I have glaucoma

[gabby]

I have glaucoma

Oh my gosh, thats terrible happy. My eye doc always does that blow in the eye test and it about drives me crazy. To think its all for nothing. Did topa cause this?

[MonaCat]

I have glaucoma

Camper, they took pictures of my optic nerve, and then did visual field testing. No, I feel no pressure, nothing. I avoid medical treatment, you can only imagine how much this drives my husband crazy.
Please keep me up to date on your treatment, and how it works.
You have had your plate so damn full lately, this sucks honey.

[Guest]

I have glaucoma

This is awful Happy. I hope you get a second opinion, they are always nice to have and to also get another perspective. Let us know how everything goes, we wish you the best.

[MDBiker]

I have glaucoma

So sorry camper. I have eye damage from the alcohol. I am almost blind in my left eye, and eye problems are nothing to mess around with. You take care of yourself
bear

[Quiescent]

I have glaucoma

I have pigmentary glaucoma........ a little different in origin but just as serious a condition.

I've had it for about 14 years.....I forget I have it until I go to the eye doctorand poke and they prod numb my eyeballs and put a magnifying glass right on top of my eyeball......they take pictures of the optic nerve I have to have visual field tests.

Camper, it's more of a pain in the ass than the eye:H

It'll be okay.

Hugs,
Rachele:l

[nancy]

I have glaucoma

I am really so sorry to hear this. How much did topa play a role?

[ScoobyDoo]

I have glaucoma

Gee Happy... I'm really sorry to hear this! You've been through too many challenges lately.

I've got to say to others, a few weeks ago, I took Topa for 10 days and felt pressure behind my eyes (like back of eyeballs). I didn't feel comfortable with the glaucoma risk - just use your gut instinct.

Scoobs

[DidItForMe]

I have glaucoma

Sorry to hear about this Camper. As others have said, you already have enough on your plate without adding a helping of this crap! Hang in there!

[diamond]

I have glaucoma

I am sorry to hear your sad news BUT it sounds like you caught it in time?
I sincerely hope so.

love to you,
Diamond x

[happycamper68]

I have glaucoma

Hi all,
Thanks for the well wishes. My thinking on this- but I will never know I guess- is that i already HAD the glaucoma and the Topa exacerbated it symptoms when I was taking it. Then I got this funky infection that finally sent me to the doc and I finally got diagnosed. This is my thinking anyway. I'm not sure which kind of glaucoma I have yet- he didn't say, but i know there are several different kinds. My eyesight gets worse every year and I could not walk down the street without my glasses anyway.

1 in 5 people get glaucoma after the age of 35 at some point in their lives. I'm a little on the young side but I am just glad I went and it got caught early. Everyone make sure they read the side effects of any mdes they are taking in general. And ask for that blue light test like I had said. Thanks again all, Camper.

[Roberta Jewell]

I have glaucoma

Glaucoma

Hi. Happycamper and I have been in touch privately. This is obviously very upsetting. She's correct; there are different kinds of glaucoma. The one that Topamax can cause is called secondary angle closure glaucoma.

Thank goodness HC went in to see her doc. I think this serves as an opportunity to remind those of you who have similar symptoms when first starting Topamax to seek medical attention right away. I cannot emphasize this strongly enough?I have PM?d many messages to individuals about this specific side effect. In fact, my eyes began to bother me when I first started taking Topamax so I saw an ophthalmologist, as well. Turned out it was unrelated and I?m still taking the medication without any problem. Until now, no one I?ve been in touch with has been diagnosed with this type of glaucoma.

For those who are considering taking this medication, I cannot emphasize strongly enough how important it is to be informed and to seek the care of a qualified provider. Please learn everything you can about the medication and program. I?m not hawking my book here--and much of this information is now easily accessible on the web--but I have noted a large number of posts over the past couple of years in which it was clear to me that individuals were starting MWO (or certain aspects of) without having read the book. One of the most important chapters is the ?Potential Side Effects Chapter? in which the following is stated:

?Although unusual, the most serious reported potential side effects are kidney stones (1.5%), or, again, rarely, a form of glaucoma usually resolved by discontinuing the medication. Symptoms typically occur within the first month. Drinking large amounts of water, as is recommended in this program, should help prevent the former, and diligence in monitoring vision changes--and seeking out a doctor immediately should you notice any ocular disturbances such as blurry vision or pain--can help you avoid eye problems. More recently, Ortho McNeil has notified physicians and updated its product labeling to include information about ?nonanion gap acidosis?, a decrease in electrolyte levels that can be detected by a blood test. Symptoms may include an increased rate of breathing or irregular heartbeat. Decreased sweating or increased body temperature are rare but important conditions to watch for, as well.?

I also include the most commonly reported side effects which include weight loss, cognitive slowing, fatigue, anxiety, tingling and the metallic taste in one?s mouth. Since publishing the book, we?ve had a number of reports of hair thinning and loss, and I include information about potential remedies for that in another chapter.

Please, please use caution when taking this or any other powerful medication. As many of you know, this drug has been a lifesaver, and when used in conjunction with the other aspects of the MWO program it serves as a safe and effective means to curb your craving to drink. You owe it to yourself to do everything you can to make the very best health choices.

Also, here?s a link on my blog to a post I wrote earlier about finding a health care provider: I hope it's helpful.

My best to all of you. Take care, HC.

RJ

[southernbelle47]

I have glaucoma

The Glaucoma Foundation has more about types of glaucoma.
-- Robert Preidt

Just more info.
Nancy

[YoungAtHeart]

I have glaucoma

Hi Happy,

You certainly have way too much on your plate, honey! I'm glad you got this looked into right away and the doctor caught it early so that you can begin treatment. My thoughts are with you. Hang in there!

Hugs,
Kathy

[happycamper68]

I have glaucoma

Kathy where the heck have you been?? We've missed you!

[lucky 2.0]

I have glaucoma

I think the clowns had Kathy locked away and she just broke free!

Glad you are back around here Kathy! Stay away from the CLOWNS!