Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group flu shot => iritis

Tis the season for the dreaded iritis! So far, I count 3 of us Kickers to come under attack.

I wanted to let you all know that I had a recent iritis attack that appeared out of no-where... exactly 7 days after getting a flu shot! I was nearing the 1-full-year-being-iritis-free mark, when it struck without warning. Usually subtle clues help me with early detection ..but none this time .

A few yrs ago, I'd heard good advice from my GP's nurse, to consider getting the flu shot in 2 separate (1/2 dose) shots, spaced one month apart to lessen the intensity of potential response. Since I was feeling so good this year with no hint of iritis,.. I didn't bother. How dumb am I? For 3 months prior, I was taking a preventative 'maintenance' dose of Voltaren (a non-steroidal drop) *just in case* that I believe served to mask the signals.

I told my Opthalmologist that I thought the flu shot had triggered my attack, and he agreed. He said 7 days would be exactly the right timing for one's body to mount an immune-response, and since AS = a hyper-sensitive immune system... yep.

Tho my right eye was attacked, he's checking both eyes as I feel it starting in the left eye too and it wouldn't be the 1st time that's happened with me. He thinks this is even more likely this time. He said (half muttering to himself) that an external antigen would circulate throughout the blood stream and therefore pass directly through the eyes ... suggesting this was somehow unique from our 'normal' internal immune response??? Does this make any sense? I tried to get him to clarify how this differs from a 'usual' flare, but he kind of fluffed me off as tho I wouldn't understand it.

About 4 days after my eye started, my back went into full flare with muscle spasms, which have since calmed down and I think may have been caused by the constant tilting backwards to administer drops!?! Just a guess, as my back improved as I weaned from 1 per 1/2 hr ... 1 per 1 hr ... 1 per 2hrs, but I can't really be sure.

Since each country developes unique flu vaccines, I am wondering if any of my fellow Canadians experienced similiar troubles? Maggie perhaps? So, a warning to all of you with iritis history... to please consider doing the 2 half shots method for flu vaccine and hopefully avoid this trouble!

And wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to ALL!

mig

Mig,

Very, very interesting! I found the part about taking half the shot at a time to be very informative. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Since I was diagnosed 18 years ago, I have been very lucky to have never experienced iritis yet....knock on wood! Only dry eyes occasionally. But if it ever happens I now know how to deal with the flu shot problem.

I hope it clears up soon. I've heard it is just miserable. Would you like to borrow my eyes for awhile? I don't mind!

Take care Mig and feel better soon!

Hugs,
Cristina

Sorry about your flare what a bad time to get it..
Every doctor I have been two have told me to NEVER get the flu shot for that very reason. Our bodies will not understand that it is suppose to help us instead it attacks our immune syatem. Two of the many docs that told me this was at LSU medical school and the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville.
Get well soon, Yoly

Umm... make that four. Got the ol' Pred-forte flow'in this week myself. Coincided with a nasty GI bug. Shakes and fever, the whole shabang. I have had repeated iritis in the left eye this year about five times. Yup, tis the season.

Oh no Kerry,... I'm sorry to hear you've been under such constant attacks .

Once in a while is bad enough but repeated attacks are definitely more concerning. I've had years like your's in past and look for any way to break that cycle, with relaxation and rest being my best defence so far. I hope... have you been on a low 'maintenance' (2-3 drops/day) dose of PredF year round?

I've also found catching any bug can set it off, stress is an aggravant, the flu shot, and (my weirdest to date) was being stung by a wasp on vein in my foot.

Now if only we could get the rollercoaster to stop....
Best of luck Kerry!

mig

Hey Cristina! Nice to see you and thanks for your kind words!

It isn't always miserable if caught early enough,.. it's more annoying than anything else. I'm already on the mend, so won't need to take you up on your offer ,... tho your sweetness is appreciated!

Thanks and hugs,

mig

Hi Yoly!

Thanks for passing along your doctor's advice. It is very interesting to hear this, especially since I've been told by all my doc's the exact opposite!?! Me thinks these medical minds do not study from the same text books?

Mine suggest that we ASer's belong in a higher risk group, whereby the risk of flu complications (should we contract the flu) would be greater than > the risk of potential problems from the shot itself. Obviously dead or live cells do stimulate an immune response... but if we are overwhelmed (more likely with live virus) then we are more prone to things like chest infections... which could get seriously out of control.

No doubt I've had a less-than-pleasant experience, but wonder if getting the flu would not be equally unpleasant... or worse? No doubt, I'll be giving this more careful consideration next year.

Thanks and hugs!

mig

Hi there,
I guess I'm the 4th.... I've been on the drops for over a month and still my eye is bad. Got to wait to see my eye doctor, waiting list is nuts. I haven't had an outbreak for a year...


~If there is something you cannot change, then change the way you react to it

I don't think there will ever be a straight answer on things related to AS.

I get the flu shot every year, have been on Enbrel for the past 2 years which weakens the immune system.........and yet, I have not had any eye problems, and no illness except one very minor sinus infection.



Betty

Hi Mig,

Sorry to hear your iritis is flaring. That is not good. I have never experienced iritis but after reading many posts about it on this board I hope I never do.

You know I am nervous of the flu shot. Prior to being diagnosed with AS I got a flu shot every year without fail. This year after much indecision, I did not get the flu shot. I just could not bring myself to do it. After last years episode that never really ever went away I just could not go through with it. I am going to take my chances with the flu. Just a gut feeling not to do it.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas as well Mig and I hope your iritis is better soon!!

Debbie

There is no drug stronger than a good attitude.