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Siwsan

(26,177 posts)
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 12:22 PM Mar 2023

My brother is on his way to the ER and I'm freaking out

He had what he described as a big 'floater' in his eye, yesterday, and he said his vision is just off in that eye. He went to a local emergency care clinic , this morning, and they sent him to the ER so an Ophthalmologist can check it out because it can be a sign of a TIA. His vision is clear enough to drive and my niece lives close to the hospital so if he needs someone to pick him up, she's available. That leaves me to sit and worry but he will call me as soon as he knows something. Worst case scenario, if I have to head to the hospital, the roads don't seem too bad, despite another winter weather advisory. It would just take me a while to get there.

And, of course, Madoc is being a Super Jerk, today, knocking everything on a flat surface to the floor. Hopefully he runs out of energy, soon.

So I've taken an Ativan and am doing some deep breathing exercises to calm down. So far, neither is making a dent.

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My brother is on his way to the ER and I'm freaking out (Original Post) Siwsan Mar 2023 OP
I am so sorry. Evergreen Emerald Mar 2023 #1
Maybe a detached retina? Hope he'll be OK, whatever is, and that you'll be OK too. Ocelot II Mar 2023 #2
The big floater means maybe. Flashing lights are the other big clue. maxsolomon Mar 2023 #43
Floaters & torn retinas go hand in hand. Whatthe_Firetruck Mar 2023 #50
Deep, slow breaths. redwitch Mar 2023 #3
He was so well behaved last night Siwsan Mar 2023 #7
let's just say he's trying KatyaR Mar 2023 #37
Maybe Madoc picked up on your anxiety and wnylib Mar 2023 #44
Oh, dear! Good luck to your brother. A friend of mine had her floaters removed and then she was Karadeniz Mar 2023 #4
Everyone is different but riversedge Mar 2023 #5
I've had to deal with so many family health issues and deaths, I immediately go into panic mode Siwsan Mar 2023 #10
I totally Rebl2 Mar 2023 #34
I had something like that once, it was a weiss ring. RKP5637 Mar 2023 #6
... RKP5637 Mar 2023 #8
Hope he's OK. I have vitreous detachment in my eyes. The vitreous fluid pulls away from retina Silent Type Mar 2023 #9
Thanks. I've have a few floaters, but they are very small and tend to disappear. Siwsan Mar 2023 #12
That is so scary and stressful. I hope it all turns out OK Walleye Mar 2023 #11
He needs you, the kitties need you, we need you❣️ Polly Hennessey Mar 2023 #13
I've had floaters ever since I can remember. blueinredohio Mar 2023 #14
Have had them Rebl2 Mar 2023 #28
I also have glaucoma. Started out with high pressures. blueinredohio Mar 2023 #45
Had Laser surgery for Glaucoma True Blue American Mar 2023 #48
They tried that Rebl2 Mar 2023 #54
If your pressure is fine it worked. True Blue American Mar 2023 #57
Took hydroxychloroquine Rebl2 Mar 2023 #53
My rheumatologist told me to make sure I got eye exams blueinredohio Mar 2023 #55
I went twice a Rebl2 Mar 2023 #56
Odds are it is a vitreous detachment; the younger he is, the longer takes to go away elias7 Mar 2023 #15
Had that Rebl2 Mar 2023 #39
So sorry Siswan. lark Mar 2023 #16
Healing vibes on the way to you & your son. 💓💓💓 SheltieLover Mar 2023 #27
You & your brother are in my thoughts Not Heidi Mar 2023 #17
Best wishes Siwsan. Hoping for the best. Evolve Dammit Mar 2023 #18
It could just be that a tiny blood vessel has a small rupture. appleannie1 Mar 2023 #19
I had a similar issue a year ago December. TygrBright Mar 2023 #20
I hope he is okay,Siwsan. Can you go to the hospital now? debm55 Mar 2023 #21
He doesn't think it necessary Siwsan Mar 2023 #22
Pls stay off the roads, Siwsan SheltieLover Mar 2023 #26
Good idea Rebl2 Mar 2023 #29
That can only cause complications. SheltieLover Mar 2023 #31
Bad weather, Siswan, True Blue American Mar 2023 #49
Bad weather and Ativan! dickthegrouch Mar 2023 #52
I am sorry to hear this. I hope all is well with him. LoisB Mar 2023 #23
Best hopes for your brother Siwsan. irisblue Mar 2023 #24
Healing vibes on the way to both of you! 💓💓💓 SheltieLover Mar 2023 #25
My BIL Rebl2 Mar 2023 #32
Retinal migraines VGNonly Mar 2023 #33
Toss gthe whiffle balls around & your brother will be home in no time SheltieLover Mar 2023 #30
It could also be a sign of an impending retinal detachment Warpy Mar 2023 #35
Wishing your brother a speedy recovery. gademocrat7 Mar 2023 #36
Don't be surprised if it takes him a while to get back to you. Hope22 Mar 2023 #38
Oh no! Best wishes to you both! CaptainTruth Mar 2023 #40
Madoc is just picking up on your energies, slightlv Mar 2023 #41
From someone who had had these problems... Jirel Mar 2023 #42
((((Hugs))) and {{{vibes}}}... 3catwoman3 Mar 2023 #46
if it helps at all, barbtries Mar 2023 #47
Oh dear. 2naSalit Mar 2023 #51
Just saw this. Good Luck to your brother! More deep breathes for you, and kitty love!! electric_blue68 Mar 2023 #58

