, 4) in the household will be appreciated, too.
Poor little thing. May Melissa find a peaceful path to walk. I hope your friend Donna’s heart doesn’t stay broken for too long. Regards and Purrs, O J
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. ( Melissa was a dilute brown tabby kitty born in 1987, and my friend, Donna, has had her since she was a kitten. But in the past few years, Melissa had developed trouble with her heart and kidneys, as well as glaucoma. Donna kept tabs on her health as best she could, including regular vet visits, but she knew that Melissa’s remaining time was limited. Today, the vet had to break the news that Melissa’s kidneys had shut down. So Donna had to make the decision to give Melissa the one remaining form of relief, the final act of mercy. And she’s heartbroken. Purrs of consolation for my friend Donna, and for my little kitty niece’s peaceful journey to the RB, will be appreciated. Purrs for the other kitties (Tristan, 14, and Alexi, 4) in the household will be appreciated, too. One sad Auntie Donna, feeling like even nine lives aren’t long enough
Purrs for you all, its the hardest and easiest decision to make for our kitties. Kathryn
Response:
Please pass along our deepest condolences for your friend. — Victor M. Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM)
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. ( Melissa was a dilute brown tabby kitty born in 1987, and my friend, Donna, has had her since she was a kitten. But in the past few years, Melissa had developed trouble with her heart and kidneys, as well as glaucoma. Donna kept tabs on her health as best she could, including regular vet visits, but she knew that Melissa’s remaining time was limited. Today, the vet had to break the news that Melissa’s kidneys had shut down. So Donna had to make the decision to give Melissa the one remaining form of relief, the final act of mercy. And she’s heartbroken. Purrs of consolation for my friend Donna, and for my little kitty niece’s peaceful journey to the RB, will be appreciated. Purrs for the other kitties (Tristan, 14, and Alexi, 4) in the household will be appreciated, too. One sad Auntie Donna, feeling like even nine lives aren’t long enough
Please give your friend Donna our sincere condolences and many purrs to help comfort her and to accompany Melissa to the Rb. Christine and Omar, Oreo, Midnight, Robin & Tucker
Response:
I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. (
Many purrs and prayers for a safe passage to the bridge. ( Helen M
Response:
I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. (
Soothing purrs on the way for your friend, her kitty and other kitties and for you, the sad auntie. It’s so hard to let loved ones go. Jill
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. ( Melissa was a dilute brown tabby kitty born in 1987, and my friend, Donna, has had her since she was a kitten. But in the past few years, Melissa had developed trouble with her heart and kidneys, as well as glaucoma. Donna kept tabs on her health as best she could, including regular vet visits, but she knew that Melissa’s remaining time was limited. Today, the vet had to break the news that Melissa’s kidneys had shut down. So Donna had to make the decision to give Melissa the one remaining form of relief, the final act of mercy. And she’s heartbroken. Purrs of consolation for my friend Donna, and for my little kitty niece’s peaceful journey to the RB, will be appreciated. Purrs for the other kitties (Tristan, 14, and Alexi, 4) in the household will be appreciated, too. One sad Auntie Donna, feeling like even nine lives aren’t long enough
Memories of my poor little Mimi. But it sounds like Melissa had a wonderful, and long life. Purrs for all concerned. Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com
Response:
Awww. Purrs for your friend’s broken heart and a candle lit for her kitty’s safe passage to the bridge. Hugs, CatNipped
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. ( Melissa was a dilute brown tabby kitty born in 1987, and my friend, Donna, has had her since she was a kitten. But in the past few years, Melissa had developed trouble with her heart and kidneys, as well as glaucoma. Donna kept tabs on her health as best she could, including regular vet visits, but she knew that Melissa’s remaining time was limited. Today, the vet had to break the news that Melissa’s kidneys had shut down. So Donna had to make the decision to give Melissa the one remaining form of relief, the final act of mercy. And she’s heartbroken. Purrs of consolation for my friend Donna, and for my little kitty niece’s peaceful journey to the RB, will be appreciated. Purrs for the other kitties (Tristan, 14, and Alexi, 4) in the household will be appreciated, too. One sad Auntie Donna, feeling like even nine lives aren’t long enough
Response:
I just got off the phone with a good friend, who called in tears with the news that she’d had to put her elderly cat down. ( Melissa was a dilute brown tabby kitty born in 1987, and my friend, Donna, has had her since she was a kitten. But in the past few years, Melissa had developed trouble with her heart and kidneys, as well as glaucoma. Donna kept tabs on her health as best she could, including regular vet visits, but she knew that Melissa’s remaining time was limited. Today, the vet had to break the news that Melissa’s kidneys had shut down. So Donna had to make the decision to give Melissa the one remaining form of relief, the final act of mercy. And she’s heartbroken. Purrs of consolation for my friend Donna, and for my little kitty niece’s peaceful journey to the RB, will be appreciated. Purrs for the other kitties (Tristan, 14, and Alexi, 4) in the household will be appreciated, too. One sad Auntie Donna, feeling like even nine lives aren’t long enough
