pregnancy blindness

[Spuddybean]

Hello all.

2 days after i conceived (i didn't know i had conceived then but i do now iyswim) i got the most awful headache behind my eye and in my temple. then a kind of grey mottled curtain came down over the vision in that eye.

I find it hard to see out of it i can hardly read and colour is almost all grey brown. I am getting very tired. There is also pain in the socket when i move the eye about.

I have been to specialists (it's 4 weeks later now and it's still the same) who basically say, it's stress related, and to rest. But i have to go to work!

Now they are saying it is possibly to do with being pregnant - has anyone ever heard of this?

I think they just don't have a clue tbh!

I don't know anything about this, I'm sorry, but I should get a second opinion just in case. Fingers crossed it's nothing serious, but if it is a symptom of a growth pressing on the optic nerve, you need to know sooner rather than later. Hope it is sorted soon.

Keep pushing for a reason.
I assume they've done pressure tests etc and have ruled out anything physically obstructing your vision. If not, demand they check.

Could be a migraine and associated aura. Any other symptoms? Migraine auras can come on days before a migraine and length of times vary. Look out for changes in sensation (touch, numb hands, loss of grip strength), odd smells/tastes (especially burning and strawberries) [incidentally if you do get this, especially with pain and disorientation, and weakness in one side, slurred speech, dial 999, they can rule out the obvious nasties]*, nausea, hallucinations, flashing lights, tendancy to drop things, slight weakness in right side, anything 'odd'.

You could try contacting someone like the London Migraine Clinic or the Migraine Association and see if they can help.

I'd also suggest signing yourself off for a week. GP shouldn't have a problem extending it if needed. If they're saying stress, then cut back for a bit. I hate taking sick days, but not knowing what's wrong in itself will be causing stress. Prioratise you and bump...

I hope someone can give you some answers.

*migraines and auras can mimick strokes very easily, but it 100% not worth risking it.

Sadly sick days are a no no as i start a new job on 3rd Jan. Which is already going to be terrible as i am pregnant. I am going to look like an incompetent twat. :(

I have had all optical tests and they are fine (apart from the vision). It can only be neurological but the eye clinic ruled out MS and a tumour. i just know they are going to palm me off with 'it's cos your pregnant'.

But i am finding it hard to function. it is making me so tired and disoriented.

Thank you for the advice tho.

Def. try the MA ot London Clinic. They're usually extreemly helpful. Might at least give you some good questions to quiz your doctor with.

If you can get hold of a copy of Spiritual Midwifery there is a story in there of a woman who had exactly the same thing happen - this was back in the 60s though. Medical profession never found an answer, and her vision returned to normal slowly after giving birth.

oh god! 9 months of this!!

thanks for the tip.

You poor thing. You could try calling the RNIB's helpline - they're amazing (and not just for blindness but all sorts of sight problems).

0303 123 9999

Website says: Our opening and closing times differ slightly over the Christmas period:

?23 December: 8.45am-5.15pm
?29 December: 9am-4.30pm
?30 December: 9am-4.30pm
?3 January and onwards: normal opening hours (Monday to Friday 8.45am to 5.30pm)

Fingers crossed for you.