Ocelot II

(115,280 posts)
2. Maybe a detached retina? Hope he'll be OK, whatever is, and that you'll be OK too.
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 12:27 PM
Mar 2023
Take advantage of the calming effect of kitties, even naughty ones.

maxsolomon

(32,992 posts)
43. The big floater means maybe. Flashing lights are the other big clue.
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 02:38 PM
Mar 2023

If he's getting attention right away, that's good.

My right eye detached from the retina 2 years ago, but it was complete, with no flashing lights. All I got out of it were annoying AF floaters, no surgery.

Whatthe_Firetruck

(546 posts)
50. Floaters & torn retinas go hand in hand.
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 03:49 PM
Mar 2023

I had a couple of floaters and it was something I could live with.

Then I was washing the dishes some years ago, when a bright flash of light traveled from the bottom right corner of my right eye to the top center, accompanied by pain in my eye. My local eye doctor confirmed a tear, so I made an appointment with the VA to get it tacked down with "lasers" (cue Austin Powers finger quotes). The procedure was rather uncomfortable, but did the job. My next regular eye appointment showed the site of the tear surrounded by little round burn scars that keep it from getting worse

In the aftermath of the tear I got a new constellation of floaters. It took a bit longer to get used to them, and to this day I can unfocus my eyes and dart them quickly from side to side to watch the delayed motion and dance of the floaters. My optometrist says he can see them in my vitreous fluid.

redwitch

(14,933 posts)
3. Deep, slow breaths.
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 12:28 PM
Mar 2023

I pray he will be fine and you can relax. It’s hard to wait though. A virtual hug from me to you. Shall I give Madoc a talking to about his behavior?

Siwsan

(26,177 posts)
7. He was so well behaved last night
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 12:33 PM
Mar 2023

Nothing knocked over. Nothing broken. He was a total snuggle bug from yesterday afternoon, on.

Now he's stretched out on the back of the chair so HOPEFULLY he is heading into nap mode.

wnylib

(21,146 posts)
44. Maybe Madoc picked up on your anxiety and
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 02:45 PM
Mar 2023

acted out as a reaction.

Whether it's a TIA or detached retina, it's being treated early, so that's good.

Twelve years ago, I had a series of TIAs. Actually, they started before that and my doctor was not taking my descriptions seriously until I demanded to see a specialist. He sent me to a neurologist who confirmed the TIAs with a brain MRI. The neurologist also found that I had a severe vitamin D deficiency, which could contribute to the TIAs. And, my BP medication was not as effective as it needed to be.

After a prescription super dose of vitamin D and a change of BP med the TIAs stopped. I take a vitamin D tablet daily to maintain normal levels.

I have had floaters from time to time. My ophthalmologist said they were not serious in my case. A thorough eye exam showed that it was not the start of a detached retina. In the case of a detached retina, he said that a bright flash of whiteness would occur. That was a few years ago.

So, it's definitely important for your brother to have this checked out, but since be is doing that, he can be treated before it gets worse, if it is a symptom of something serious. So, take deep breaths, cultivate calming thoughts, and have faith in medicine to treat whatever it is.

Maybe some comfort food and kitty snuggles are in order.
Or some physical activity to wear off tension.

Keep us updated.




