Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
‘I nearly lost my sight’
Jamie Grant suffers from idiopathic intracranial hypertension, which is characterised by a build-up of pressure around the brain.
The 23-year-old, from the Dens Road area of Dundee, said the illness had “ruined her life” and she has concerns that it was caused by a contraceptive implant.
She said: “It started when I was 16. I started to get really bad migraines and headaches.
“My sight was starting to intermittently go too. I also started to put on weight but it was like I was swollen more than anything — it was like I was full of water.
“I was fit and into sports — I went from being healthy to not being able to get out of my bed.”
Jamie said doctors were unable to find out why she was stricken with the migraines and headaches.
Then she went for an eye check-up have arisen because of her use of a contraceptive rod.
According to the NHS, the cause of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is often unclear.
However, advice from the health service says that the issue could be linked to a number of things such as hormone imbalances, certain medications including antibiotics, steroids and contraceptive medications.
Jamie added: “I had no idea that it could be down to the contraceptive rod until I spoke with doctors.
“They said that it could be caused by me already having high levels of certain hormones. The rod was making them even higher.
“I am just thankful that I went for the eye test. It could have been much worse. If it was untreated I could have lost my sight.”
Jamie said she wants her story to be a warning to people to choose contraception wisely and also to highlight the importance of seeking medical advice.
A WOMAN has told of her battle with a condition that almost claimed her sight.