- Acanthamoeba keratitis
- Interviews
Swimming with AK's interview
How did all start?
I went swimming in our HOA pool and my goggles leaked on a turn and I got water in my right eye.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I was diagnosed 5 days after my swim and 4 days after the onset of symptoms
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Nurse practitioner - she was nearly useless
Cornea specialist at opthamology clinic - she was invaluable and diagnosed me on the spot
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Landing in the hands of my cornea specialist and her immediate actions and treatments
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Coping with the reality that I did everything you are supposed to do to prevent this condition and yet I got it anyway - I am among the very rare cases of infection without the use of contact lenses.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
They are as supportive as they can be, but I feel bad that I am still fighting this for MONTHS and I can't return to my swimming.
What things have you stopped doing?
Swimming
What do you think about the future?
Fear my return to the pool and future re-occurrence of AK; fear this happening to one of my kids. Anger that there is no way to prevent it from occurring.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Swim with my buddies at the pool and sleep all night without waking for drops
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I have dedicated much of my adult life towards helping others with my rare disease.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Find the support group on facebook, they are amazing folks and you won't feel so isolated.
