Heart and eye problems

[Guest guest]

Dear Ann,

I am so sorry you are having a problem with your heart and eyes, too. I,

too had pleural and pericardial effusions with Sprycel. There will always be

some patients who are subject to the fluid build up from Sprycel, that seems to

be a common side effect. I don't know what dose you are on, but you may have to

take a short vacation from the Sprycel to see if the inflammation will recede

back to normal. I have never heard of plaque behind the eyes, but I suppose you

could have it anywhere. Hopefully your next message will have a more positive

note. I know everyone will be praying for a good outcome from the tests. When

my Hgb is low, I feel like I am trying to read under water. I was wondering if

anyone else had that problem. I certainly miss the Procrit shots instead of

having to get transfusions.

Blessings and prayers,

Lottie

[Guest guest]

When my Hgb is low, I feel like I am trying to read under water. I was

wondering if anyone else had that problem. I certainly miss the Procrit

shots instead of having to get transfusions.

_________________

Hi Lottie,

What you describe with the eyes is edema in the eye I think....actually

excess tear formation. I had that with Gleevec and it felt like I was

looking under water.

I don't exactly understand why you have to get transfusions vs Procrit

shots. I am also on Medicare and my drug coverage (Humana) covers Procrit

when my hgb is less than 12. OHSU has to renew the request every 3 months,

but it keeps getting approved. I still pay quite a bit, but soon I will be

into the 'catastrophic' drug coverage and pay 5%.

C.