going back to plugs

[Natalie06]

I am definitely in that dark, dark place these last 10 days. We went from 75% humidity with the AC blasting at work and everywhere I went cranked to the max to 25% humidity with a constant wind. My eyes are killing me and I am just pouring the tears in. Vial after vial after vial. I am beginning to believe this will never get better.

So imflammation be damned, I am going back to plugs on Thursday morning. No one will order Smart plugs for me (and I am so tired of fighting with MD's trying to get them to listen to me) so it's temporary collagen until we find one that fits and doesn't fall out like all the others before them.

Sorry for the low spirits. I leave for Salt Lake City (#7 on the top 100 Dry Eye Cities) in just over a month and am already dreading it so much. It's a work trip so I will have 12-14 hour days to contend with.

Right now, I hate my Lasik surgeon so much it's unbelievable.

Natalie

[Lucy]

WOW, Natalie, you are having a rough time right now! I'm sorry that is happening and know it's a tough road. I just want to say a word about SmartPlugs. My doc actually ordered some especially for me because he had never used them on anyone before. Well, I'm in the chair for the umpteenth time "getting plugs." Well, he could not get the SmartPlugs to go in and I ended up that afternoon getting cauterized on my only open duct.

So, in my case, the Smartplug just didn't work. In the case of your trip, I hope you can find some fun things in the mix of the long days. Even if it's special food you don't normally indulge in. You can always come here and yell about things. Lucy

[indrep]

Natalie
There has been some reports of issues with the Smart plugs in recent journals. There is another intracanalicular plug available. It is the OASIS Form Fit. It is 90% water when hydrated in the canaliculis, so it should not have the problems of other intracanalicular plugs. None have been reported in 3 years. If he doesn't want to go that route make sure he is using the 90 day synthetic plugs rather then the 3-5 collagen plugs.

[Natalie06]

Thank you both

I just don't want to spend the next 4 weeks before my trip constantly running to the Eye MD to have plugs reinserted. They have to stay put on my trip as I can't imagine trying to deal with that while out in Salt Lake.

What I asked my MD's for was not Smart plugs per se but the "form fitting" type of plug. So I appreciate the feedback on the two brands.

My local md (not the specialist who uses Eagle brand) is ordering Parasol (?)s for me? They will insert the collagen temps to get me through the weekend and then the Parasols for longer term. Anyone had an luck with these?

Sorry for my emotional digression yesterday. It's just been a brutal 10 weeks with the steroids, restasis disaster, AC, wind, High humidity then literally an overnight drop to no humidity.

Thanks for the understanding.

Natalie

[calli66]

Parasols are working well for me. I have very tiny punctum, and the smallest size barely fit--but they went in, and haven't given me any problems. The company guarantees that they will replace them for free if they fall out.

Good luck.

C66

[Natalie06]

Thanks Callie!

I am so glad to hear from someone who has used them. I read their website yesterday and it sounds promising. Now hopefully, they will work!

Natalie