I have huge respect for the retina doctors. Their skill and knowledge are truly awesome. Unfortunately my respect — and my trust — were my undoing.
Treatment for macular degeneration — involving a needle in the eye — is scary. So, not surprisingly, a few years ago, I asked why I had this condition. The answer from the retina doctor (y'makh sh'mo) was direct and clear: “Because you are on Prolia!”
Did Prolia cause my macular degeneration? Must I choose between my eyes or my bones?
Losing my vision was a horrible thought. So hoping to protect my eyes, about four years ago I risked my bones and delayed a Prolia shot.
The results were swift and painful. Shortly after that Prolia shot was due I developed a terrible backache. I must have looked awful for I saw the look in our doorman’s eyes as he got me a cab to the nearest ER.
X-rays revealed THREE vertebral fractures! I left with my back taped and an Rx for pain pills. Despite the pain pills, I was in pain beyond belief. Every step was painful and I lived on whatever I could get delivered from a nearby deli.
There was no way I could take a walk, and driving was not possible — the pain was too distracting. Likewise, the active travel I had so eagerly looked forward to in retirement was also off the table, to my sorrow.
The university pain management clinic I consulted had nothing to return even a semblance of the mobility I had hoped for in retirement.
Why did this happen? An old friend, an ophthalmologist, now retired from the National Eye Institute, in Bethesda, MD, confirmed links between osteoporosis and macular degeneration, but NOT between Prolia and macular degeneration.
I’m back on Prolia, but the damage remains. The fractures healed but vertebral x-rays resemble a child’s broken Tinker-Toy! The pain is less severe, but always there when sitting or standing. Hopes of active senior years and the travel to which I looked forward during my working life, are gone. And all because of misleading words from a respected specialist who must have known better. I write this in hopes it will not happen to anyone else!
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