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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Baby or sight

17 replies

FirsttimerG · 19/06/2014 08:33

Yesterday, after a terrible time with an eye infection that has led to a ruptured eyeball, and subsequently a corneal transplant under general anaesthetic DURING my pregnany, I have been told I have glaucoma.

My eye pressure is so high that it is damaging my optic nerve and despite "safer" medicines they cannot bring the pressure down.

Normally they would give tablets which would solve it but I've been told they would likely harm the baby so I have refused them. The consultant said if the risk is higher to the mother they like to try them.

Sadly in my bad eye I can't see much more than hand movements in front of my face anymore so I don't think it is a risk worth taking.

I am now having laser surgery instead (local abaesthetic only) on Friday to try to help.

Through all of this I don't feel like I have been able to focus on my baby and I am feeling so rough due to reflux, lack of sleep and pelvic pain.

Everyone keeps tellin me I am "so brave" but I am not. I just want this nightmare to end, for my eye to stop wrecking itself and respond to some kind of treatment. And to hold my baby in my arms safe and sound.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Flisspaps · 19/06/2014 08:38

How many weeks are you?

What are the likelihood of the risks of the meds?

squizita · 19/06/2014 08:44

What are the statistics regarding the meds? They tend to be very cautious: ask for % of birth defects and what the birth defects are. Sometimes what has been called 'risky' turns out to be manageable.

springbabydays · 19/06/2014 08:55

So sorry you're going through this. Of course it's hard to focus on the baby right now, but you must allow yourself to think about other important stuff too. You're doing a fine job of looking after little one, and considering him/her in all your decisions. This is just awful timing. I really hope the laser surgery will help x

FirsttimerG · 19/06/2014 09:00

I am 24 weeks. The consultant already has me on two sets of eye drops which are not tested on pregnant women (because of course they would never test on pregnant women) but that are not thought to present major risks once you are into or beyond second trimester.
The tablets we discussed he said have known effects on babies in the womb so I would say that was certain.

If the laser surgery works, and doesn't make my graft reject then the problem should hold off long enough for me to give birth and have surgery again after for a longer term fix.
If it doesn't the I am a bit stuck.

OP posts:
LittlePeasMummy1 · 19/06/2014 09:09

Hello,

Are the medicines that they are offering you ACE inhibitors? If so, and you think it would be helpful, I can post you a link to a patient information leaflet that summarises all of the available scientific evidence about the possible effects on a baby in the womb x

LittlePeasMummy1 · 19/06/2014 09:11

Sorry, I read it as you having high blood pressure. It probably won't be an ACE inhibitor that they want to treat with. Good luck with everything xx

CoolCat2014 · 19/06/2014 16:48

Sorry you're having such a rough time with it all :(

I don't really have any advice, but keep focusing on the fact that in about 16 weeks time you will get to hold your baby in your arms. Are you working at the moment, as if so maybe it would be an idea to get signed off to help you rest up a bit.

Really hope the laser eye surgery is a success x

FirsttimerG · 19/06/2014 17:56

I am off this week for exactly this reason, but I've had nearly 5 months off in the past year dealing with the eye, and I am not happy not working!

I've also just discovered my OH is not going to be there post surgery as he is meeting someone who wants to buy his car. He doesn't understand why I am a little upset about that. But it's all ok cos he's sending his mum. Even though its him I wanted there for a change (his mum always comes with me, bless her)

OP posts:
FirsttimerG · 19/06/2014 17:56

Ps sorry for being so self centred, thanks for every

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FirsttimerG · 19/06/2014 17:57

*every

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FirsttimerG · 19/06/2014 17:57

Everyone's best wishes (got there in the end without pressing send again by accident!!!)

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springbabydays · 19/06/2014 20:24

Ah bless you darl, you're not being self centred anyone would feel the same way. Take care x

OhGood · 19/06/2014 20:33

God this sounds horrific. I agonised for ages over having the swine flu jab and so can't imagine how tough it must be to be in your situation.

Take it one day at a time. Maybe buy yourself some pregnancy hypnosis CDs and make yourself spend 20 mins a day listening to them and just being with your baby.

Good luck on Friday. Let us know how you get on. xx

LittlePeasMummy1 · 20/06/2014 09:51

Good luck for today x

FirsttimerG · 20/06/2014 14:42

I am back from surgery, thanks for your best wishes everyone.

Won't know for several weeks if the procedure has been effective, and if it hasn't I will need further surgery, but all with local anaesthetics so that's good!

Here's hoping!!!

OP posts:
LittlePeasMummy1 · 20/06/2014 16:24

Bet you're glad that's over, fingers crossed xx

OhGood · 25/06/2014 09:52

How are you doing, firsttimer?

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