Yet ANOTHER problem nd knock back!

Ankyspond

:evil

So fed up of every week findinf there is yet another problem related to arthritis or the medication I take to help me!

Had problems with eyes recently, been for eye test and the steroids having effect on my eyes and got dry eyes as side effect of Enbrel!

When will this ever end, if the arthritis doesn't get me the medication will! Xx

stickywicket

Try not to worry too much about this one, Ankyspond. Many of us have dry eyes. It can be to do with either the disease or the meds but, for most people, ordinary drops will do the trick.

I agree, though, it does seem like yet another straw on the camel's back.

traluvie

Hi Ankyspond,

I know what you mean... sometimes you feel like your fighting a non win battle..
Trouble is i don't think it always gets easier.. the meds we take come with side effects, some worse than others... the cocktail of drugs many of us take i reckon does something to our system in the long run, but then if it helps us get on a bit better in life then that a good thing?!!
Things never seem straight forward.. and never normally run smoothly..I hope that you will get sorted in regards to your eyes..
They say what don't kill us will only make us stronger..
Sending you big hugs(((((X)))))

suzygirl

Hi, I think we can all relate to feeling like that. I have dry eyes as part of the sjorgens and it was recommended to me to use lacrilube ointment at night. It is really effective, alittle messy, but worth it. I have viscotears for during the day if necessary.

Once the meds really take effect, hopefully it will all be owrth it, for you. I so hope so.

Ankyspond

Thanks guys, just having a moan it just seems to be one thing after another. Also worried when he knew I had steroid treatment before I told him so bit of damage already which is a worry.

Suppose it's a balancing game have to have best quality of life for now and worry about the long term effects of these awful drugs have.

Big glass of wine i think now ...... Thanks so much again means a lot. Xx

stickywicket

Do you mean he could tell you’d had steroids just by looking at your eyes, Ankyspond? Or, had he seen your notes? I agree, if it was just by looking at you that would have been scarey.

However, I also agree about the balancing game. It’s a tough one and it doesn’t go away but, when my kids were young, all I was interested in was what would help me be a better Mum. You do have to be sensible though (A real pain!) and keep reviewing your situation.

And the odd glass of wine does help!

Ankyspond

Sticky wicket got it in one, he knew nothing he hadn't looked at my notes at all but by looking in my eyes he actually said to me "have you ever took steroid medication", when I explained he then told me there was some mild damage. Bearing in mind I have only been on medication for just over three years it did freak me out.

Wine always helps, I also found a very nice one recently that is going down very nicely. X

tillytop

Morning Anykyspond

Oh it IS so upsetting and frustrating it is when it's just one thing after another isn't it? I worked out recently that half (yes, half) the meds I take are to deal with or prevent side effects from the other meds which, when you think about it is, quite frankly, stoopid!

I have dry eyes as part of Sjogrens and, like Suzy, I use Lacrilube cream at night and eye drops (Optive) during the day. It is important to keep dry eyes lubricated to try to prevent scratching/scarring of the eye surface so, if the optician hasn't suggested anything, I would ask for his recommendations, taking into account any steroid related eye problems, and then ask the GP if he will prescribe them.

And, having been at this malarky for nearly 16 years now I am very much of the opinion that it's best to say "go for the best possible quality of life now and beggar the potential long term side effects"

Thinking of you.

Tilly xxx

julie47

Morning Anykyspond

Hope you feel a little brighter today. Arthur is a mean guy and just when you think you have got the bu***er sussed he thrrows another problem at you. I hope he now behaves himself for you now and gives you a few years rest from his surprises.

Take care
love juliepf x

stickywicket

How're you doing this morning, Ankyspond? Did the wine lubricate the eyes at all????

Ankyspond

Thanks all for the lovely replies,

Tilly: I am going to get some of the stuff you and Suzy mentioned, he did give me drops to use in the daytime as they do get very itchy and sore. I am just hoping that they won’t take me off Anti TNF due to this as it’s the only thing that gives me a bit of my life back. I too know I have to go with what will help me know and worry about the future when it gets here. Support much appreciated. Xx

JuliePF: Do feel a bit brighter today, got some funky glasses coming so maybe I will look intelligent now who knows? Think it gonna be a lifelong battle with the little devil we all know as Arthur, one I know I can’t win but will give him a good run for his money. Thanks for your kind words. xx

Stickywicket: Well don’t know about the wine lubricating the eyes but it worked on chillin me out and getting a good nights sleep, may have to do it all over again tonight just to make sure it was the wine that helped!! Much love, xx

stickywicket

Ankyspond wrote:

Stickywicket: Well don’t know about the wine lubricating the eyes but it worked on chillin me out and getting a good nights sleep, may have to do it all over again tonight just to make sure it was the wine that helped!!

A wise decision, Ankyspond. The experiment must be repeated to ensure the data is correct. (Don't chill so much you fall over tho'!)

traluvie

Ankyspond..

Glad to hear your a bit better today..
The wine obviously went down well with the advice from Sticky..
Take care..