Karadeniz

(22,279 posts)
4. Oh, dear! Good luck to your brother. A friend of mine had her floaters removed and then she was
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 12:28 PM
Mar 2023

fine.

riversedge

(69,727 posts)
5. Everyone is different but
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 12:29 PM
Mar 2023

I had a floater a year ago last Dec. I just went to my general pract. She sent me to an ophthalmologist [she was more freaked out than I was] Anyway, just a floater as it turns out which I still deal with. It floats up and down. But good thing, he checked for detached retina and other things. I was deliquent and really had not gone to Real Eye doc before. Optometrist yes. but not the real mccoy. I do hope your brother is OK

Siwsan

(26,177 posts)
10. I've had to deal with so many family health issues and deaths, I immediately go into panic mode
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 12:38 PM
Mar 2023

anytime anything happens to anyone in the family, and there aren't many of them left.

Hopefully he won't have to wait too long to be seen.

Rebl2

(13,311 posts)
34. I totally
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 02:13 PM
Mar 2023

understand how you feel. Have had to deal with my parents for so many years and their dementia. My Dad passed a couple of years ago, but Mom is still alive. She is in a nursing home and right now there is a small Covid outbreak in her nursing home.

Silent Type

(2,665 posts)
9. Hope he's OK. I have vitreous detachment in my eyes. The vitreous fluid pulls away from retina
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 12:34 PM
Mar 2023

and you get big floaters. Sometimes, it can lead to a retinal detachment.

It's quite common, but most of the time it's just a annoyance. Take care.

Siwsan

(26,177 posts)
12. Thanks. I've have a few floaters, but they are very small and tend to disappear.
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 12:41 PM
Mar 2023

My mind always jumps to anticipating bad news. Not surprising, given how many family members I've lost, over the past 8 years. I only recently stopped jumping, every time the phone rang.

Polly Hennessey

(6,747 posts)
13. He needs you, the kitties need you, we need you❣️
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 12:47 PM
Mar 2023

Take some deep breaths and be glad Madoc is distracting you.

Rebl2

(13,311 posts)
28. Have had them
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 01:54 PM
Mar 2023

since my teens and I am 65. I have had eye issues since 2014. Have had fluid under my retinas many times. They treated it with NSAIDs and cortisone drops. Haven’t had that in quite a while now. In April 2020 I had a large black spot in my central vision of one eye and immediately went to the ophthalmologist (they had just opened back up from Covid shutdown that day) and they discovered in that one eye I had developed glaucoma. The other eye was in normal range. It was very scary. I thought for sure I had a detached retina. Again they treated it with eye drops for glaucoma.

blueinredohio

(6,797 posts)
45. I also have glaucoma. Started out with high pressures.
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 02:50 PM
Mar 2023

I've went to an ophthalmologist for years. Which is good because about 8 or9 years ago I was diagnosed with Lupus. I take hydroxychloriquine which can affect your eyes. So far so good.

Rebl2

(13,311 posts)
54. They tried that
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 06:49 PM
Mar 2023

on me and it didn’t work. Then they did glaucoma surgery which didn’t totally work, so I continue to take a glaucoma drop before bedtime and it helps keep my pressure down. That drop along with another glaucoma drop I took before I had the surgery were not working, so I guess the surgery helped some.

True Blue American

(17,972 posts)
57. If your pressure is fine it worked.
Sat Mar 11, 2023, 05:53 AM
Mar 2023

I use one eye drop. My former Doctor had me on 3. He turned me over to the glaucoma Specialist. The so called surgery was simple. She is pleased how well it worked. So am I.

Rebl2

(13,311 posts)
53. Took hydroxychloroquine
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 06:36 PM
Mar 2023

for 30+ years for rheumatoid arthritis. My ophthalmologist suggested I go off it because he saw damage starting to occur from it and rheumatologist agreed.

blueinredohio

(6,797 posts)
55. My rheumatologist told me to make sure I got eye exams
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 07:12 PM
Mar 2023

and I was already seeing an ophthalmologist. He says he doesn't see any damage from it yet (knock on wood)

Rebl2

(13,311 posts)
56. I went twice a
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 07:15 PM
Mar 2023

year for 30+ years and eye doctor always let rheumatologist know I had been seen. Then other eye issues started unrelated to that drug.

elias7

(3,976 posts)
15. Odds are it is a vitreous detachment; the younger he is, the longer takes to go away
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 12:59 PM
Mar 2023

Last edited Fri Mar 10, 2023, 01:45 PM - Edit history (1)

From what you describe, it does not sound like retinal detachment or cerebrovascular problem (stroke). Should get reassurance from Ophthalmology that it can be a fairly normal part of aging and not a harbinger of any serious problem. Minor pain in the ass, though. Rule out something more serious.

