Tweet
My optometrist diagnosed me in late July 2008 with chronic dry eye and all it's associated conditions---blepharitis, Meibomian gland dysfunction, nocturnal lagophthalmos, computer vision syndrome, allergies---and looking at my face and eyes after that I was 99% sure I have Ocular and facial rosacea.
Just before this, I discovered I have a thyroid tumor also, scans on it etc every 6 months. Actually after the thyroid biopsy, EVERYTHING flared up 100% worse.
After the above diagnoses, I made appointments with an ophthalmologist and a dermatologist and they agreed with all the above--and I do have the Ocular and facial Rosacea.
As of now, I am using Dwelle drops A.M. and P.M. and sometimes in the middle when not wearing contacts.
I use Nutratear daily when not wearing contacts, Refresh contact drops while they are in.
On a positive note -- the ophthalmologist didn't argue with me about the Dwelle or Nutratear drops. She started to say something and I told her I tried Systane and did not like it and these drops felt good---and she shut up.
I do a nightly heat pack followed by the Ocusoft eyelid cleanse. That seems to make the spots on eyelids and the bumps in my eyebrows redder sometimes, but I was told it was necessary.
I use a cold pack as needed.
I am doing Omega 3 supplementation, and trying to get in my water.
I got the Wiley-X moisture control sunglasses and some Guard Dog moisture control goggles (for yard work) My glasses needed changing, I got prescription reading glasses too, and contacts, then all this other stuff. $$$$
The ophthalmologist added AzaSite to the above list, daily for one week, then twice a week after that and a return visit in 3 months.
The dermatologist added Minocycline 100 mg twice daily, 6 months refills, return visit with blood work in three months because I like a few beers daily. Also added Plexion daily followed by Cetaphil or gentle cleanser of choice, then moisturize.
I am guessing my skin is going to look much worse than it does now, before it gets better??? I already don't leave the house except for taking Mom places, stuff I HAVE to do and Curves---and I haven't gone to Curves lately, I have just felt bad with all this.
So sounds like three antibiotics to me. I get sick in the winter a lot. Killing off good bacteria too doesn't sound like a fun winter. I guess I can look forward to lots of plain yogurt and Live Active cheese!! Also, due the the thyroid stuff, it is already hard for me to lose weight even when I am doing good as in daily workouts and so on......add yeast to the equation and maybe I should just bury myself in my room and forget all this.
Make-up.....I haven't tried any of this yet, but I broke down and bought the Bare Minerals Medium start up kit from Sephora, and the new Maybelline Liquid Mineral Power foundation and compact mineral powder. Also bought to try--the new Loreal Bare Naturale Mascara and the Loreal DoubleExtend Mascara that puts the tubes on your lashes. I won't put it all the way to the base of my lashes till the eye stuff gets manageable, but I also won't go out where I am face to face without mascara---and I will remove it quickly when I get home. This is getting expensive---can 't afford it, but can't not afford it either.
I am very depressed about all this. I also try to put it in perspective, it could be something a lot worse. It does rule my world right now though.
History---
I am 54 years old. I have worn contacts for 25 years. ALWAYS had trouble with red eyes. NOT ONCE did any optometrist or ophthalmologist test me for dry eye or anything. About three years ago, I started waking up with my eyes glued shut. All the docs did was give me allergy pills/drops. Around 5 years ago I noticed a little scabby place under my eyebrow on right side. It has gradually expanded to a large red triangular shape. Again, no one suggested I had anything, so I thought sun damage and had planned a dermatologist trip that kept getting postponed.
Right after my July 2007 eye exam, things started getting worse, but due to money and insurance only paying every other year I didn't go again till July 2008. I did not see any of my regular eye docs this time. There was a doc from another town there, working extra hours on his days off from his own practice, and HE diagnosed me.
Also said something about veins growing into my cornea and that I will probably need cataract surgery in a few years.
I ramble a lot, hope someone can make some sense from this post.
Joan
Just before this, I discovered I have a thyroid tumor also, scans on it etc every 6 months. Actually after the thyroid biopsy, EVERYTHING flared up 100% worse.
After the above diagnoses, I made appointments with an ophthalmologist and a dermatologist and they agreed with all the above--and I do have the Ocular and facial Rosacea.
As of now, I am using Dwelle drops A.M. and P.M. and sometimes in the middle when not wearing contacts.
I use Nutratear daily when not wearing contacts, Refresh contact drops while they are in.
On a positive note -- the ophthalmologist didn't argue with me about the Dwelle or Nutratear drops. She started to say something and I told her I tried Systane and did not like it and these drops felt good---and she shut up.
I do a nightly heat pack followed by the Ocusoft eyelid cleanse. That seems to make the spots on eyelids and the bumps in my eyebrows redder sometimes, but I was told it was necessary.
I use a cold pack as needed.
I am doing Omega 3 supplementation, and trying to get in my water.
I got the Wiley-X moisture control sunglasses and some Guard Dog moisture control goggles (for yard work) My glasses needed changing, I got prescription reading glasses too, and contacts, then all this other stuff. $$$$
The ophthalmologist added AzaSite to the above list, daily for one week, then twice a week after that and a return visit in 3 months.
The dermatologist added Minocycline 100 mg twice daily, 6 months refills, return visit with blood work in three months because I like a few beers daily. Also added Plexion daily followed by Cetaphil or gentle cleanser of choice, then moisturize.
I am guessing my skin is going to look much worse than it does now, before it gets better??? I already don't leave the house except for taking Mom places, stuff I HAVE to do and Curves---and I haven't gone to Curves lately, I have just felt bad with all this.
So sounds like three antibiotics to me. I get sick in the winter a lot. Killing off good bacteria too doesn't sound like a fun winter. I guess I can look forward to lots of plain yogurt and Live Active cheese!! Also, due the the thyroid stuff, it is already hard for me to lose weight even when I am doing good as in daily workouts and so on......add yeast to the equation and maybe I should just bury myself in my room and forget all this.
Make-up.....I haven't tried any of this yet, but I broke down and bought the Bare Minerals Medium start up kit from Sephora, and the new Maybelline Liquid Mineral Power foundation and compact mineral powder. Also bought to try--the new Loreal Bare Naturale Mascara and the Loreal DoubleExtend Mascara that puts the tubes on your lashes. I won't put it all the way to the base of my lashes till the eye stuff gets manageable, but I also won't go out where I am face to face without mascara---and I will remove it quickly when I get home. This is getting expensive---can 't afford it, but can't not afford it either.
I am very depressed about all this. I also try to put it in perspective, it could be something a lot worse. It does rule my world right now though.
History---
I am 54 years old. I have worn contacts for 25 years. ALWAYS had trouble with red eyes. NOT ONCE did any optometrist or ophthalmologist test me for dry eye or anything. About three years ago, I started waking up with my eyes glued shut. All the docs did was give me allergy pills/drops. Around 5 years ago I noticed a little scabby place under my eyebrow on right side. It has gradually expanded to a large red triangular shape. Again, no one suggested I had anything, so I thought sun damage and had planned a dermatologist trip that kept getting postponed.
Right after my July 2007 eye exam, things started getting worse, but due to money and insurance only paying every other year I didn't go again till July 2008. I did not see any of my regular eye docs this time. There was a doc from another town there, working extra hours on his days off from his own practice, and HE diagnosed me.
Also said something about veins growing into my cornea and that I will probably need cataract surgery in a few years.
I ramble a lot, hope someone can make some sense from this post.
Joan
Comment