Long post:
I am 62, fat, blood pressure meds and haven't gone near poppers in 10 years.
Sure, I used to use them in some encounters or even alone, but certainly wasn't an addict and I believe I used them only in moderation.
Never used them for anal, as I haven't ever done anal regularly, and not in 20 years. Plus, with anal, besides being uncomfortable and/or painful at times for some or most bottoms, seems difficult, sloppy, messy and too much effort for the reward?
I had a scare in 2012 where I required retinal surgery for a detached retina. Could have lost that eye. It happened suddenly, in my car, when my vision in that eye suddenly turned blurry and even worse, the letters on flashing road signs weren't yellow anymore but off color. -- and flowers were off color as well as fluoresent lights. So I went to the ER quickly.
I believe some people lose the eye even if they have surgery quick enough. Maybe it mostly depends on the skill of the doctors as well?
I had insurance issues so had to wait two weeks for the surgery. Thank goodness it went well. Those precious two weeks could have meant losing the vision.
A few years later, I read online that ***poppers may cause retinal issues.*** I have seen a few sources publish such info, yet still don't hear about this danger unless searching for it. I don't think most gays even know about possible retinal damage, correct?
So I've definitely refrained from poppers since, due to the retinal scare plus my age and obesity.
Not sure when I had last used poppers when the frightening issue occurred.
...
When age 30 and not as obese, I tried poppers while in a sauna in a bathhouse in Toronto. I think I initially liked the novel weird (?) sensation while in a hot sauna vs. always using previously in a normal room. But within minutes, I think I realized while in the sauna that maybe using poppers in a sauna is detrimental. Or maybe only if sitting for an extended time in a sauna and using poppers?
Do many gays, young and old, use poppers in a sauna or steam? I hope not. But they likely don't know any better.
And are young guys nowadays less likely to know about and use poppers?
So there....do your research on retinal issues and poppers. Maybe it depends on the brand of poppers? Knowledge could save your eye or both eyes! Or maybe it's only a retinal risk when older?
But even our gay doctors likely don't know? Thus they don't and can't warn us?
I do miss occasional popper use, but can live without it.
Have I scared anyone about poppers and retinal issues?
