So What Went Wrong when this all started

In the last two posts I've tried to explain what a CRVO is and the effect it has had on my vision, what I'd like to do now is give an overview of my initial (lack of) treatment.

On my first visit to the A&E department at the East Surrey Hospital I wasn't seen by a Doctor but the nurse seemed very thorough, doing various tests, blood pressure, eye test etc.

What I didn't know at the time was that nurses initial diagnosis.

In June 2022 I decided to find out a bit more.

I requested my notes from the East Surrey Hospital and are very comprehensive sets of papers duly arrived.

Most of the notes related to my visit to the TIA clinic, the tests and scans I had and the follow up MRI scan which proved that the brain TIA diagnosis was incorrect.

The most important page from the notes was about my first appearance at A&E.

A simple one A4 page with all of my personal details and a brief conclusion as I've listed below:

Referral Source - Self referral

Arrival Method - Private Transport

Incident Location - Undetermined

Reason for visit - R EYE VISUAL DISTURBANCE

Episode number - (I've left this out for obvious reasons)

Diagnosis - Retinal Detachment

Treatment - (This was left blank)

Disposal - ED Treatment Complete

Discharge Date / Time - (I've also left this blank)


The most important line as far as I'm concerned is the Diagnosis.

RETINAL DETACHMENT


This made me think! Retinal detachment must be serious, surely it can lead to blindness? What treatment should you get - So I decided to find out.

I spoke to a near neighbour, a retired Ophthalmic Surgeon, highly qualified with a distinguished career. I asked what should happen when I was diagnosed with retinal detachment?

No 1. An Ophthalmologist should have looked at my eye immediately.

Did this happen? NO!

The day after I'd visited the A&E department I received a call from the Ophthalmologist saying that in his opinion I had a TIA - He arranged my visit to the TIA clinic but not once suggested that I should have an eye examination.

Had he made a wrong decision? 

What if he had looked at my eye and discovered the bleeds?

What would my vision be now if he had?

I have no answers but I do have a dodgy eye for the rest of my life.






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