Wilmer Eye Institute update

[03CobraDryEye]

Let me start by saying that I thank in advance our God in Heaven, through His son the Lord Jesus Christ for the encouraging and hopeful news I received today at Wilmer after I saw Dr. Akpek. She confirmed that my eye inflammation and swollen eyelids are due to the Adenovirus. She informed me that she's seen this virus in so many patients and she stated that the patients go back to having a normal life and driving a car. Incredibly, I had a biopsy done in July '09 by some very reputable ophthalmologists in NJ and one who lauds himself as one of only five experts in the USA regarding eye inflammatory diseases. That biopsy reflected that I tested negative for the Adenovirus. I guess people make mistakes. I cried tears of joy today having finally found the source of my eye inflammation. I apparently also have a very aggressive and sensitive immune system given I have a history of asthma and eczema. She stated that folks with those two conditions have the most sensitive immune system and apparently this virus has caused my immune system to attack my eyes. Guess that explains why it took so long to hear the tear on the surface of each eye and why my corneal scratches seem to take forever to heal.

She put me on Zovirax (2400mg each day for the first 10 days then 800mg a day for 1 year). She increased my Doxy to 200mg a day and but me back on Pred Forte 4xs a day. She insisted that I make certain that I be on the brand name and not the generic Pred Forte. I'm elated and I know its in God's hands and that its going to be ok. She indicated that she didn't expect me to make more than 1/2 the tears I did before due to the scarring I have on the conjunctiva, but I'll let the Lord decide how much will return to my eyes. I don't expect this recovery to be overnight but I sure am happier today than I've been since May 14 when I contracted viral conjunctivitis. There's been a lot of fervent prayer with ministers, family and friends who have prayed as fervently for me. Along with strangers who I don't really know but I of course ask for them to be blessed and protected. I believe the Lord led me to Wilmer to be helped by this brilliant mind known as Dr. Akpek and I'm grateful someone at some pharmaceutical company was inspired to create these drugs to treat these symptoms. This is the greatest Christmas gift that I could have received and I thank you Mighty Lord. I'm prepared to dig in no matter how long it takes and I know its going to be ok.

I hope others will be encouraged to know that miracles do happen. While I'm not recovered, I received more answers today than I have in 7 months. I just wish I went to Wilmer 3 months ago when my family urged me to rather than be so stubborn because it was nearly a 3 hr drive. I hope others on this board realize that if you believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ hears our prayers and ask for His help, that it can be God's will to heal you. I know it doesn't work out for everyone who is ill but I believe my story will soon be one of great triumph. And I will continue to pray for you all to experience the relief and healing that we all deserve in the name of Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas everyone and Happy Hanukkah!

Mat 18:19 "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name (Jesus Christ), I am there in the midst of them."

[faithfully]

Cobradryeye, thanks for an amazing testimony esp. to our Lord Jesus Christ!
You have given me hope too after almost three years of suffering with dry eyes that a day will come when healing will take place

[03CobraDryEye]

Cobradryeye, thanks for an amazing testimony esp. to our Lord Jesus Christ!
You have given me hope too after almost three years of suffering with dry eyes that a day will come when healing will take place

I hope that day comes soon for all dry eye sufferers and hopefully those drugs in Phase III will be used to deliver you folks from your suffering. While I'm just in the initial stages of treatment, my faith that the impossible will be made possible is in the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe my prayers have been answered and I continue to pray daily that my eyes will work properly and tear production will return as close to normal as possible, despite having a lot of scar tissue on the conjunctiva. Nothing is impossible for the Mighty Lord Jesus Christ and my story is a testimony of His greatness, His mercy and His supernatural power to heal us. Looking back now over the past 7 months its hard realizing that I was misdiagnosed and that the biopsy wasn't done correctly. But I take comfort in knowing that the Lord led me to Wilmer and this great doctor to give me my life back. I know its going to be ok and I know the Lord will not leave me in a ditch and its through His grace and mercy that I'm able to share these news with you all. God Bless you all. I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders. Its hard holding back the tears just typing this.

