[CatRAI2000]

in reply to: Double vision after OD – lost full eye rotation #1185522

I do know that, but thank you! I like his forward thinking when it comes to TED so IMO, you’re fortunate to have had him as your Dr. It sounds like I may be consulting with him still – and sooner rather than later as it’s suggested that further surgery may require a tandem approach. If that’s the case, I want him to be my second opinion at the very least. Heck, he may even learn from my experience. Anyway, I spoke with the 2nd muscle specialist tonight. She reviewed my scans. I specifically asked – and she confirmed – that what I’m experiencing isn’t classic post-op strabismus. Whatever it is happened as a result of the OD. It’s not going to go away on it’s own, even though it has improved somewhat over the past 5 months. So, the waiting game continues while they determine next steps and a game plan. Like I’ve said I’m fine with that – to a point – because it’s my vision, but I also hope it comes soon because it’s been so limiting. Tonight I got caught out driving home from work after dark – it was pretty scary thinking that cars were coming at me that actually werent. I’ll update here when I have something new to add…

[CatRAI2000]

in reply to: Double vision after OD – lost full eye rotation #1185520

Liz,

Thank you for your detailed reply, I appreciate your time. I was under the impression that – solely based on my first Dr’s original assessment – what I’ve experienced post-op wasn’t textbook strabismus – that’s why I reached out here. I’m very aware that it IS a well known complication and yes, I went in knowing it was possible, but not probable. As I said earlier, in all of his years of practice – and that of the ENTs – I’m the only patient that it actually happened to. My surgeon was so alarmed he consulted the strabismus specialist before I even knew it wasn’t temporary – and it can be. The long and short of it is – no one is agreeing on what it is that I’m personally experiencing.

The second Dr. concluded strabismus by exam alone. She has the most recent MRIs to review, but still – now who do I trust? Speaking of, I live on the east coast, but I tried consulting with Dr. Douglas pre-op, I didn’t get a reply from his office at the time. I even follow him on Instagram. The surgeon I used did the prior lid surgery and we had many discussions about OD – so I went ahead. I will say that if it comes to having further lid surgery, I will be seeing Dr. Douglas! It was also through a strabismus specialist he works with and interviewed for his series on YT that I found my 2nd opinion – she recommended her.

Other than readers, I don’t wear glasses (cataract surgery, both eyes – thank God!!) and both Dr’s have concluded that prisms for my situation wouldn’t be a solution for what I’m experiencing. I’ve been wearing a patch inside sunglasses with built- in readers. I mostly use them in the car. Standard readers are fine for computer and iPhone use. Other than that, as you said, turning my head slightly works for all other times, but I always keep a patch nearby just in case. I also have difficulty in many situations (shopping – especially in grocery stores!) but I live alone so I’ve had to adapt as much as possible – I’ve even traveled alone.

I’m not afraid of the muscle surgery at all – I just wish that if I need it, it will be decided soon. Days after I had surgery, I lost my job to a workforce reduction (not to mention my mom right between surgery and that – horrible 2 weeks!!). I’m temping currently, but making 1/2 of what I used to. I can’t commute to higher paying positions with my eye as it is (and taking time away for all of the Dr. appt’s) – I worry about that too.

Sorry for the long reply – I felt you we’re kind enough to respond, I should reciprocate.

[CatRAI2000]

in reply to: Armour/Thyrolar?? Any advisement? #1070551

Valarie,

Thanks for your insight into this. As a vegetarian, I would consciously choose Thyrolar over Armour – unless the benefit of taking the latter is enough where I would have to tough it out. Health first! Although I have insurance, cost IS a huge factor – I’d not considered it – yet!

Catherine

[CatRAI2000]

in reply to: Armour/Thyrolar?? Any advisement? #1070547

Nancy,

Thank you for your insight and advice.

I also should have mentioned that I currently take Synthroid – which has served me well for 9 years – I’ve just been having difficulty finding a dosage that works for me. Right now I’m somewhere in between .137 and .150 so I alternate days. I really respect the fact that my Dr. is waiting to review my blood tests to determine if I can benefit from an alternate.

C

[CatRAI2000]

in reply to: Armour/Thyrolar?? Any advisement? #1070545

Thanks Jake.

I’ve just returned from the Endo and I have a blood test order form that is a mile long – but in some cases – I like that! The other Endo sent me off with an order for TSH to get prior to a visit this coming DECEMBER (my last app’t was this past December – where – admittedly, I felt fairly well.) Sometimes I like to think of myself as like New England weather — wait a minute, it’ll change!

What I am told is that if I’m found to have low T3 – we can talk about the alternates then. I have an appointment in approx. 4 weeks. I’ll be sure to post if I come up with anything helpful to share at that time.

Cat

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