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Maddie-W
#1 Posted : Tuesday, December 21, 2010 7:43:32 PM Quote
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Joined: 2/4/2010
Posts: 11
Hi there,
Just when I thought it couldn't get much worse, I have now been told that the RA is affecting my eyes. This feels like the last straw. I started on Enbrel in July which seemed to be working (swelling definitely improved) then had a stomach virus which really dehydrated me and set off an enormous flare up after a reasonably stable couple of months. Since then nothing seems to be going right and now this. Ever think that someone doesn't like you ?!!!

Anyway, would be really interested to hear from anyone else who has had eye problems as a result of this foul disease. Firstly my sympathies, but also, have the treatments improved things for you, or is it another case of just 'stopping it getting worse'.

Thank you
Maddie
xxxx
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Rose-B
#2 Posted : Wednesday, December 22, 2010 12:57:07 PM Quote
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Joined: 4/20/2010
Posts: 1,749
Location: Somerset

Hello Maddie

Sorry to hear that you are having problems with your eyes.
I am 56 and although no one actually said that it is RA that caused
my eyes to get catarc. Had both done within the past year so am
able to see again I do suffer also from dry eyes

Good luck to you

Rose
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jeanb
#3 Posted : Wednesday, December 22, 2010 5:13:57 PM Quote
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Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 3,006
Location: Timperley
Hi Maddie

Firstly, RA can and does affect the eyes of several of us. There is a secondary disease called "secondary Sjorgren's syndrome" which causes extreme dryness, soreness and sometimes itchiness. This disease affects ALL bodily fluids, so you can find your mouth very dry too and also other "bits" Blushing Such a joyful thing!!!!

You don't actually say how RA seems to be affecting your eyes, and if you have a minute to post on that, we could perhaps help more.

If you DO have Sjorgren's, it is usually treated with drops or, if the eyes are bone dry, there is a small op you may be offered where a tiny tiny stainless steel rod is put in the tear ducts to stop the tears from flowing away.

Sorry you have this horrid disease

Love Jeanxxxxx
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Maddie-W
#4 Posted : Wednesday, December 22, 2010 7:07:30 PM Quote
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Joined: 2/4/2010
Posts: 11
Thank you both.
I do have Sjorgrens, and it's apparently quite severe (it's certainly uncomfortable). I have been given drops and also a gel to use at night (which inevitably means I can't see properly - not the easiest thing when you've got a 22month old who's up in the night teething as mine has been the last few nights!!). I'll be honest (and sorry for moaning) but it's the fact that it's another thing that I have to do for an indefinite period. I feel like I am totally chemically maintained at the moment, and it's been getting me down. My workplace aren't the most sympathetic (I suggested a humidifier - there was a total lack of engagement and understanding).

Anyway, it's Christmas, and I should be wishing you all a very Merry one. Hope you have something special planned and that your joints allow you to enjoy it.

xxxxx
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jenni_b
#5 Posted : Wednesday, December 22, 2010 10:13:47 PM Quote
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Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 2,237
Location: nr Southampton
Hi

I have similar problems and one of my tear ducts has just decided to block too! Marvelous! like you I have a young family. not easy when your body is off playing RA Bingo!RollEyes

I have found gel tears the best stuff. the drops didnt help. I have also been using the spray called Eye Logic previously known as Clarymist (Got it online- here is an advert but you can possibly find it cheaper I got it through an ebay shop http://www.dryeyesyndrome.co.uk/ ).

I have never joined this forum but you can view it without joining and it is helpful:

http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/

I think it is a sort of bereavement when something else is effected by the RA- its like you have lost a battle for something precious. I do think this is loss and needs to be respected as such- sometimes just having the feeling acknowledged is important.

Jenni x
how to be a velvet bulldoser
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MrsWoman
#6 Posted : Thursday, December 30, 2010 1:50:03 PM Quote
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Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 331
Location: South London
Hi Maddie

I am visiting the eye hospital every six months as I have had problems with dry eyes but have not been told that its Sjorgrens just that RA effects the eyes. the last visit I was given the night cream as reckons my eyes are drying out overnight as not blinking , central heating etc. Not too keen on teh cream might try a humidifier though.

Thanks Jenni for the info on the dryeye site and interesting to know there is an op!

Sorry havent been on site for a while have a rotten bout of tendonitis since September and pain puts me off doing anything.


Hope you all had a good christmas

mari
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