Opinions Please - Swelling, Chemical Sensitivity, Dry Eye w/ Mucus

[JAH1973]

Although I have noted my symptoms in my initial posting, I am interested in others' opinions on what each would do if they had my symptoms. I have been to many doctors with no diagnosis. One even told me to take an antidepressant and pray for a medical maricle. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Upon awakening, my eyelids and nose/face are swollen. The swelling does go down eventually, but it really "freaks" me out no matter how long it goes on. I have bought new pillows, changed detergents, etc. Last week, my eyes were matted shut. I am very sensitive to fragrances and have tried several types of makeups that are fragrance free. It appears that there is something in those makeups that burn my face.

(Had three allergy tests; 1 allergic to everything, 2 allergic to nothing!) Neurologist ran several blood tests on autoimmune diseases)

I have chronic sinus infections, severe dry eye, and constant mucus in the eyes. Although the eye doctors are treating the symptoms, no doctor has been able to explain the swelling.

Please note that I have recently changed doctors who is also knowledgable in homeopathic treatments. I recently did a candida test in which I have not received the results. This doctor is also going to do a food allergy and chemical allergy blood test... waiting for the test kits.

I have never been sick in my life and had two children whereas I was released from the hospital within 12-24 hours of being admitted. Therefore, I have always been a very healthy person.

On Wednesday, I am meeting with another eye specialist to hopefully get an actual diagnosis as to what type of dry eye that I have... at this time, I have only been told "dry eye."

Next month, I am meeting with a rheumatologist since my new doctor stated that my immune system is low, BUN blood test was low, etc.

Finally, I made an appt with Cleveland Clinic to get a 1-3 day diagnostic testing done, but could not get in until mid January. I am really nervous to have to go through all of these testings but am getting very desperate to understand what is going on with me. I have been to several doctors, spent tons of money, and am in the same situation as I was in the beginning.

Due to all of the doctors appts and sick days, I am close to losing my job. My life has changed dramatically and know that many of the members here have gone to all levels to get an answer to their questions. Just wondering what other ideas anyone else has????

[calli66]

Sorry to hear that you are dealing with a seemingly unsolvable puzzle.

Since I have Sjogren's and Hashimoto's (autoimmune hypothyroid), of course I think of those things. Sjogren's is hard to diagnose and sometimes exists without positve bloodwork. You're getting further testing in this area, I understand.

The swollen eyes in the morning---hmm. You're right to get the allergy test, change pillow, detergents, etc. But what else could it be? My eyelids used to be much more swollen in the morning---when I was undiagnosed yet, and when my eyes were in worse shape (meaning more dry and lids irritated). The "eyes matted shut" is significant, to me, anyway, and might indicate blepharitis/inflammation or something of that nature. I used to get more swollen and puffy when I had bleph.

I'll go back and find your original posting and see what other symptoms you have.

Be brave and keep trying to get a diagnosis, if you can afford it. In the meantime, try to figure out if there's anything at all that makes your eyes better---what conditions, time of day, etc. All those are clues. Maybe start a diary and see if you can collect data on this---so that over time, you may start to see a bigger picture and achieve a better understanding.

Unfortunately, many of us here have had to come up with our own solutions and find what works, and it can take quite a long time. But we do get better.

Calli

[liz56]

Hi, JAH1973.

I have hypothyroidism, and I have experienced swelling of the face and eye lids, unexplained rashes and itchy patches, fatigue, hair loss, ringing in the ears, and dry eye. All of these symptoms were alleviated when I started a prescription for synthroid. So, you might want to ask to have your TSH levels checked. That is something that you will not have to wait for. It is a simple, easy blood test.

Good luck,
Liz

[JAH1973]

I have had the thyroid tests done and the doctors think that the tests are ok. I also thought that could have been one of my problems.

Over the weekend, I kept experiencing random dizzy and "stoned" feelings with a great sensitivity to the sunlight. (Please note that I never was into recreational drugs, but could not think of a better description).

