I bring bittersweet news. In September, I had a check-up and an unsettling discovery. After conducting an OCT scan, my doctor found some fluid (blood) in the back of my eye. However, he was unsure if this was anything new. The office recently acquired a newer, higher resolution camera so he was not sure if the activity had always been there and the old technology could not detect it. The other option, however, was that this could be a new round of hemorrhaging.
So, he told me to come back in December to see how the situation progressed. Between those two appointments, I definitely noticed a decline in my vision. It was harder to read for long periods of time, and my stamina for grading also decreased. I was worried...and I even started a blog post about it. But then, I never finished that post because it was almost too scary to think about it. After all, I had been injection free since 2009. I suppose I got too comfortable.
Two weeks ago, I went in for another appointment and could not make out the eye chart at all. Another scan revealed definite activity, and I walked out with my first Avastin injection in years. I return in mid-January to see if the injection worked.
So, what does this mean? I go back and forth. Sometimes, I blame myself for not maintaining my anti-inflammatory diet "better". Sometimes, I curse the diet and think that it must have been a sham. Sometimes, I think that maybe the diet did work and I should be grateful for the three years that I had relative calm.
As 2013 approaches, I find myself in an ironically similar spot to the one I was in when I first began this blog. I have been making more deliberate steps to adhering to the diet. For me, this has meant eating mainly vegetarian meals and cutting out a great deal of sugar. However, the evil holidays have meant nothing but sweet treats everywhere I turn! I also love baking, so it's been quite hard to stick to anti-inflammatory eating. Who can resist these peanut butter cookies?!
I am hopeful though, and I promise that 2013 will be focused on taking care of myself.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Hi Hannah, Sorry that your MFC has flared up again. I, like you was injection free from 2009- 2012. It has been a year of many injections and changes to my lifestyle and diet not just related to MFC.
ReplyDeleteAs this year comes to a close and a new one begins. I have come to realise a few things about myself re dealing with MFC.
1. I dont like to feel that I am not in control of MFC and how it affects me.
2. I realise that I can only do the best I can to be a healthier me.
3. I know that some things just happen and all we can do is either accept them or try and deny them (denial is such hard work)
4. I care about my eyes but have decided to adopt a non worrying approach as worrying only exacerbates my eye condition.
Finally with 2013 almost here I will embrace and accept whatever happens re my eyes. I will do my best to be a healthier me come what may.
Wishing you all the very best for 2013. May your journey of wellness continue despite this little setback. Take care and Happy New Year ..Sandra Hayman x