Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group I am new to this site and to AS, and Im not coping

Hi there Aussie girl and so nice to meet you! I'm sure sorry you aren't feeling well, though! I hope you can feel better soon.

Quote: And I have tarigiums on my eyes and get very red and swollen eyes that are sensitive to light.

I'll just say one quick thing about your eyes. If you have red eyes and inflammation, have you ever been checked out for uveitis or iritis? Do you see a specialist? You can go to the MERSI website in Cambridge MA and they can direct you to a specialist in your area.
Let me know if you want a direct link or more information or if you are already all set with that, ok?
I'm really sorry you are in so much pain.
Jan

Hi Megan - Knew it weren't like you to get stuff like that wrong...no way 'smile'.

Yes, 'A' once, and only IF the MRI queue is too long - but to check out the radiaiton is/has been corrected on the machine they propose using (like they'll tell one? <LOL>) Yep, made sense Megan.

OK hon - take care.

Thats what my doc sent me to my optomotrist for but he didnt seem to care and said he would see how the doctors cortosone ointment works before refering me to a opthalmologist. grr
I tell you what, the redness has reduce but the pain and feeling like it is swollen is only getting worse.
I don't know what that means.

Just a quick question if I may
Have been doing a lot of research on AS online and it was suggested a number of times that people with AS should wear a medical allert bracelette or necklace.
Does anyone here wear one?
Is it worth wearing one?

Hi aussiegirl and welcome to KA!

I've quickly read through all of the replies here but fear it this has not been expressed strongly enough...

With your diagnosis of AS and the eye symptoms you describe -- you need to been seen URGENTLY by an Ophthalmologist to be properly checked for iritis. (and not an Optometrist) Not tomorrow or the next day but NOW.

If what you have is indeed Iritis -- you need to be aware that this can cause permanent damage to your eyesight quickly and because of this it is considered an emergency. If you cannot get an immediate referral, please go to a hospital emergency. Tell them very clearly that 1. you have a diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis, 2. you fear you might have iritis, and 3. you want to be examined by an Ophthalmologist.

I really do not mean to frighten you but do want to stress the urgency. If they diagnose iritis they'll most likely give you steroid drops, dilating drops and a steroid ointment for when you sleep and monitor your eye pressure.

I really hope it turns out that you don't have iritis and glad you have found our group!

My best to you,
mig

Oh and btw, your son should be able to access his membership account now.

Hi,
Yes I wear a medical allert bracelette have done for years.Its a good idea to inform people of your AS if you have an accident and you are unconscious they will know to take care with your spine and also it lists all the drugs and any other problems you may have. I would recommend all AS patients wear one.

Kevin

Thanks for that mig.

I was at the emergency department on Sunday night with the pain and I told the doctor about my AS and that I was having the problems with my eyes (left eye particularly) He didnt even look at it and the only thing he said was to go back to my rheumy, who I havent even got a first app for.
I explained to the emergency doctor that I was worried about iritis and he just said see the rheumy.
So frustrated with how I keep getting blown off.

I think the optom wasn't worried as the cortosone ointment has reduced the redness but he wouldnt listen about the pain and swelling. He could barely look at my eye as the light from the machine made it almost impossible to keep my eye open.
I even ticked the box to pay for a special pic to be taken and he just said no he was not doing it. GRRRR

May I ask what is actualy written on your bracelette Kevin?

Hi again - I'm not sure of where you live, if it is rural or if you have access to another hospital in the area perhaps... but I would either go to another ER or go back in to the same one. Or phone area hospitals to ask if any have an Ophthalmologist on staff if that might help. Ask if they have the slit lamp equipment.

The first time I was diagnosed with it was by a young intern at an ER who just happened to remember something about it from med school and I got lucky that he happened to figure it out. It is easily diagnosed by the right specialist but many docs won't be aware of it or of the urgency. Tell them you have 'heard' it is critical to be examined.

Please go back! Be firm. Ok?

My best!
mig

Mine is called an sos bracelette it has a water proof compartment that unscrews and inside is a long piece of paper with all my details on,Diseases,blood group,medication, and personal details phone numbers.

I have seen his bracelet, a great idea it says


'Kevin is Great'................