In regards to allergies, This weekend, I bought new pillows, changed pillows, and even slept without a pillow last night to see if the swelling would go away. Didn't work.

It has been very frustrating trying to get to a comfortable state until someone can figure this out. I have had so many blood tests done and they all keep coming back that I am perfectly healthy.... Don't I wish!

Thank you for all of your posts, I greatly appreciate the support and consideration that I have been given through many of the members here.

[portrgirl]

Have you been tested for an allergy/sensitivity to your own tears? I have a friend who has it and her eyes gets severely irritated if she wears contacts (so she doesn't) or cries, etc. It sounds like a stretch from the symptoms you listed, but I thought I'd throw it out there since it sounds like you're at the end of your rope.

[JAH1973]

I go to another eye specialist tomorrow and will ask every question I can think of. At this point, I would not be surprised if I am allergic to my own tears as well. I also have an appt with another ENT doctor tomorrow. Needless to say, I have met my insurance deductible for the year. Therefore, I am not going to quit trying until I know that I have to accept this condition.

I am getting very frustrated these days... I went to my friends house and tried various lipsticks on and could not tolerate any, each caused my lips to burn and swell. Heaven only knows what is causing that. Don't know if there is a link between makeup ingredients and my case of dry eye. I also have a chronic sinusitis. It never ends....

Thank you for your tolerance of my woes. You are all great!

[Rebecca Petris]

I have had the thyroid tests done and the doctors think that the tests are ok.

Do you have the actual numbers? You might want to read up on thyroid disease. There are a lot of people who 'test negative' like this on the basic screening but who are hypothyroid nonetheless.... sort of like with dry eye . There's an excellent book called "Living Well with Hypothyroidism" that gets into all the details of really getting diagnosed properly. It's by Mary Shomon and I haven't looked in a long time but if I remember right she has a lot of material online at about.com.

[JAH1973]

Thank you for your insight. I kept asking the doctors about hypothyroidism so three ran the TSH and Free T4(?) tests. I even called an endocrinologist and was told that he only takes patients with a referral. At this moment, I do not have the numbers, but will be sure to get a copy for myself so I can use those numbers to research.

I really appreciate the help. I am willing to have any test ran that can help. As my family doctor stated yesterday... "He has never seen so many tests run on one person in such a short amount of time."

I don't know about anyone else here, but I have found that in order to get assistance from many doctors, I had to be so very aggressive. At times, I felt like I was self-diagnosing which is quite outrageous since I am an accountant and had absolutely no knowledge of medical tests and/or doctors. Prior to this, I went to the doctors every three years. Now, I go approximately three days each week.

[dianat]

In case you choose to pursue the thyoid theory, do know that conventional thyroid testing is considered inaccurate. Here's some information on testing yourself at home using a basal thermometer.

http://www.thewolfeclinic.com/pdf/Th...rture_Test.pdf

I'm not at all qualified to suggest this is what's wrong, but if you're looking to your thyroid, you'll want to add the temp. test to the equation.

Also, I couldn't help but think about some abstract dietetic thing being your problem. I worked with a woman who had chronic sinus infections. She learned she could be allergic corn and all corn derived products. She cut them out of her diet and was shockingly healthier for it.

Here's some info on an elimination diet that I Googled.

http://www.drcranton.com/elimination_diet.htm

It's only a suggestion. Best of luck to you.

Diana

[JAH1973]

It is interesting that many of your opinions are theories I that I continue to pursue.

I went to the hospital and got copies of all of my bloodwork this week. Will be researching.

My family doctor is still going to test me for food and chemical allergies through a blood test through Genova Labs (sp?). I also went to yet another ENT who is convinced that my problems are allergy related and wants to run allergy testing... (fourth test). When the ENT mentioned this, I told him that I had already had three tests done. He wants to do his own test. I stated that this has been such a roller coaster dealing with the multitude of doctors who each either don't know or will just run additonal tests which come back negative. These doctors then give up. I will be talking to my fam doctor since all of the the continual prick/skin tests seem to be inconsistent with one another.