[odydnas]

Wow that is amazing news!! Congrats!! This must be a wonderful Christmas present!

This is the first time I recall seeing a post on adenovirus causing dry eyes. How interesting. Can you please explain why your doc decided to test for Adenovirus? It would be helpful for us to know when we should ask for the testing.

Happy holidays!!!

[03CobraDryEye]

This is a wonderful Christmas present indeed. Today my eyes are whiter than they've been the past 7 months. Its just incredible to start seeing the medication work.

My doctor in NJ tested for adenovirus, via a biopsy of my incredibly dry right eye, due to my inflammatory eye symptoms not matching a lot of the typical eye inflammatory diseases. Both eyes became blood red before the biopsy and didn't get any better with Pred Forte drops. But the biopsy results were negative. I guess human error comes in to play here. I'm stunned and have mixed feelings of anger and heartbreak that this misdiagnosis occurred. Meanwhile, this doctor at Wilmer was thoroughly convinced just by looking at me that I have an adenovirus infection without needing further testing. And today my eyes started responding to the Pred Forte and Zovirax.

Its just amazing to me what a difference a doctor makes. When I went to Wilmer on 11/30/09 I was seen by a different specialist there who determined that my symptoms were dry eye syndrome. He prescribed Restasis and indicated that this medication was basically my only hope. Then thankfully he referred me to Dr. Akpek who in less than 5 minutes was certain that I had an adenovirus infection either still at work or that my inflammation was a result of my immune system attacking my eyes as a result of a past adenovirus infection. I mean for 7 months I've had incredibly dry, red eyes. I go through a box of artificial tears a day. I haven't been able to drive a car, let alone work. My entire life had come to a halt because of this. It just infuriates me that my NJ doctors strung me along for 6 months waiting until mid-November to tell me that they didn't know what eye inflammatory disease I had. I guess some eye doctors can't distinguish an adenovirus infection from an eye inflammatory disease. It's a shame really because I was seeing a NJ doctor that billed himself as one of the top 5 eye inflammatory disease experts in the USA, yet he just ran with the biopsy results and never left open the possibility that the biopsy results were wrong or not performed correctly. In the end I'm the one that paid for the misdiagnosis.

Whats even more amazing is that the burning sensation and soreness of my left eye is now virtually gone. I had those symptoms in my left eye for the past 6 months. In 2 days that pain and burning nearly subsided. Hopefully a great deal of my tear production returns but its in God's hands now. And I continue to pray fervently that my tear production returns in full force.

If anything I hope posting about this can save someone else from my heartache. I've been through hell the past 7 months and its just plain sad that this suffering may have been all avoidable if I was with the right doctor. That aside, its been an incredible experience that has changed my life for the better and has made me realize what is really important in life. I just need to make sure that I physically take care of myself so I don't get an outbreak again. This virus will live with me forever and hopefully nothing I do will ever trigger it to become active again. That's my story...

[Aaron77]

She indicated that she didn't expect me to make more than 1/2 the tears I did before due to the scarring I have on the conjunctiva

what caused the scarring?

I worry every day that I have some type of viral or bacterial infection that the doc is missing.

[odydnas]

Wow! Those results are amazing!!!

I have question: Do you have to have red eyes or chronic eye infections/conjunctivitis to have adenovirus? I'm just trying to understand what symptoms/signs to look for. Thanks.

[03CobraDryEye]

what caused the scarring?

I worry every day that I have some type of viral or bacterial infection that the doc is missing.

My eyes started getting scars about 7 weeks after I had the conjunctivitis outbreak. My eyes appeared to be getting better but then all of a sudden I had inflammation attacking both eyes and some scarring started to occur in both eyes. My immune system had a very aggressive response to the conjunctivitis that was caused by the adenovirus.

