Vision Changes

[Jillybean65]

Has anybody else experience any vision changes while on treatment?

[Jillybean65]

So apparently the scopalomine (sp?) patch paralyzes some of the eye muscles to the point where I can't focus up close.  As far as being sensitive to light, etc., he said that my pupils were not reacting quick enough to light.  He said that once I go off the patch, it "should" return to normal, but I am 45 years old, and at the age when these things tend to happen naturally any way.  

With that in mind, I took the patch off a couple of hours ago.  I had some ginger root and I boiled it up and am hoping that between that and the zofran, that the shot I did a couple of hours ago doesn't land me back hugging the porcelain God again.

[Jillybean65]

Thanks for the information.  Gives me something to think about.  I'm not having any floaters or anything like that, just a blurry state for reading. If I try and read something looking down towards my nose, it's clear, but straight on, that's where it changed.  What frustrates me is I had an appointment on Friday and was at the mercy of a friend on an errand to get something, and yup, they didn't get me back in time (I was let's say, less than happy....), so I missed my appointment, so now I'm afraid to do my shot tomorrow in case it's the shot that's causing the problem.  

I do worry about anemia as I've had a problem with it and started off on the low side (had a hysterectomy for this reason in July).  I'm already very winded trying to feed horses.  Blood work tomorrow so am anxious to see what it comes back as.  

[curiouslady1]

When I was being assessed for my trial I had to have had a recent opthalmological evaluation on file.  The doctor told me if I had to go on rescue treatment I would be taking interferon and this might cause "cotton wool spots".  I looked this up and this is what I found:
~~~"These yellow-white spots are called cotton wool spots. They are caused by retinal nerve fiber layer microinfarcts. Exploded retinal ganglion cell axons extrude their axoplasm like toothpaste. Expect to find cotton wool spots arrayed around the optic disc and along the temporal vascular arcades.
Cotton wool spots have a myriad of causes. Any process that occludes small retinal arterioles will do this: hypertension, diabetes, HIV, severe anemia or thrombocytopenia, hypercoagulable states, connective tissue disorders, viruses, lues, Behçet's and many others~~"  

What I pick up from this is that there are a number of conditions that can cause this problem.  While some reactions to side effects from the HepC drugs may be outside of one's control, unless of course you want to stop the treatment, other conditions which could add to it or make it worse may be within one's control.  I see, for example, that diabetes could cause such a change.  Diabetes means sugar and fats.  Could reducing one's sugar and fat intake help?  I would think it is worth a try.  Maybe you are not like me but I often comfort myself with fats and sugar.  Could treating any anemia help?  Lowering blood pressure?  These are just random ideas.  Anyway, I hope this helps a little bit.

[walt310]

I did tx for 18wks.Then my right eye started having spots,lastd for about a wk then started in left eye.After 2 wks stopped tx.Been 2 years still can't seen good depending on the lighting sometimes can'tsee at all.I got a problem due to lack of oxgyento the eye blood stream.Nervers collasped.NOT CUREABLE.I'll just have to deal with it.I did have my eyes look at by a neruo-eye person. The is called palpillemene or something to that effect. Hope you the best.

[beeblessed]

Hey Jillybean.  I haven't experiences vision changes but did have eye pain.  My training nurse and doctor requested being up to date with an opthamologist, so they would have a baseline for what was normal, and be able to notice right away if vision is being affected by treatment drugs.  Even with triple therapy's side effects, some things trump treatment, and one of those things is your eye health.  You should make an appointment for this coming week, so they can recommend any adjustments.  May be something really simple, but you should go anyway.

Sorry about the nausea.  As for the rash, try Gold Bond Medicated Lotion in the green bottle.  Best to you!  Please let us know how it goes.

[Jillybean65]

Hi there,

My doctor never had me see an ophthalmologist ahead of time, which I wish I had.  I'm having a real hard time reading the computer screen now days, hence, I'm not on the board much.  My distance sight changed for the better, but up close is miserable.  I'm using some reader glasses to read my phone.  

I was pretty sick there for awhile.  I'm on two nausea medications (which can affect vision as well), but as soon as I don't take them, I start throwing up again.  I have the rash all over that is just under the surface, nothing to miserable, but definitely trying to make me miserable, especially my eyebrows of all places.  Other than that, I'm doing okay I guess.  I'm not a big eater, so I'm pretty much tired of having to eat all this food though, that bothers me more than anything - that and sitting here in bed waiting for 11pm to roll around.

How about you two?

[dreamcat]

Hi Jilly!  My doctor wanted me to see an opthalmologist before I started treatment, which I did, and told him I was about to start tx... Basically, he wanted a base line, in case there are vision issues... so far, nothing that I've noticed, thankfully...  

how are things other than that?

Karen

[Livinontheedge]

Hi Jillybean !   Yes, I am right now.  Called my eye doc on Friday  and the nurse talked to me for quite a while and she said he wouldnt even look at me right now because he is not a ophthalmologist, and only a optometrist.   She said, during any kind of chemotherapy you are going to have some eye changes.   Also, she said to make sure you keep your eyes moist, and if you are having any significant changes to go see an ophthalmologist.    I should of done a little more research on this but havent yet.  I hope all is going well with you otherwise, havent seen any posts from you .    Keep your head up !    Carrie