Rheumatoid arthritis destroyed tear gland

[R Krebs]

i was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis about 15-16 years ago. I began having eye problems probably some 7 or 8 years ago. initially I experienced a stabbing sensation in primarily my left eye. Eye plugs were recommended and eventually inserted (4). Initially I was able to deal with the problem by nightly application of eurythromycin and if needed Predforte. About a year ago this process ceased working. This was complicated by my then doctor retiring so I had to work with another doctor. This doctor determined i had an infection and started me on Azasite as well as continuing the predforte and nightly gel along with continuing the eyelid washes. ( I had been doing the eyelid cleanse for many years.) Eventually i was referred to a cornea specialist in Seattle. He determined there was damage to the cornea in mainly my left eye but that it was on the outer portion and the Azasite had eventually stopped the infection. He recommended continuing on the predforte and using mura-128 at night. At this point, my eyes ( mainly the left one ) was the main problem. I had photophobia at times so bad I could not look at white paper without it burning. The stabbing sensation at times was intense. I spent a good deal of time in a darkened room. The cornea specialist finally told me he had done all he could do for me regarding the Corneas. I was then referred to Dr. Rosenbaum in Portland - he advised me the R.A. had damaged or destroyed the left eye tear gland and he recommended I consider autologous serum tears. I have (as of two days ago ) started using the serum tears. My doctor here worked on a place and process to get the serum. Ultimately I feel fortunate that he found literally across the street from his office a place to draw the blood, and literally next door to this location is an apothecary able to develop the final serum tears. So form a convenience standpoint, it could not have been easier. I just scheduled an appointment with Dr. Moon, my local doctor to see how my eyes look. I can report for the first time in the past 10 months, I feel relief and at this point I feel the tears are working.

[Rebecca Petris]

Welcome. I'm so glad you've been in good hands are getting some solutions for a very challenging problem! Been a long road!

[R Krebs]

Indeed it has been a long road. I can report my visit with Dr. Moon was positive. For the first time in many months, no filaments were found ( previously I had been developing these regularly and they can be a real hassle. ) At this stage ( roughly 4 days into the autologous serum tears ) my eyes show improvement and the photophobia has not been a problem. I could not be happier. Also, i found Dometic makes a very small 12 volt -- 9 1/2 inch wide freezer/refridgerator combination it is 22 inches long and 14 inches high ( approximately ) So if that will fit into the saddle bag of a Harley Road King, my future course has been laid. Of course good quality goggles will also play a role.

[Hopeful2]

It sounds like you have been through a great deal. I am glad the serum drops are helping. I found initially that the serum drops would make my eyes feel dry a few minutes following insertion. I don't notice this much anymore and I do think they have helped with the dry eye pain.

Do you use any drops to buffer the serum drops? An optometrist told me that it was a good idea to buffer the serum drops with a lubricating drop. I wonder what others are doing with their serum tears . . .

Enjoy your road trip! I'll stick with my self powered road bike. . . although I don't quite reach the same speeds!