[03CobraDryEye]

Wow! Those results are amazing!!!

I have question: Do you have to have red eyes or chronic eye infections/conjunctivitis to have adenovirus? I'm just trying to understand what symptoms/signs to look for. Thanks.

I don't really know the answer to that. All I can tell you is that for months my eyes looked as if they had an active conjunctivitis infection and my doctors kept reporting that I had an unknown eye inflammatory disease. My eyes are whiter over the past 3 days than they have been over the past 6 months. The Zovirax and Pred Forte seem to be working well. My right eye is very dry though compared to my left so I'm praying that my right eye won't permanently have that dry eye feeling. I can't help but worry but I have faith that its all going to be ok. Its just a shame that so much time has been lost and the prolonged time may have made the damage worse. I guess I'll know soon enough as my eyes start to heal.

[msienkiewicz]

03CobraDryEye -

I pray that your eyes will again start to tear despite the scarring. I too have scars on my right conjuntiva which I continue to feel, especially in the morning. However, the tears have returned. Perhaps, not full force, but enough that I no longer focus on my eyes. I pray this for you.

I still worry at times for the future as I am only 42. Will the dryness return? Will the scar become unmanageable? However, I know that God has given me the grace to get through the darkest days with this, and He renews His grace daily.

A verse that inspires me is Romans 12:12:
"Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer."

I believe that this journey has taught me so much - what truly is important in life. I no longer take anything for granted. Even the smallest things that my children do are filled with meaning. I will do all while I can, and I have learned patience.

Blessings to you my fellow prayer warrior-
Melissa

[cristiandryeyes]

I feel very happy for msienkiewicz and 03CobraDryEye. 7 months is way too much time of suffering. I've been suffering from DE myself 1 entire year but my symptoms are ridiculous compared with what you are mentioning. It's hard to deal with dryness though, I will pray the lord for your full recovery.

[03CobraDryEye]

03CobraDryEye -

I pray that your eyes will again start to tear despite the scarring. I too have scars on my right conjuntiva which I continue to feel, especially in the morning. However, the tears have returned. Perhaps, not full force, but enough that I no longer focus on my eyes. I pray this for you.

I still worry at times for the future as I am only 42. Will the dryness return? Will the scar become unmanageable? However, I know that God has given me the grace to get through the darkest days with this, and He renews His grace daily.

A verse that inspires me is Romans 12:12:
"Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer."

I believe that this journey has taught me so much - what truly is important in life. I no longer take anything for granted. Even the smallest things that my children do are filled with meaning. I will do all while I can, and I have learned patience.

Blessings to you my fellow prayer warrior-
Melissa

Boy am I glad I came across your post. I wondered if there was anyone on here that had scarring of the conjunctiva and what kind of tear production they were seeing. Thank you for Romans 12:12 its very inspiring. This journey has brought me many blessings and brought me closer in my relationship with the Lord. It took me a long time to see the blessings but its changed me for the better and like you makes me appreciate the little things in life more than ever! I'm so happy that the tears have returned for you. I'm continuing to be patient and I'm giving the Lord the reigns over this problem and pray that its His will to let the tears return soon. I praise the Lord Jesus Christ through this storm and believe with all my heart He will get me through this horrible ordeal. Its so uplifting to hear of someone else that has had tear production return. May the Lord pour out His blessings over your household for being so faithful.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
Rob

[03CobraDryEye]

I feel very happy for msienkiewicz and 03CobraDryEye. 7 months is way too much time of suffering. I've been suffering from DE myself 1 entire year but my symptoms are ridiculous compared with what you are mentioning. It's hard to deal with dryness though, I will pray the lord for your full recovery.

Que Dios te bendiga! Both of my parents are 100% Spaniards. I haven't been to Spain in 15 years. That's awesome we have another Spaniard on here. Thank you for your prayers and I will keep you in my prayers as well. I continue to pray that the dry eye drugs in Phase III will bring relief to all you sufferers out there. It breaks my heart to read all the stories of suffering on here and I hope that soon we will see one story after the next of people finding dry eye relief. May the Lord ease the suffering of all those on this board. God knows that I know exactly what you are all going through in many ways.

