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Maculopathy and stress

G

GariHarris

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Hi All,
I am new to the forum but have been Type 1 diabetic for about 15 years now. Started a new job last June which is highly demanding to the point I am working evenings and weekends. With so much on my mind I’m not sleeping well either. My control 6 months ago was only just out of the good range and is now poor (71). My last test results showed a GFR of 70 reduced from 83 6 months ago but no protein in urine. My worry is the letter from hospital that said suspected Maculopathy I still have a few months before the follow up appointment. I have been tracking my vision using Amsler grid and have a blurred/grey patch using my left eye that has got bigger. Yesterday had two episodes of floaters not sure if it’s related. I I’m starting to confuse numbers on spreadsheets, not good for a Head of Finance.

I am concerned about my vision and if stress is causing the problems with BS levels. GP has referred me to the hospital and suggesting I need a pump. Should I be worried about the growing blurry patch and floaters?

Any advise anyone can give would be appreciated feel a bit lost at the moment.

Thanks
 
GariHarris said:
Hi All,
I am new to the forum but have been Type 1 diabetic for about 15 years now. Started a new job last June which is highly demanding to the point I am working evenings and weekends. With so much on my mind I’m not sleeping well either. My control 6 months ago was only just out of the good range and is now poor (71). My last test results showed a GFR of 70 reduced from 83 6 months ago but no protein in urine. My worry is the letter from hospital that said suspected Maculopathy I still have a few months before the follow up appointment. I have been tracking my vision using Amsler grid and have a blurred/grey patch using my left eye that has got bigger. Yesterday had two episodes of floaters not sure if it’s related. I I’m starting to confuse numbers on spreadsheets, not good for a Head of Finance.

I am concerned about my vision and if stress is causing the problems with BS levels. GP has referred me to the hospital and suggesting I need a pump. Should I be worried about the growing blurry patch and floaters?

Any advise anyone can give would be appreciated feel a bit lost at the moment.

Thanks
Click to expand...

I am not well versed on this subject but we do have what seems to be a good information page..
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-complications/diabetic-maculopathy.html

Welcome to the forums.
 
Thank you I will have a read through. Always been comfortable the managing BS up until more recently. Finding it a challenge to keep it steady.
 
What do you mean by 'episodes' of floaters? Do you mean a sudden increase in the numbers of floaters accompanied by flashing lights? These can be the warning signs of retinal detachment which needs to be seen urgently https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/detached-retina-retinal-detachment/ However, most cases of isolated floaters are completely harmless.

Are you under the care of the Ophthalmology department at the hospital? Or are you having surveillance screening by the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme which happens to occur on hospital premises? If you are under the care of ophthalmology, try phoning them to ask for advice, making sure you inform them that you are experiencing blurred vision when using the Amsler grid. The first appointment after suspected maculopathy which has been picked up at screening should be within 13 weeks of the screening appointment. If you are still under the care of the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme, I would visit an optician and they will be able to refer you to Ophthalmology. (Surveillance in the screening programme is only suitable for people who do not have symptoms.) Your optician should be able to assess your floaters as well.
 
Thanks for the reply.

I have not had floaters before yesterday. It happened all of a sudden on two separate occasions. No flashing lights.

I am under the digital surveillance clinic, letter said I will be seen in 3 months time and an confirmation of appointment will be sent nearer the time.

I will get in touch with optician do you think it’s worth calling the eye screening department to let them know the symptoms I have?
 
Hi Dark House,

Wanted to say thank you for the advise. Optician picked up 5 blood spots in right eye and similar amount in the left. The left showed what looked like a semi circle of exudates, appear as yellow flecks around the Macula. Not 100% on what this means but he confirmed I have Maculopathy. Also saw out of hours doctor who said he could see the Maculopathy as well. I have now been urgently referred to Ophthalmologist at the hospital, and told any floaters appear to go straight to A&E.

Do you know much about Exudates?

Thanks
 
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