Rebl2

(13,311 posts)
39. Had that
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 02:26 PM
Mar 2023

around 2008 and think it’s common as we get older. Mine started with flashing light on side of my eye and thought I had detached retina. Went to retina specialist, and they determined it was vitreous detachment. Went on for several months. I never had it in my right eye though, just the left eye and that is the eye that eventually developed glaucoma, oddly enough.

lark

(23,003 posts)
16. So sorry Siswan.
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 01:23 PM
Mar 2023

I know the anxiety of having a sick family member and the worries that go with it. I took my son to Urgent Care today where he got antibiotics for an extreme infection. He needs xrays and is in bad shape, I am very worried about him with all of his physical and mental issues. I couldn't even think this morning, I was so worried about what would happen and am still stessed at a high level.

Best wishes to your brother that this isn't something big and bad and for you to not be overly stressed and to have an easy trip there if needed.

appleannie1

(5,044 posts)
19. It could just be that a tiny blood vessel has a small rupture.
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 01:28 PM
Mar 2023

That can cause a "floater" of blood to pool inside the eye especially if he take blood thinners or aspirin.

TygrBright

(20,733 posts)
20. I had a similar issue a year ago December.
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 01:33 PM
Mar 2023

I had been doing some heavy lifting, and woke up with an enormous floater, a slightly "off" sensation in my head, and a bit of blur in my vision.

It turned out to be something quite normal, though annoying. The floater took about 2-3 months to 'settle' but the blur and the off feeling passed in a few days.

Hoping your brother has a good result and restoration to full capacity ASAP!

helpfully,
Bright

Siwsan

(26,177 posts)
22. He doesn't think it necessary
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 01:43 PM
Mar 2023

We're getting snow and there's a wreck right where I'd get on the freeway.

My niece lives near the hospital but if he decides he wants me there, he'll call. He knows how much I HATE the ER at the hospital he is at. It's the same one I would take my mom and aunt to, and I never spent less than 10 hours there. The record was 14 hours.

SheltieLover

(57,073 posts)
26. Pls stay off the roads, Siwsan
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 01:51 PM
Mar 2023

I know you want to be there with & for him, but risking your own well being driving in awful weather won't help anything.

Tell him he can come & stay with you for a while when he's discharged so he's not alone & so you can keep an eye on him.

True Blue American

(17,972 posts)
49. Bad weather, Siswan,
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 03:28 PM
Mar 2023

He would not want you to take the risk. Give him time, he will let you know as soon as he does.

Stay safe.

SheltieLover

(57,073 posts)
25. Healing vibes on the way to both of you! 💓💓💓
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 01:49 PM
Mar 2023

He's prob ok, Siwsan. Relax, sweetie!

Worst case scenario, docs will put him on meds.

I get retinal migraines which cause complete loss of vision in one eye for a short time (10 min or so). And these migraines do not cause pain.

Could be something similar.

Take comfort in the fact that at least you're in a region with competent medical practitioners.

The first time I experienced a retinal migraine, the head doctor of the entire hospital attended to me, eventually. His words were, "What happened is perfectly normal. Happens all the time."

I was shocked. Told him, "Well, I'm 57 yrs old & it's never happened to me, so it's not normal for me."

Rural NC healthcare. i guess like everything else, if it's inconvenient, they normalize it or completely ignore it. (Guessing this fact & all this disgusting fried food is the reason life expectancy is so low here.)

Pls let us know how your brother is doing?

Rebl2

(13,311 posts)
32. My BIL
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 02:04 PM
Mar 2023

gets those. Like you said he has no pain with them, just loss of vision for a time. His lasts longer than ten minutes though.

VGNonly

(7,431 posts)
33. Retinal migraines
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 02:07 PM
Mar 2023

I would get them once and while, lasted about 15 minutes. Just in my left eye. I best describe them as "kaleidoscope eyes". I heard that pickled and fermented foods can aggravate them. Gave up pickles, haven't had one since.

SheltieLover

(57,073 posts)
30. Toss gthe whiffle balls around & your brother will be home in no time
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 01:58 PM
Mar 2023

Meanwhile, your DU super star kitties will entertain you.

