Rekha Khanduri, 73 from Mumbai has diabetes for a while and lost her eyesight due to diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes related complication. She talks about how she has since learnt to live with such an irreparable loss.
Please tell us a bit about your condition :
I have Blood Pressure as well as diabetes. In fact, I lost my left eye due to diabetes.
When were you diagnosed with diabetes?
About 35 years back. Diabetes runs in the family as both my grandfathers had it. My paternal grandfather had it pretty hard, because he also had a sweet tooth and he had a hard time staying away from sweets. My mother also inherited it. I have managed to keep it under control with medication and control over intake of food.
How did you cope with diabetes?
Whenever I consulted my eye doctor he would always ask me to be careful, as I had diabetes. But I think I was careless about following instructions from the doctor. I thought he was making a big issue out of nothing. I thought it ran in the family, something which I have inherited. Fortunately I don’t have a sweet tooth. But I do like my mangoes, which I need to control.
Related Reading: Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Retinopathy
What were the early symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
My vision used to fluctuate. So I thought it was an early cataract and nothing very serious. But my doctor suggested that I should go for a retina test. That’s when I found out that I had a membrane on top of my retina. The treatment for diabetic retinopathy started. I went to the doctor and he said I needed to remove the membrane. So I thought if the membrane is removed, I’ll get my vision back. I was told by the doctor that I also have a cataract. They did 5 or 6 lasers in the left eye. They said the membrane that developed because of diabetes would detach and then it will be easy to take it off. They first thought of removing the cataract, and then go on to remove the membrane. I came out of the surgery, and then what happened I don’t know. I was asked to wait for a week and then 2 weeks. But I didn’t get my vision back at all.
Please describe your experience of coping with loss of vision?
It was tough in the beginning getting used to a life with partial vision, but now I am able to deal with it. It has definitely slowed me down. But I try to keep myself busy. I am a consultant for 2 schools. People show me sympathy when they hear I have lost one eye, but I try to get past that. I need to be careful while walking, lest I miss a step. I cannot afford to drop my alertness. Very rarely do I step out of comfort zones. But I do try. I feel in this kind of a situation one needs to be very positive.
What medications are you on?
Istamet 50/500 1 tab morning + 1 tab of Dianorm M and 1 Istamet at night + ½ Dianorm.
Were there any side-effects of the medicine?
Not that I remember.
What were the other challenges you faced and what is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?
My right eye is also showing signs of a cataract, which is a challenge for me. I have been to the doctor, and he has asked me to wait another 6 months before he takes a call on that. My main challenges are when I am travelling as I have to watch out for things. My husband is hard of hearing, and I have vision problem. So we try to help each other.
My advice to people would be to never neglect your eye problems, specially if you are suffering from diabetes.
Have you learnt anything in managing your condition that you wish you knew before?
I had to get a laser done before my Retina surgery. Now having lost vision in my left eye, I wish I had not just gone to the most famous doctor, but had also taken a second opinion.
What kind of specialists do you consult and how often?
After the loss of my left eye and to save my other eye I was making trips to an eye centre in South India every 3 months. But, I haven’t gone there for 2 years due to Covid. I am now consulting a Retina specialist locally and go totally by his advice.
Have you had to make some changes to your lifestyle because of your condition?
Yes, many, but manageable ones. I do my own cooking. A girl is there with me round the clock which is a big help. Cosmetically I’m fine, that is, looks-wise no one can make out that I do not have vision in one eye. That’s half the battle won.
Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies, like yoga?
Yes, but very recently. I do yoga where the instructor makes me do exercises with both my eyes. The lid of my left eye which lacks vision tends to droop because of the weakening muscles. My yoga instructor asks me to do exercises which help keep my affected eye open. I also do yoga for my arthritis.
Has it been difficult emotionally to cope with your condition?
If you are not a complainer and take what life gives to you, it becomes easier.
How has your family supported you?
Yes I have received tremendous support from my family, my own family as well as my extended family. My friends have also provided me with invaluable support.
Is there any personal anecdote that you would like to share with us?
When I am outside, I do not hesitate to ask for help. Recently, my husband and I had gone for the movie Gangubai Kathiawadi. During intermission, I felt like a coffee and my husband wanted some popcorn. I wasn’t feeling confident about going down the stairs alone, nor could I allow my aged husband to do the same. I saw a young couple and asked the girl to take me down to the counter. On the way back, she held our coffee and I was holding the popcorn. Her name was Pinky and my husband was quite surprised how I enlisted the help of a complete stranger. But I saw nothing wrong in it, specially since the girl seemed helpful.