Response:
Question:
Greetings! Every year or so I like to post the details of my own glaucoma case — it is a very positive story! I was first diagnosed as a glaucoma suspect 35 years ago in 1970. I was only 39 years old at the time. I will be 74 next month. My intraocular pressures (IOP) were typically 22/25 mmHg. I went through some tests including field measurements and several tests that are not done any longer — for example, the "water-provocative" test, where the patient drinks about six glasses of water in a short period of time and the IOP is measured at brief intervals. I was diagnosed with common open-angle glaucoma and pilocarpine was prescribed — one drop four times per day in each eye. This brought the IOP down to something like 18 or 20. I had very little visual field damage. Pilocarpine, in addition to its short-term activity (only about four to six hours), is a terrible drug! It hurts! It gave me a ‘brow ache’ for the first 30 minutes or so. In addition, it reduces the pupil down to a very small size, which makes driving in the dark very scary. And finally, it induces myopia (at the age of 39 I still had pretty good accommodation — that means the ability of the eye lens to focus at different distances). My myopia after taking pilocarpine was six diopters! (I measured it myself.) Six diopters of myopia means that the eye is focused about six or seven inches away. This would last about 45 minutes after taking the drops. After a few years the pressures were creeping up and so we added epinephrine to the regimen. And that worked for a while. About every five years or so, we would add a new drug in order to stay ahead of the problem. Timoptic, Cosopt, Alphagan, Betoptic, you name it. Over a period of about 25 years, I think I used every drop known to man. The most recent drop I used was Xalatan (and I have the curly lashes to prove it!) I also had argon-laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), which did not seem to do any good. My right eye was beginning to show the presence of a cataract, which was probably induced by the years of pilocarpine therapy. About five years ago my ophthalmologist suggested that it is time we considered trabeculectomy surgery. We scheduled a combination of trab surgery and cataract/lens replacement at the same time. The surgery went well. We operated both eyes, about six weeks apart (no surgeon will operate both eyes at the same time — the danger of infection could be catastrophic). The outcome: Fast forward to today. My IOP is typically 15/16 with *NO* drops at all. I have a little more than one diopter of myopia (this was chosen by me, by the way, when we selected the implant lenses. This means that I am now naturally focused at about 20 inches distance — perfect for reading, computer operating, etc. — I wear -1.25 diopter glasses when I drive.) I have a few small peripheral scotoma (areas in the retina of reduced sensitivity) which are not significant. My corrected central visual acuity is 20:20; I have no problems driving at night. I see my ophthalmologist three times a year. She is my hero! My ophthalmologist is Mary Ann Lloyd, MD at the Palo Alto Medical Clinic in California. My advice to *all* glaucoma patients: You must first satisfy yourself that you have a very good glaucoma specialist. Then, do what you are told. Follow the doctor’s orders. The use of drops should become a routine like brushing your teeth. Don’t miss a drop! And I hope your outcome will be as positive as mine was. Good luck! earle * (I am an engineer and not a health-care professional.) —
Response:
Earle, Thank you for sharing your happy story and experiences. It is encouraging. Continued success, Carolyb – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Earle Jones wrote: > Greetings! Every year or so I like to post the details of > my own glaucoma case — it is a very positive story!
Response:
Question:
Yes I have. It turned out not to be a migraine but a microstroke. I had the pain and everything. Better have it checked. Yoy should not loose vision after for so long. After an especially bad migraine episode lasting several days, It seems to have been brought on by binging on pistacio nuts. I have had severe vision problems in one eye for over 3 weeks. I have blurry vision, and have problems discerning colors. It is similar to what sometimes occurs prior to a migraine. The symptoms have not improved at all. Has anyone experienced anything similar?
Get thee to a doctor right now. It could be several things, all of which are disturbing. As Randy said, it could be a micro stroke and that is not good. Or it could be something abnormal, growth wise, in your noggin. And that ain’t good either. Or it could be some nasty side effects to meds that you are taking. An example would be Topamax. It can cause double vision (or one of several variants of amblyopia), induced myopia, and narrow angle glaucoma. And that’s along with the other fun stuff that it can do. Do not allow yourself to be put off. Get an appointment NOW. Do not mess around with your vision. — Jeff Folloder Jeff’s Ashtray- http://www.folloder.com/jeffsashtray/ Non-Sequitur Blog- http://blog.folloder.com
Response:
Yes I have. It turned out not to be a migraine but a microstroke. I had the pain and everything. Better have it checked. Yoy should not loose vision after for so long.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After an especially bad migraine episode lasting several days, It seems to have been brought on by binging on pistacio nuts. I have had severe vision problems in one eye for over 3 weeks. I have blurry vision, and have problems discerning colors. It is similar to what sometimes occurs prior to a migraine. The symptoms have not improved at all. Has anyone experienced anything similar?
