Slab City
Registered User
(1/16/07 4:33 pm)
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scleritis, uveritis, pigmentary dispersion glaucoma
Hello,
After much confusion and fear, I am finding answers to many of my questions here on this site. I am most grateful, to say the least. It has been difficult trying to explain my problems to family and friends, who know little more than the words "cataract" and "glaucoma". It is amazing that so little information and attention is available(easily) about eye disease when so many people's lives are devastated by its affects. Dr Foster's web site is the exception. I am impressed by his accomplishments and the service that he has so generously decided to provide. I hope to meet him in the near future (my doctor has recommended this).
I have pigmentary dispersion, Krukenberg Spindles, and now glaucoma. I had cataracts removed, L/1995 and R/2004. After cataract removal in 2004, I had constant irritation in that eye and suffered redness, burning and light sensitivity. In Sept '06, these symptoms worsened and were in both eyes. The diagnosis was scleritis ( I have seen Uveritis and episcleritis on my chart), but was given little information. I was treated with Pred Forte drops and Acular for a short time and things improved for a few days only to return and bringing pressures up to high 30's. During this initial stage, I had many conflicting symptoms such as breathing difficulties (hyperventilating), anxiety, severe insomnia, sleepiness, dizziness, sinus tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, low blood pressure, cognitive problems, confusion, emotional outbursts, body aches, exercise intolerence and depression. I also suffered and do suffer from headaches, and pressure in my temples, the bridge of my nose and my brows. Blood tests and a chest x-ray showed no problems. I had to seek these on my own. I found I was intolerent of most medications for glaucoma and inflammation (medication intolerence is typical for me). My IOP spiked to R/42 and Dec 12th I had ALT on the right eye. The pressure dropped for 2 days and then rose to the high 30's again. I was visiting the doctor's office daily or every other day some weeks. After treatment with Alphagan, Methazolamide (intolerent) Acular and Alphagan, my pressures went down to L/17 and R/20 on Jan 4th. I changed doctors at this time (distance issue) and enjoyed good eye health until this Sunday when the redness and burning returned. Will be seeing my new doctor Thursday for 2nd time.
Other complications and symptoms are long time Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, benign familiar hematuria, familial hypercholesterolemia, and recently I found I had a wheat allergy (identifying this eliminated Gerd and IBS problems). My lipids specialist is graciously helping me to hook up with a good internist, so that is in the works. I think you can see that I have had difficulties finding good doctors who can deal with these issues, but I have faith they are out there.
So I have learned that there are others who are also suffering, making life adjustments and dealing with fear. I read once that the fear of blindness is one of 2 primal fears. I agree.
I live in beautiful rural Maine and I am retired from government service (my eyes caused me to leave). I have enjoyed assistant directing and singing in a Sweet Adeline Chorus and singing in a quartet. I was active in the local Historical Society, fire department auxiliary, Treasurer of the local church, cooking for benefit suppers, etc. and enjoying 10 grandchildren. Singing has caused fatigue and pain in my brow and sinus areas, so I have had to put that on the back burner along with all other activities until I can get some relief from these health issues. My time now is spent trying to maintain good health and eyesight. This is a whole new world for me. I realize I have had a lot to say, but that is typical. I would appreciate communicating with others.
Bonnie
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