What is Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a medical condition where the light sensing cells in the macula malfunction and over time cease to work. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology,...
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Avastin
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I am hoping for some input to my dilema from members of this group. After 2 years of dry M.D. I developed the dreaded darkening circle in my left eye. My Opthamologist said it has become wet M.D. and he would begin Avastin injections this coming Thursday and repeat them every 6 weeks for 6 months. He was very abrupt and I saw him for only a total of 5 minutes so I was not able to question him.
This drug is only approved in Canada for Colon Cancer treatment not for any other use. I have read the side effects and they really scare me because of my medical history. In the past 8 years I have had a heart attack, a pacemaker implant, a large section of my colon removed and I have atrial fibrilation which is trigged by stress among other things. In addition I have experienced some serious alergies and reactions to drugs. I am considering declining the injections and just letting go of the vision in this eye with the hope that the other one won't follow any time soon. I will be consulting my family doctor early monday morning to discuss this situation but I would also very much appreciate the opinion of any of you who would like to express an one. Have any of you had an alergic reaction to Avastin? Thank you so much for your help. Posted on 03/22/09, 03:03 am |
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I've had 2 shots since Jan..They have helped.
I recomend taking your chances with the shots. 
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i don't know anything about avastin, but i do know that lucentis is a miracle injection if you get it done as soon as you can. it can actually reverse loss, if your wet macular degeneration is fairly new.
my husband has wet m.d., was diagnosed in 2001, which was too early to save most of the vision in both of his eyes. my advice is to ask if the avastin is the same as the lucentis. my husband had no side effects after the shots, which he uses to keep the vision he still has. keep all the vision you can...good luck
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I do not have your medical problems but have had the shot a total of five times. I am currently in remission in that eye and showing slow improvement. The only thing my doctor cautioned me about was getting infection in my eye so he prescribed antibiotic drops twice daily for four days, never had a problem with the shots. I am fortunate in that I have a doctor who patiently explained everything in detail to me. Given the abrupt treatment by the doctor you went to it would make me search out another specialist, sooner rather than later. Time is everything with this disease. Good luck.
Hammyhoney Hammyhoney
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Yaffa2, I hope your family doctor is able to help you with your fear. I have had injections without side effects and had photos that showed the blood vessels that caused the wet MD were dried up. My retina doctor said avastin is the same as lucentis and Medicare pays for avastin injections for MD.
Peace, GrandmaRosemary
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Thanks so much to all of you for taking the time to respond to my post. I have had the first injection and go for the second next week. I'm still not completely comfortable with it but we'll see what happens. I'm usually such a positive person.... I guess we all have our weak spots.
Thanks again. Yaffa2
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I will get whatever done that I have to (I'm 37 yo) but doesn't a shot in the eye hurt horribly? And this will really keep the MD from progressing?
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My Dr. said,they are having a 70% success rate.
The shot does not hurt to get. The Avastin makes me feel bad for one day. I have had 3 shots so far. I now can read a little. Each shot my right eye gets better.
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