- READ MORE: How Glasses might actually be causing your vision to deteriorate. , doctors warn
A physician who began losing her vision during medical school has stated that what could have been a career-ending condition has instead improved her as a doctor by imparting the significance of self-advocacy when it comes to one’s health.
Dr. Tara Narula, a cardiologist from New York City While attending a lecture at the medical school during her second year in the early 2000s, she observed colored lights flickering in the periphery of her right eye.
Her symptoms persisted for multiple months until she returned home during the holiday season. Upon visiting an ophthalmologist, they discovered nothing unusual except for a minor bleed at the rear part of her right eye—a condition where blood vessels rupture within the eye, leading to internal bleeding.
Nevertheless, when a neuro-ophthalmologist requested a test where Dr. Narula, who is now in her 40s, needed to press a button each time she spotted a flicker of light, she realized "there was an entire sequence of flashing lights" that she had failed to notice.
Shortly afterwards, she was found to have an inferior arcade defect, resulting in blurred vision and dark spots directly ahead, as well as permanent loss of sight at the lower portion of her right eye.
Receiving this information early in my medical journey was terrifying, and I anticipated the very worst," Dr. Narula, an associate professor of cardiology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New York, penned for her piece. TODAY , where she also contributes.
Since her initial diagnosis, her condition has remained unchanged, which has transformed her into a more compassionate physician. She believes this experience enhances her ability to relate to and care for her patients effectively.
The cause of the vision loss was unclear; however, multiple sclerosis (MS) was considered a potential factor. Yet, following several MRI scans, this diagnosis was dismissed.
It was also proposed that this might have resulted from an unnoticed minor stroke or perhaps from someone bumping into their eye unintentionally during a evening outing.
'Dr. Narula stated that hearing there was an issue was challenging enough, but the most difficult aspect was not receiving a genuine diagnosis or explanation of what occurred.'
She stated: "Furthermore, the uncertainty about whether this could recur or if my eyesight would keep deteriorating was one of the most challenging aspects I have had to confront."
'It’s challenging to exist in that gray area, where there are some answers but a complete picture doesn’t exist.'
Though Dr Narula returned to medical school at the University of Southern California, she had a hard time focusing due to stress - that is until her mother gave her valuable advice.
"She mentioned that if I dedicate too much time to fretting over potential outcomes, I would miss out on enjoying the life unfolding before me," stated the healthcare provider.
The final expert she consulted thinks that her extreme myopia, which makes it hard for her to see distant objects clearly, might have altered the shape of her eye, resulting in her impaired vision.
The inferior arcuate defect is a type of glaucoma, which falls under a category of ocular disorders affecting approximately three million people in America.
Although Dr. Narula was initially disheartened by the uncertainty around her condition, she stated that this experience has turned her into a more competent physician.
Each time I attend my yearly visual field examination, anxiety persists. It hits me every day that at any moment, I might find myself back as a patient," remarked Dr. Narula.
Going through my personal experience constantly reminds me that each patient's medical record number, along with their images and charts, represents a person who is frightened and striving to discover their path toward hope and a new sense of normalcy.
As part of her empathetic approach, she noted that every time a patient needs a test or scan, she makes sure to responds as soon as possible so that patient can have answers quickly.
I understand the frustration and fear that comes with lacking a clear diagnosis or knowing the future," she stated. "Experiencing life as a patient emphasized the significance of speaking up for one’s well-being.
Dr. Narula recently offered advice to patients embarking on their personal health journeys.
Initially, she suggests maintaining an open mindset and gathering various perspectives, particularly when dealing with a complex diagnosis.
She emphasized that it is crucial to locate a physician with whom you feel at ease – somebody who listens to your worries and makes you feel understood.
She additionally recommended maintaining a diary of symptoms along with test outcomes to carry during medical visits.
"I likewise advise my patients to request copies of all their test results, such as MRIs, CT scans, blood work, and so on," she stated.
'In this manner, individuals will possess all crucial data regarding their well-being and can exchange it with healthcare providers rather than awaiting the transmission of results from a doctor’s office.'
For women, who are frequently disregarded by medical professionals more often than men, Dr. Narula advised them to "express what they truly feel."
"Women understand their own bodies and can sense when something isn’t right. I encourage my female patients to listen to their intuition when they feel something is amiss and not allow others to dismiss it," stated Dr. Narula.
Promoting health often begins, in numerous instances, with trusting your personal experiences.
A crucial part of dealing with a health issue is establishing a support network to assist you in managing the challenging emotions associated with a hard-to-diagnose illness.
She suggests bringing along a friend or relative to your doctor visits for support.
Dr. Narula added: "It's simple to get overwhelmed within the healthcare system and question how you can possibly tackle a health issue."
However, my mother's guidance from my medical school days remains accurate: "If you move one step at a time without looking too far ahead, you'll find that months have gone by. Just focus on each day as it comes.""
Read more
Post a Comment