Retinal pigmentation

[Guest guest]

Sandy in California,

You wrote, " ... the doctor told me [my son] had pigmentation of the retina in

both eyes and has us referred out to a retinal specialist in July. Does anyone

know if [it] can mean anything else? 3 more weeks to wait ...is …playing heck

with my pancreas... "

I am sorry to that you are being dealt so many unknowns. That can be more

stressful than the factual data, and is often much worse. I have learned that

from my own experience. It is impossible to attempt to answer any specific

concerns you have regarding the symptoms of retinal pigmentation that your

doctor said has. Actually, it is fortunate that he was referred to a

specialist in ophthalmology to further investigate these findings. So many times

it is difficult to get appropriate referrals and/or doctors may try and keep

things ‘in house’ and handle them themselves.

There are two website that may help alleviate some of your stress until you can

talk to your own healthcare provider. There is a third website from the

University Of Indiana Department Of Ophthalmology that gives a good explanation

of the anatomy of the eye and retina.

http://www.indexedvisuals.com/index2/148-086.htm and

http://www.visioneyedoctor.com/peripheral1.htm.

http://www.opt.indiana.edu/riley/HomePage/Peripheral_Retina_Lecture/MSW_Peripher\

al_Retina.html

I think that the more we understand terminology and can have a visual grasp of

what the problem is, the easier it is to know why it is something we probably

don’t have to worry about.

I have been in situations where I was given unclear information followed with an

appointment with a specialist weeks later. I had success calling the nurse or

nurse practitioner for the clinic making the referral or to the specialist's

office, and expressing the concern and anxiety I had ... waiting more than

anything. A specialist meant it must be serious, then how could it wait three

weeks. My fears were always alleviated by the fact that the appointment was, in

itself, set for three weeks. They assured me that if there was something more

urgent and serious I would be sent directly to the hospital or emergency room.

And, I know that because in other situation, I had received a referral from my

PCP and was, in fact sent directly “to go and not to collect $200â€! …or

was that ‘jail’?

At any rate, the most important knowledge we all have is that there is no worse

enemy threatening our health care status than stress. So practice the skills I

am sure you have re: rest, relaxation, mandatory breathing, pure water

hydration, and adequate sleep. And, don’t forget positive affirmations, and

healing visualization therapy. There is biochemical scientific proof that those

have a healing impact on any disease process. Just as we feed off each other’s

stress, we can feed off each other’s love.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

http://www.pancassociation.org

Pancreatitis Association International

[Guest guest]

Dear Sandy,

There's no need to thank any of us for doing what we want to do to help you, in

this case

it is to listen, and to contribute information, if we think it will help ease

the burden of your

concern for your child. You are both in my prayers each day.

Naturally you want to learn as much as you can about your son's medical problem,

so that

you can be prepared to discuss it intellegently as possible with the specialist.

It's so much

better to go into the appointment knowing as much as you can, so that you aren't

confused and overwhelmed with unfamiliar knowledge.

Take care of yourself, try not to worry, and rest now when you can, Sandy. Once

the

appointment comes in July you may have a very busy schedule ahead before you get

a

chance to rest again.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and should not be

substituted for

consultation with a medical professional.