Avastin Injections

Many people receive different forms of laser surgery to treat their Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome. A major problem with laser surgery is that it typically cannot help to restore any vision loss which has already occurred. The laser may also cause more damage; once the laser surgery is complete, the outcome is irreversible. Because of the location of my scars and the fact that I am blind in one eye already, my retina specialist opted for another treatment--intravitreal injections.

A cancer medication, called Avastin, is injected into my eye. This medicine aids in removing blood that has already been leaked and stopping any bleeding that is occurring. I have received 4 injections thus far. I return every 5 weeks for a checkup and another injection. My next appointment, when I will receive my 5th injection, is Friday, June 19th--the day before my birthday--Happy Birthday to me.
Yes, I am fully awake for the "needle in the eyeball" procedure. No, it is Not Fun at all. It is one of the most uncomfortable experiences I have ever experienced. Yes, they numb the eye first, but the effectiveness of the numbing medication is hinged on the ability of me to keep my eye still while I hold the numbing medicine on my eye for 3 whole minutes. That is truly the worst part of the procedure for me. It is hard to hold it in place for that long...knowing that if I don't do it properly, it will not numb properly...and there is the anticipation of an imminent needle. The actual injection, itself, is no big deal if I am numb. It only takes a few seconds and it's over. --Doesn't mean I don't wish I never had to go through it; I never want to go through it again.
Here is an example of an Avastin injection. This isn't me, of course; I found this video on youtube, but it is almost exactly what I experience every 5 weeks.

Many people tell me, "I could never handle someone sticking a needle in my eye; I don't know how you do it!" Fact is, you can handle more than you think when you are facing going blind. But I could not handle any of this if I did not have my relationship with God to support me. Jesus has made it possible for me to maintain peace and joy despite the hardships I have been facing. He will see me through this & I know I will be healed completely one day. Please continue to agree with me in prayer for a Full Healing, in the Name of Jesus.