Response:
After an especially bad migraine episode lasting several days, It seems to have been brought on by binging on pistacio nuts. I have had severe vision problems in one eye for over 3 weeks. I have blurry vision, and have problems discerning colors. It is similar to what sometimes occurs prior to a migraine. The symptoms have not improved at all. Has anyone experienced anything similar? That could also happen with macular degeneration. Better see your doctor.
I had some pretty disturbing vision problems while my neuro was re-adjusting my meds. Things seem to have settled back down. Sometimes, my clusters do affect my vision, but I have some pretty weird visual problems so it would be difficult to connect the two. That said, sudden visual changes should always be checked out ny an MD, IMO. — Jeff Folloder Jeff’s Ashtray- http://www.folloder.com/jeffsashtray/ Non-Sequitur Blog- http://blog.folloder.com
Response:
After an especially bad migraine episode lasting several days, It seems to have been brought on by binging on pistacio nuts. I have had severe vision problems in one eye for over 3 weeks. I have blurry vision, and have problems discerning colors. It is similar to what sometimes occurs prior to a migraine. The symptoms have not improved at all. Has anyone experienced anything similar?
That could also happen with macular degeneration. Better see your doctor.
Response:
After an especially bad migraine episode lasting several days, It seems to have been brought on by binging on pistacio nuts. I have had severe vision problems in one eye for over 3 weeks. I have blurry vision, and have problems discerning colors. It is similar to what sometimes occurs prior to a migraine. The symptoms have not improved at all. Has anyone experienced anything similar?
Yep….sorta. Have you spoken to your doctor about these changes? Have you had an MRI or EEG lately? It most likely may be nothing, but it also could be a problem. 3 wks to have aura-like symptoms…get an appt at your doc’s and make them get you in quickly. As i said, it could be a prolonged aura, but it could be something it shouldn’t. Get to that doctor. deep peace, Lavon
Response:
After an especially bad migraine episode lasting several days, It seems to have been brought on by binging on pistacio nuts. I have had severe vision problems in one eye for over 3 weeks. I have blurry vision, and have problems discerning colors. It is similar to what sometimes occurs prior to a migraine. The symptoms have not improved at all. Has anyone experienced anything similar?
Response:
Question:
Tom wrote: > So is the theory that increased pressure in the eye > causes decreased blood flow to the optic nerve?
That’s one theory…another is that elevated pressure itself causes death of axons (nerve fibers). I’m sure that there is some component of both going on in most patients. –Rick Cohn, MD
Response:
So is the theory that increased pressure in the eye causes decreased blood flow to the optic nerve?
Response:
Question:
Just a point of interest… You might also approach a Dr. Henry Nyongesa who was researching Diabetes management systems at post Doc level. He was researching at Brunel University, W. London, UK but has since moved on since I was a researcher there. Good luck on that thesis! Martin. — — Martin B. T2 since 1998. Insulin user since 2001. MDI: NovoRapid (3 x 36u) / Levemir (Split 42u am & 35u pm) Metformin / Atorvastatin / Losartan Potassium
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear list members, I would like to ask you for your help. A patient with glaucoma myself, I am currently undertaking my PhD in computer science. For this I plan to develop a system which can help and support us in the management of our conditions. Since the system should suit your needs it would be excellent if you could take part in a survey that I have prepared to find out in how far such a system can help you. To take part in the survey or to find out more about the project, please go to: http://www.cs.waikato.ac.nz/~dj20/Questionnaire/Survey.html Thank you very much – I really appreciate your help! Doris Jung, University of Waikato, New Zealand
Response:
Dear list members, I would like to ask you for your help. A patient with glaucoma myself, I am currently undertaking my PhD in computer science. For this I plan to develop a system which can help and support us in the management of our conditions. Since the system should suit your needs it would be excellent if you could take part in a survey that I have prepared to find out in how far such a system can help you. To take part in the survey or to find out more about the project, please go to: http://www.cs.waikato.ac.nz/~dj20/Questionnaire/Survey.html Thank you very much – I really appreciate your help! Doris Jung, University of Waikato, New Zealand
Response:
Next page
Previous page