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Thought I'd share a few random things that have worked for me on those bad days. The folowing range from the ridiculous to the sublime, and will definitely not please all of the people all of the time. This is not an exhaustive list; I'll add to it as I think up more STWFM...
1 - atomic fireballs: These babies taste good, cover any bad breath, and make my eyes water. Sometimes I'll down three of these a day. Two negatives: you can't really talk to someone while they are in you mouth, and they require frequent teeth brushing. I find that the Ferrera Pan brand in the hottest an therefore the most eye-watering.
2 - eating a warm meal: This always seem to gives me some rejuvenation, even on really bad days. A spicy warm meal is even better.
3 - running - Probably those endorphins that exercise brings on are responsible for this ffect, but I always feel better after I run (though I'll feel worse later if I don't keep hydrated, so I carry water around with me for a few hours afterward.
4 - a nap: The perfect eye-rejuvenation technique for those long lectures on "murine antibody reactions to pygmy squamous cells." Also great on Sunday afternoons. Seriously, I think that a small lipid layer is re-formed while I nap, so even a brief one can help a lot.
5 - a hot shower: (duh)
6 - holding my head over the warm humidifier and letting the mist (NOT the really hot part!) gently waft into my closed eyes. Sometimes, this bus me an extra hour of reading time before bed.
7 - a swim: Even in cold waterm this seems to help a lot. My first dry-eye summer (2004), I would go directly from work with my throbbing eyes to the pool, just for 10 minutes or so. Man, was that a nice relief!
8 - hot tub: I don't own one, but may have to save up--this realy seems to help, especially if I get my head under water a bit.
9 - goggles: I swear by my Panoptx Vientos (Rx, expensive, but worth it). I can put them on with my eyes feeling awful, and 10 minutes later have forgotten about my eyes altogether (always a good sign).
10 - distractions: (duh)
11 - refresh plus, dakrina, dwelle, redkote, systane, nature's tears mist spray (but NOT theratears, freshkote, endura, soothe, patanol, restasis, or the Dr. ****** drops).
12 - praying: I know not everyone is religious, and do not want to "push" anything here, but would be remiss if I did not mention the amazing strength and encouragement I get from having a talk with God, and just asking for some help.
Honorable mention, because it doesn't seem to quite fit here...
If you have not seen a pain clinic doctor, I would suggest that you do so. I did reluctantly, I think because it forced me to admit that I am a chronic pain patient (which sort of sucks to realize). But when I went, I was amazed at how good both the resident and the attending were: listened carefully to my problems and were both very sympathetic and kind. The regimen they prescribed to me included acupuncture, and two pain meds (I won't share which ones they were for personal reasons), and having that "safety net" has really helped me a ton. I now know that, if I feel I am going crazy, I can get out of pain if I need to. If you haven't seen a pain specialist and can afford it, consider doing so. You may find compassion, understanding and help that you haven't found elsewhere.
1 - atomic fireballs: These babies taste good, cover any bad breath, and make my eyes water. Sometimes I'll down three of these a day. Two negatives: you can't really talk to someone while they are in you mouth, and they require frequent teeth brushing. I find that the Ferrera Pan brand in the hottest an therefore the most eye-watering.
2 - eating a warm meal: This always seem to gives me some rejuvenation, even on really bad days. A spicy warm meal is even better.
3 - running - Probably those endorphins that exercise brings on are responsible for this ffect, but I always feel better after I run (though I'll feel worse later if I don't keep hydrated, so I carry water around with me for a few hours afterward.
4 - a nap: The perfect eye-rejuvenation technique for those long lectures on "murine antibody reactions to pygmy squamous cells." Also great on Sunday afternoons. Seriously, I think that a small lipid layer is re-formed while I nap, so even a brief one can help a lot.
5 - a hot shower: (duh)
6 - holding my head over the warm humidifier and letting the mist (NOT the really hot part!) gently waft into my closed eyes. Sometimes, this bus me an extra hour of reading time before bed.
7 - a swim: Even in cold waterm this seems to help a lot. My first dry-eye summer (2004), I would go directly from work with my throbbing eyes to the pool, just for 10 minutes or so. Man, was that a nice relief!
8 - hot tub: I don't own one, but may have to save up--this realy seems to help, especially if I get my head under water a bit.
9 - goggles: I swear by my Panoptx Vientos (Rx, expensive, but worth it). I can put them on with my eyes feeling awful, and 10 minutes later have forgotten about my eyes altogether (always a good sign).
10 - distractions: (duh)
11 - refresh plus, dakrina, dwelle, redkote, systane, nature's tears mist spray (but NOT theratears, freshkote, endura, soothe, patanol, restasis, or the Dr. ****** drops).
12 - praying: I know not everyone is religious, and do not want to "push" anything here, but would be remiss if I did not mention the amazing strength and encouragement I get from having a talk with God, and just asking for some help.
Honorable mention, because it doesn't seem to quite fit here...
If you have not seen a pain clinic doctor, I would suggest that you do so. I did reluctantly, I think because it forced me to admit that I am a chronic pain patient (which sort of sucks to realize). But when I went, I was amazed at how good both the resident and the attending were: listened carefully to my problems and were both very sympathetic and kind. The regimen they prescribed to me included acupuncture, and two pain meds (I won't share which ones they were for personal reasons), and having that "safety net" has really helped me a ton. I now know that, if I feel I am going crazy, I can get out of pain if I need to. If you haven't seen a pain specialist and can afford it, consider doing so. You may find compassion, understanding and help that you haven't found elsewhere.
It's been 5 years for me. Recently, I had cataract surgery in one eye. I've not been able to work since. That eye was the most painful since my lasik and the cataract surgery was not successful and started the circle of pain all over again.
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