Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Iritis Continued

Going on week 4 of the Iritis issues. Woke up Monday and my vision was a lot worse than it has been. I went to the Eye Dr. and he said that things were worse and gave my 2 injections in my eye. Wow--what a terrible feeling. It it not any better today. Vision is poor to say the least. I now have some things floating around in my bad vision. Anyone go through this? How long until it is back to normal? Thanks, Todd

Thank goodness you went back for help Todd! I don't know the timeline relative to injections but it really helped my brother get out of a scary stubborn attack. The injections ensure a continuous level of steriod in the eye and I'd expect (?) to notice some degree of difference within a few short days.

I can't help wonder why it took your doc 4 weeks to make this decision and since this is obviously more serious, I'd ask to be referred to an iritis specialist, if you aren't seeing one already. They have more experience in treating critical cases.

I am curious to know when you are scheduled to been seen again? I would want to be very closely monitored. If the doc isn't seeing you within 1 - 2 days then I might just show up and asked to be checked or start looking for another doc. Don't be afraid to be demanding... they should understand why you are concerned and should accomodate you.

I wish you the very best and hope things improve soon!


mig

Hi Todd. I'm sorry you're having such a time with this bout of iritis. My last bout took 23 days to clear up. I didn't have injections and can only imagine how that feels. I had floaters before (have always had them), but now they are quite pronounced in the eye that had the iritis. Have you mentioned the "floating things" to your eye doctor?

As I waited so long to get treatment for my iritis (I didn't know I had it at the time), I suffered a bit of vision change when it finally cleared up. I would guess everyone is different as to when it finally goes away. I didn't think I'd ever see out of my eye again. Bit by bit, it started to change and now it's ok.

Please hang in there...this too shall pass eventually.

Hugs to you,

Sherree

I go back on Thursday morning. I don't think they did anything because the Iritis seemed stable. It started at +3 cell flare then went down to 2 and stayed at 2 until yesterday when it was at 4+. I don't know what the numbers mean, but I guess the higher the worse. After making it through yesterday, I was hoping for a quick cure. Thanks, Todd

You're right. The higher the number the worse it is. I'm not exactly sure but it basically corresponds to the number of infected cells per area in you eye. I don't know what size area they look at to obtain the ratio.

I have had iritis twice. The first time I had no idea what I had so it took about 2 months to go away. The second time it took 4-1/2 months to go away but only because they couldn't treat it properly while I was pregnant.

I hope to NEVER have it again. It's the pits! I wake up often with red and stinging eyes and I want to cry but so far it hasn't developed into anything.

I have floaters in my vision now also. Also, my vision has changed a great deal and I often have problems with focus. I go to the eye doc Thursday to see how much it has affected my eyesight.

Good Luck! I pray that it goes away soon

I wish I knew something more helpful,... but I think the injections are the shortest distance to recovery... but still a long road none-the-less.

See if you can judge your response to the treatment by keeping track of your pain level (& headaches or other obvious symptoms), and make notes to see if it correlates to whatever the doc says next. It has been my experience that if you feel worse - you are. If you feel slightly better - you're probably right! Learning to recognize the subtle signs has helped me so much. I know you've had iritis in the past, and this dreaded thing really likes to come back, so we might as well get really good at dealing with it.

Yep, the higher the number signifies a greater amount of inflammed cells.

The only other thing I can suggest is to avoid getting over-tired, and try to get lots of quality sleep. Avoiding caffeine seems to help as well. I'm still weaning down from my attack in Dec. and think it is trying to switch eyes.

I hope some relief is on the way for you Todd!

mig

Just want to offer my support. Been there, done that. I've had iritis more on than off for the past seven years. Mostly in just my left eye, sometimes my right, and 3 times in both eyes at the same time. Treat this aggressively, and don't take any garbage from your doctor. Please be careful, you don't have eyes to spare.

Hugs,

Cindy

I am only one; but still I am one.
I cannot do everything.
But still I can do something;
I will not refuse to do the something I can do.
Helen Keller

Thanks

Hi Todd!

I've been fortunate to not have any serious problems with my eyes, knock on wood

I have read what you and others go through I can't imagine how painfull it must be to have injections

I do wish you the best and hope you get some relief real soon!

peace & love
Kathy



"The most beautiful stones have been tossed by the wind and washed by the waters and polished to brilliance by life's strongest storms."