by julie f » Sun Aug 14, 2011 03:36 am
Christina,
I will send you a private email, but wanted to post here as well in case there are others that read through this thread later.
With my first pregnancy in 2003, my preeclampsia went from bad to worse very quickly as well - and my eyesight went along with it too. I was never diagnosed with detached retinas, and I can't believe it but I can't remember what they did call it. It was very similar to what it sounds like you're going through, they stated that it was due to all of the internal swelling - my optic nerve had been squeezed, blood flow had been restricted and it was causing the loss of vision. Technically, I could see, but I couldn't focus on anything. It was almost as if I could see better out of my periphery versus looking at something straight on. There were big brown thumb prints in my vision that got progressively worse for the week I was in the hospital. And I needed A LOT of light, when it was dim in my room, I could see/focus even less. I remember the neurologist holding up a large sign at the foot of my bed and I couldn't tell what it was, so frustrating and so scary. I was discharged with it still being like that and I remember wondering how in the heck they could send me home like that, I was terrified. All of the doctors told me they "thought" my vision would return to normal but no one could give me time frames, or specifics. We had several follow-ups were continually told to wait and see, sit tight... I feel so much for you, I remember being so scared.
Thankfully, I can tell you that everything did eventually return to almost normal. I can't remember specific time frames, I'll have to search through some of my old posts and get back to you. I want to say that it was dramatically better within the first few months, I could focus, but whatever I was looking directly at was still a bit blurry. I remember looking right above what I wanted to see, in order to be able to see it best - does that make sense? I still needed more light than normal, I had all the lights on in the house, all the time. But I could watch TV, I could read signs, etc. I was able to use the computer, and read books/magazines but it did take a bit longer to get through things because everything I looked directly at was slightly distorted. At this point, it's obviously as good as it's going to get and it doesn't bother me anymore. I still use more light than I used to, but I don't have distorted vision, I can clearly focus. The only time I really notice is in the dark. For example, when I'm putting the kids to sleep, or checking on them, I have too look at their foreheads to be able to see if their eyes are closed - if I look directly at their eyes, I only see a dark blur.
I hope this gives you a little bit of hope. I know how bad it is right now, and how scary. I pray that your recovery is swift. I'll email you my number and please feel free to call me anytime. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I remember how helpful everyone here was to me, and of the support and encouragement I received - it literally was the only reason I got out of bed most days.
Thinking of you,
Julie
Christina,
I will send you a private email, but wanted to post here as well in case there are others that read through this thread later.
With my first pregnancy in 2003, my preeclampsia went from bad to worse very quickly as well - and my eyesight went along with it too. I was never diagnosed with detached retinas, and I can't believe it but I can't remember what they did call it. It was very similar to what it sounds like you're going through, they stated that it was due to all of the internal swelling - my optic nerve had been squeezed, blood flow had been restricted and it was causing the loss of vision. Technically, I could see, but I couldn't focus on anything. It was almost as if I could see better out of my periphery versus looking at something straight on. There were big brown thumb prints in my vision that got progressively worse for the week I was in the hospital. And I needed A LOT of light, when it was dim in my room, I could see/focus even less. I remember the neurologist holding up a large sign at the foot of my bed and I couldn't tell what it was, so frustrating and so scary. I was discharged with it still being like that and I remember wondering how in the heck they could send me home like that, I was terrified. All of the doctors told me they "thought" my vision would return to normal but no one could give me time frames, or specifics. We had several follow-ups were continually told to wait and see, sit tight... I feel so much for you, I remember being so scared.
Thankfully, I can tell you that everything did eventually return to almost normal. I can't remember specific time frames, I'll have to search through some of my old posts and get back to you. I want to say that it was dramatically better within the first few months, I could focus, but whatever I was looking directly at was still a bit blurry. I remember looking right above what I wanted to see, in order to be able to see it best - does that make sense? I still needed more light than normal, I had all the lights on in the house, all the time. But I could watch TV, I could read signs, etc. I was able to use the computer, and read books/magazines but it did take a bit longer to get through things because everything I looked directly at was slightly distorted. At this point, it's obviously as good as it's going to get and it doesn't bother me anymore. I still use more light than I used to, but I don't have distorted vision, I can clearly focus. The only time I really notice is in the dark. For example, when I'm putting the kids to sleep, or checking on them, I have too look at their foreheads to be able to see if their eyes are closed - if I look directly at their eyes, I only see a dark blur.
I hope this gives you a little bit of hope. I know how bad it is right now, and how scary. I pray that your recovery is swift. I'll email you my number and please feel free to call me anytime. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I remember how helpful everyone here was to me, and of the support and encouragement I received - it literally was the only reason I got out of bed most days.
Thinking of you,
Julie
