Background retinopathy

[CrazyCatLady2693]

I just got my results letter from my recent eye screening appointment and for the first time it's come back with background retinopathy in one eye.. How worried should I be?
I was diagnosed in 2017, have kept my numbers in normal range from relatively soon after that using Metformin and lifestyle changes. I currently have a small dose of amitriptyline to help with peripheral neuropathy pain in my foot, so this retinopathy is the second 'complication' despite my levels being consistently not even pre diabetic range for years. I'm really confused by this because I feel like I'm doing all the right things - I'd be more okay with the complications if I wasn't looking after myself because that would at least make sense to me.. but I am autistic and don't know if I'm being a bit too literal here.
Any thoughts would be really appreciated

 

[EllieM]

If it's any consolation, I've been T1 for 54 years and had on again off again background retinopathy for decades, still not needing any treatment. I remember being advised that I'd probably need some treatment in my 40s and I'm now 62. I've stopped worrying about it. I just do the best I can with my levels and attend all my eye checks.

 

[CrazyCatLady2693]

If it's any consolation, I've been T1 for 54 years and had on again off again background retinopathy for decades, still not needing any treatment. I remember being advised that I'd probably need some treatment in my 40s and I'm now 62. I've stopped worrying about it. I just do the best I can with my levels and attend all my eye checks.

Thanks, that is helpful and reassuring.
My HbA1c tests were decreased to only being annual because the numbers were good, so I'm just wondering if there might be a lot of fluctuation in levels that I'm not seeing because I don't test myself at home. Do I need to ask my doctor if I need to start monitoring my own levels or should he tell me if that's necessary? It was only mentioned when I was first diagnosed as something I might need in the future but hat was 7 years ago..

 

[Smarty_pants]

I just got my results letter from my recent eye screening appointment and for the first time it's come back with background retinopathy in one eye.. How worried should I be?
I was diagnosed in 2017, have kept my numbers in normal range from relatively soon after that using Metformin and lifestyle changes. I currently have a small dose of amitriptyline to help with peripheral neuropathy pain in my foot, so this retinopathy is the second 'complication' despite my levels being consistently not even pre diabetic range for years. I'm really confused by this because I feel like I'm doing all the right things - I'd be more okay with the complications if I wasn't looking after myself because that would at least make sense to me.. but I am autistic and don't know if I'm being a bit too literal here.
Any thoughts would be really appreciated

 

[Smarty_pants]

I once had this happen. Worried myself to death. Had another one and it was absolutely fine. But it is worrying. Hope all is well xxx

 

[CrazyCatLady2693]

I once had this happen. Worried myself to death. Had another one and it was absolutely fine. But it is worrying. Hope all is well xxx

Thanks for sharing lovely. I hope I will be the same.. it's very scary