[ringo]

Hi Cobra,

I am so happy to hear that you have found the cause of your intense eye inflammation! I am surprised at the diagnosis, but after doing some research on adenovirus, it all matches! Adenovirus infections take months to heal, but they do not leave any permanent damamge to the eyes; the scarring can heal and be limited with the use of steroids which you are taking. The antiviral drug is also supposed to work-- I think you are on your way to a complete recovery very soon!!! The Lord is truly great and your story is a testimony to his love!
All viral diseases of the eye cause some dryness afterwards, but there is a good chance the dryness might go away and never come back together with the healing of teh inflammation from the virus. Rarely people develop dry eyes after herpes eye infection, hopefully you will get rid of the dryness too very soon!
You have been through a real hell, but you did not lose hope, and with the power of your faith and prayer, and patience, you are finally leaving that dark place you spent 7 months in. Congratulations! I wish you a very happy healthy new year!
By the way, how is adenovirus contracted? do you have any memory of being with a sick person, or getting something contaminated in your eyes?
I am becoming a little paranoid from now on about sanitising my hands, and i will try to keep them away from my face at all times...also i think i will give up going to public swimming pools and the like...

I was really worried about you, and thought about how you are every day....I was praying that you find a way to get better... What happened surpasses my best hopes for you! Thank the Lord for this happiest outcome....

Please let us know how you feel...

Thank you for sharing,
Daniela

[03CobraDryEye]

Ringo thank you for the incredibly kind words and all your well wishes. The Lord has been so good to me and I know I have to be patient a little longer. Thank you for doing research on the adenovirus infection. I wasn't aware that it can take months for the healing. My doctor did indicate that it was difficult to determine the recovery time but she had seen many patients with this virus that recovery and lead normal lives. I continue to pray that the Lord will leave me ok and I believe with all my heart that He will. Praise the Mighty Lord.

I originally became infected with viral conjunctivitis after coming in contact with my dad who became infected. My sister and mother also contracted the conjunctivitis but after 3-4 weeks all three of them had the virus run its course and their eyes returned to normal. I don't know if the adenovirus was present in the conjunctivitis that I contracted or if I became infected with the adenovirus in some other way. But I knew something was very wrong after getting the Herpes I infection 8 days after getting the conjunctivitis. Shortly after starting to recover from the Herpes infection, my right eye started to become incredibly dry. According to Dr. Akpek, having a history of asthma and eczema made my immune system response to the virus even more traumatic. I can tell you that this experience has made me a 'germ killing freak' and I will do everything in my power to never be around a person with conjunctivitis.

Its been an incredible road and I thank the Lord in advance for my healing. My concerns about the recovery are normal human emotions and I will continue to trust that the Lord will see me through. I continue praying and I'm humbled that you prayed for me. I will keep you in my prayers daily. We serve a great God and I think back about the times that I was so low and didn't want to live anymore and in comes the Lord and he gives me the great news at my dr visit on 12/23 that I've had an active adenovirus infection all this time. It really was the best Christmas because I saw the Mighty Lord's hand at work. I've prayed fervently and with so many people over the phone and my faith has been rewarded by our amazing Lord. I look forward, when the Lord says I'm ready, to be able to hop in my mustang and peel out of the driveway and head to work. Its unfortunate I was misdiagnosed by some very proud doctors but I pray not to hold any bad feelings towards them. I just hope they don't misdiagnose other patients in the future.

I want to wish you a Happy New Year and may the Lord bless you and your family in more ways than you can imagine. Thank you for always making such uplifting posts. Not just on my threads but on the threads of others. You really do pick people up on this site and I wish the world was full of more people like you. God bless you young lady.