Warpy

(110,913 posts)
35. It could also be a sign of an impending retinal detachment
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 02:17 PM
Mar 2023

so ER is good. Either way, he's going to need some treatment: blood thinners if they diagnose TIA or retinal reattachment if that's what needs to be done.

IOW, both conditions are treatable, so take some more deep breaths and find a cat to cuddle.

Hope22

(1,644 posts)
38. Don't be surprised if it takes him a while to get back to you.
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 02:24 PM
Mar 2023

The dilation takes longer than a regular check up. Every step takes time. I wish him the best. It’s hard to wait but know that he is in good hands. 💗💗🙏🐈🐈

slightlv

(2,637 posts)
41. Madoc is just picking up on your energies,
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 02:31 PM
Mar 2023

scattered as they are, of course. As you calm, he will, too. And then he'll be there to help you like he did nothing wrong! Sending good energies for your brother, and hopes you don't have to get out into the weather. Be strong and centered as much as possible... and be careful. We worry about you, you know! Meanwhile, our prayers go out to your brother for the best possible diagnoses! Hugs {{ }}

Jirel

(1,993 posts)
42. From someone who had had these problems...
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 02:33 PM
Mar 2023

The local emergency clinic are a load of idiots. There are MANY things that can cause a floater and "off" vision, and a TIA is not at the top of the list. Most of the issues are eye related. Unfortunately, the ER is about the worst place for someone with those problems to be diagnosed, as the ER docs don't even know how to use the equipment (assuming it works or they even have it) to figure out the issue. At best, assuming they take his blood pressure and EKG, etc., and they see no evidence of a TIA or anything on that order, they'll call in an opthalmologist for a consult, and that doc can possibly do nothing if the equipment there isn't present and in working order. Most likely they'll discharge and send him to an opthalmologist to follow up.

My doctors were very clear with me - DO NOT go to ER, EVER, when you have visual concerns. If you aren't already seeing an opthalmologist whose office will give you an immediate emergency appointment (most will), always go to a optometrist, even one of those quick docs attached to a Lenscrafters or some such. Even the quickie optometrists will have equipment in working order, and know how to use it, and can assess better (and faster and cheaper) than ER docs. If it's not something completely minor, they generally have a few ophthalmologists on speed dial to refer to, and get a patient into on an emergency basis. I can tell you ridiculous horror stories dealing with my eye issues in ER at the very beginning, versus dealing with it at the optometrist. I have permanent vision damage in my left eye because I went first to an ER and they handled it incorrectly, and by the time I had the followup a day later with an optometrist (yes, at a mall), it was too late. But that mall optometrist had it diagnosed in 5 minutes, and I was in to see a retinal specialist in under 45 minutes after that, with a couple phone calls. If only I had done that in the first place...

Many hugs to you, and to your brother. Please don't freak out. If he's really struggling with this and is waiting and waiting for hours with no seeming end in sight, please suggest to him to go talk to an optometrist before they close for the day. They really can help him much better and faster, and likely will even have the right meds on hand for samples if he needs something urgently. If he needs emergency treatment, they can help him get that with an opthalmologist usually within an hour or two.

3catwoman3

(23,820 posts)
46. ((((Hugs))) and {{{vibes}}}...
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 02:56 PM
Mar 2023

…headed your way and to your brother, too, of course.

Hoping for a happy update soon.

barbtries

(28,702 posts)
47. if it helps at all,
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 03:01 PM
Mar 2023

i had a sudden floater in my eye and it was a detached vitreous. I also got a complete stroke workup at the ER and it turned out to be vertigo (I couldn't walk straight). Hopefully this is just as benign for your doctor. The good thing is they have medications if you get to them fast enough that do wonders for stroke.

2naSalit

(86,061 posts)
51. Oh dear.
Fri Mar 10, 2023, 03:49 PM
Mar 2023

Do you have any consumable cbd anything? Or lavender tea? Those might help some.

I hope he'll be okay. I'm curious to hear what it turns out to have been up with his eye.

electric_blue68

(14,622 posts)
58. Just saw this. Good Luck to your brother! More deep breathes for you, and kitty love!!
Sat Mar 11, 2023, 06:32 AM
Mar 2023

Various eye issues includung serious ones

But I've had some floaters in my eyes for decades w/o ant other consequences.

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