Follow Up appt.

[lboogie]

Hi all,
I have an appt. to see my insurance covered Kaiser opth. tomorrow. He's been really understanding and nice and open so far. I send him a long email about the troubles I've been having and how awful it's been -- he seems genuinely concerned.

Anyways -- I feel almost out of options...what do I talk with him about now? I'm on restasis, lots of supplements and omegas, permanent lower plugs, drops and Freshkote (although the FreshKote was not perscribed by him). AND warm compress and lid massage 1 x per day.

My lasik doc suggested a steriod drop for a while and maybe an allergy drop too just to make sure. But I just want comfort.........I want to feel normal, and I want my terrible dark circles to go away

Any suggestions for me? He did not discount the idea of serum drops or azasite -- but it's an HMO and it can be hard to get any kind of treatment that is not standard care......

Trying to hang in there still.....

[Teri]

I'm so sorry that you're not having any real improvement.

You mention two things (Azasite and serum) that I use and that have helped me a lot. Why not give one of them a try? The Azasite might be easier to try first since it is an existing drug, one that is regularly prescribed to treat other conditions.

The whole Azasite-to-treat-blepharitis seems to be sweeping the nation, judging from how many people on here have tried it, without having to nag their doctors for it.

And maybe start investigating how to get the serum, to get the ball rolling for your next appointment?

You didn't mention any antibiotics. Have you tried doxy- or minocycline? How about upper plugs? How about increasing the frequency of your warm compresses to 4X daily?

I haven't tried drops like Dwelle, but others speak so highly of them, maybe they're an option, too.

I really wish I could help more. I think it's a good idea to brainstorm like this before your appointment, though. Go in there with several ideas to hash out with him.

Good luck.
Teri

[lboogie]

I did a course of doxy already -- for 3 months, it might have helped, I don't know. And I use FreshKote and tried Dwelle for a while. Dwelle hurts pretty badly when I use it...I just don't notice a huge difference.

My lasik dryness is better than 7 months ago for sure -- but just not comfortable yet.

I had the 3-6 day upper plugs put in and had a bit of over-tearing on one eye, then nothing. I guess I could try them again -- BUT I definitely cannot have over-tearing, I'm only 30 and just could not stand having to dab all the time. So I'm fearful of going that route.

Maybe he'll be able to tell me whether my main problem is tears or oil...then Azasite might be a good choice. Thanks for listening -- I sure hate that we are all here.

[LasikLady]

Hi Iboogie,

One thing I was thinking is maybe try flow controller plugs in the top? The over tearing is a drag, for anyone of any age probably. I do feel self conscience about blotting my eyes every few minutes or so. But the god awful dry feeling is gone and that is/was a relief.
Please let us know what happened at your appointment.
Also, we are switching to Kaiser after the first of the year. I have a question for you. With Kaiser do you have to be referred by your primary physician to see an opthamologist like you do other HMOs? I have been wondering about that.

Thanks!
LL

[lboogie]

I'm back -- it was a pretty positive appt. I think. I now have shirmers of 9 and 10. That was done the good way with anestheic and dabbing of extra moisture.

So that is on the edge of "normal." So he said yeah, it must be the glands -- he said there were still a fair amount of clogged glands that have not opened up.

We're going to try azasite IF he can convince the Kaiser pharmacy to cover it -- otherwise I'll have to pay out of pocket - and I hear it's awfully expensive. (FINGERS CROSSED).

Then if that does not do anything we'll try lotemax -- then consider upper plugs.

He did not discount serum, but said it probably wasn't the best choice for long term. I guess if all this doensn't work out -- we can talk about it again.

I'm also going to try and be better about my compresses -- try to get in 2 or 3 per day. And use lid cleasner.

Oh and Lasik Lady -- opthamology is not referred -- you can get an appt. on your own. NOT quite as easy as other departments though...but I think they do have really quality doctors, so that should be good news for you.

Still feel pretty emotional -- it just sucks -- it's sunny and nice here ( a miracle) and I just want to be joyful about being outside and feel motivated to be fit and active -- but since this disatrous lasik, that is gone.

Thanks for reading -- have a nice weekend everyone.

[LasikLady]

Hi Iboogie,

Thanks for the info!

Sounds like your oppointment went well! Those are some great schimers scores! And your doctor seems like he is willing to try different things to get you to a greater level of comfort. I swear by my rice baggie. If I'm feeling dry or sore a few minutes with that baby can turn it all around for me.

Sorry you're feeling bad about missing out on a beautiful weekend. In time that can improve as well. I feel so much better with my eyes and life in general and it seems to improve gradually over time. I just got back from a trip to Tahoe with my husband and we had such an awesome time. Even in smokey casinos I only wore my onion goggles one time when this lady was smoking right next to me. The rest of the time I was quite comfortable. Of course it was rainy/snowy last weekend and I am sure the overall humidity helped me a bunch. But I can honestly say I barely even thought about my eyes the whole time. Even as I blotted them here and there, it was like automatic and I didn't think about it. And they didn't hurt at all. That is a way big improvement even from my 18 month post surgery mark.

Try and stay positive, over time your nerves can heal and your coping strategies improve and you can reach a place where life feels really good again.

LL

[lboogie]

good news update -- my doctor has spoken with the pharmacy and they will special order and cover the cost of my Azasite trial! With my co-pay of course, but it's only $15.

I'm not going to get too excited, becuase I don't want to be bummed out, but I have hope for today at least. I'll keep you all posted.

[Lucy]

Keep your chin up, Laura. That's a big deal getting the med paid for by your insurance, especially when you thought it wouldn't pay for it.

My ins would not pay for the serum drops and I had done two sessions of those before I found out. I just can't do the serum any more as I can't afford the $$ out of pocket. It was $75 for about 3 weeks worth and that's only using it in one eye.

Keep us posted. Lucy