I attended my optician 3 years ago, she had noticed glaucoma in both eyes as well as cataracts and as a result referred me to Ayrshire & Arran HB.
I received an appointment 3 months later. I attended the appointment at 1-30 pm however after waiting until 4-45pm without seeing a doctor I left (im 83 and have had rheumatoid arthritis since aged 58, I felt very weary and uncomfortable as I hadn't thought the need to bring painkillers to my appointment).
I was reappointed and this time after 3 hrs I saw the doctor who explained virtually nothing. He gave me drops and reappointed me for 6 months later.
I attended again and waited 41/2hrs before leaving. After reappointing I attended, waited usual time and was asked whether a cataract operation would suit me to which I agreed.
June of 2014 I attended for my appointment at 9am. At 4-45pm with no sign of the doctor I left as again was extremely weary and sore.
I was reappointed and an apology given for previous appointment when the operation hadn't been carried out. I attended and had the operation after which I have only limited vision to the sides with a dark wide line in my straight ahead vision.
My next appointment was two months after the operation where I told the doctor of my problem with the eye operated on. I was told to keep taking the eye drops, I assumed pressure was still high in both eyes. The doctor never said anything about my concerns other than we'll see you shortly.
One full year I attended an appointment, another doctor explained pressure was still high and my eyesight was deteriorating fast with one optical nerve having only 20% of it's full ability. I knew this as I was having difficulty reading or doing any tasks without making a mess. I became depressed and a burden on my family.
At this stage my son complained officially about my treatment. When the reply came back I was very shocked to read that my GP had been advised that my cataract operation was a success.
I have since been referred to a glaucoma specialist as a result of my complaint and for the first time in 3 years. Once again I waited 5 hours for this at Crosshouse Hospital for an appointment, I couldn't wait any longer. On reappointment the doctor explained I had more scarring than is acceptable on the operated eye and I should not have had a gap period of one full year between appointments considering the deterioration of my eyes, which they knew about, due to glaucoma. I now after 3 years have the 'correct' eye drop which I'll have to take for life, or rather have someone give me. I can't do any crosswords, I barely see the tv with the bad eye closed and when in the far being taken out I feel sick as I cannot focus on outside. I feel a burden on my family where before I was relatively independent.
I am a Royal Marine and ex special forces, I served my country for 23 years in the most dangerous parts of the world at the time, I did not ever expect to lose my eyesight on the nhs's watch.
My advice is keep on top of your treatment, I'm also very dull of hearing now but if you don't get answers then press for them. My son who is typing this message feels very guilty he didn't keep on top of my treatment however I've explained it's not his fault.
"Glaucoma and cataracts"
About: Crosshouse Hospital / Ophthalmology Crosshouse Hospital Ophthalmology KA2 0BE
Posted by Marine32 (as ),
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Update posted by Marine32 (the patient) 8 years ago
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