Uveitis & other eye diseases caused by AS and the treatments
I would like to know how others who have any eye diseases that are know to be a symptom of AS how they deal w/ it & what, if any solutions or medications they may use or may be helpful to others.
I put on an eye cover because the light really bothers me after my prednisone drops. The pain comes in before the eye starts to swell, so I know when it’s coming.
That sounds like a really proactive way to handle it, and it likely gives you a better chance to stay ahead of the symptoms, even when it’s still uncomfortable. Thanks for sharing! -Latoya (Team Member)
Pattibwell
I'm glad to hear someone address the eye problem. I'm already blind in my right eye caused by histoplasmosis but my doctor released me from his care because I can't take a biologic. By the time I was diagnosed with my AS it was very advanced and all the information related to men. My eye problem is new and I thought it was the histo acting up again but they felt fine when I went to retinologist and I didn't tell him about my AS diagnosis because I didn't know I affected the eyes.A lot of people, especially professionals, don't know much about women and AS and that Uveitis is associated as 1 of the symptoms. Sorry to her that you were diagnosed so late, as many women are, but hope for the best for you!
My right eye has been an issue since I was a kid. I wasnt diagnosed for AS until I was 33. It all makes sense now.
Thank you Erin. I am doing a little better after seeing the specialist at the schools optometry unit. They tried a lens on1 eye & waited a 1/2 hr to notice if I noticed a difference. YES I did!! That means I am eligible for the 2 lenses, so they took measurements specifically to my eyes and ordered them, now I wait 2- 3 weeks, ( UGGH) for them to come in. Then they will teach me how to put them in. It will be a 2 hr visit. The lenses are called Sclero lenses BTW.
I am so happy and hopeful for the 1st time in 2-3 yrs. The Dr. i saw said I had 1 of the worst cases of AS caused uveitis he has seen, especially in someone so young. Plus he said he usually sees it in males, but did admit that's because a lot of Dr.'S out there still don't realize that women have different symptoms of AS and at different ages.
As he said, they are NOT a cure, but if my quality of life is better, my stress levels maybe will go down & then my inflammation might just go down...praying!!
I was on Humira but had my 2nd hip replacement last July & couldn't be on it for 1 month before & 1 month after. And the RA did tell me once u get off the meds for awhile, they sometimes don't work anymore. I did go back on for 6 months w/ no changes, so she took me off & is looking at other biologics. I have asthma & mild COPD so can't go on several that they offer. We;ll see. Plus I now have to schedule surgery for both knees, so I don't know if I should just wait until those surgeries are done to go back on a biologic. That is a question I will be asking the surgeon and the RA next wk.
Thanks for caring and sharing!!
