Fwd: The Fading World of Sight

[Guest guest]

Becky,

Macular degen isn't caused by sarc. It does seem to be linked to diet, and the vitamins for eyes do help. It can't be reversed, but at least they may be able to slow progression.

AS FOR THE OPHTHALMOLOGIST---FIND A NEW ONE!!!!

We don't have any that I'm aware of that specialize in sarcoidosis-- so I'd be looking for one that specializes in glaucoma-- as this is what happens when the sarc inflammation gets into the uveal tract and iris. The subsequent photophobia is a huge sign of a problem. HUGE!

Pressures of 23 is too high-- and it should be treated. Do they have you on drops for glaucoma? Are you on Restasis? Restasis helps to bring inflammation down, and since the lacrimal glands under our eyelids are favorite for sarcoidosis-- we have chronic dry eyes. This is the first eye drops that actually treat the effects of dry eyes by helping your glands produce more tears. At first they seem to burn a bit-- but once the inflammation settles down, that side effect lessens. You can also use artificial tears 5 minutes prior to Restasis--- or any other eye drop medication, and it will put a buffer on the eyes, so you don't get the burning.

I don't care if this guy wants to "OVERRIDE" your choice-- you pay him! Since he doesn't want to listen to you-- find another MD. He may have faith in his OD-- and the OD is probably a good OD-- he'll get you a great pair of lenses-- but as you said-- they haven't even told you about the mac degen.

Some of the MD's are still poo-pooing the vitamin concept, but more research is showing that it's very important for eye health. I'll have to check my SUPERFOODS RX book and get the combo for you. You can also search by macular degeneration on the web-- and you'll get plenty of hits.

I so hope that you can get the Remicade-- as it will slow the progression.

Love to you,

Tracie

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[Guest guest]

Tracie,Thank you for this very valuable information. No meds or treatment for the high pressures. That really surprised me since he did laser surgery this time last year for the same pressure.Am noticing after 4 methotrexate subq injections over 4 weekends that my hair is starting to fall out. That's ok...as long as my ticker behaves itself it's well worth it. Dr did have to put me on the leucovoron (sp?) rescue along with folic acid 4mg a day b/c of side effects. Only thing I noticed yesterday about 20 minutes after my shot was I was really sleepy/tired and slept for 4 uninterrupted hours (unbelieveable for me). When I woke up I was disoriented and shaky (sugar was ok at 90). Sleepiness is something I can deal with!I am going to change eye drs. I was blown away when he said what he did about me seeing the optomitrist. This is a big

practice too. Plus, he never said a word about the mac deg...only knew b/c of getting my papers. I would liked to have spoken to him after the last two tests but couldn't b/c he was on to another pt. I was hurting too bad anyway to stick around as I had already been there 3 hours.I saw also in my papers that the OD had written he instructed me to do a couple of things 3 months ago for my eye discomfort (warm compresses and visine drops) BUT he did NOT...my daughter was with me at the time and she knows this too. He did put me on pred-forte (I had to ask him back then how many times a day). So, time to move on. I am really beginning to get cynical about the whole medical profession. I haven't been up to being on the computer hardly at all. I do appreciate so much your help.You remain in my prayers always my friend.Blessings and love,Beckytiodaat@... wrote: Becky, Macular degen isn't caused by sarc. It does seem to be linked to diet, and the vitamins for eyes do help. It can't be reversed, but at least they may be able to slow progression. AS FOR THE OPHTHALMOLOGIST---FIND A NEW ONE!!!! We don't have any that I'm aware of that specialize in sarcoidosis-- so I'd be looking for one that specializes in glaucoma-- as this is what happens when the sarc

inflammation gets into the uveal tract and iris. The subsequent photophobia is a huge sign of a problem. HUGE! Pressures of 23 is too high-- and it should be treated. Do they have you on drops for glaucoma? Are you on Restasis? Restasis helps to bring inflammation down, and since the lacrimal glands under our eyelids are favorite for sarcoidosis-- we have chronic dry eyes. This is the first eye drops that actually treat the effects of dry eyes by helping your glands produce more tears. At first they seem to burn a bit-- but once the inflammation settles down, that side effect lessens. You can also use artificial tears 5 minutes prior to Restasis--- or any other eye drop medication, and it will put a buffer on the eyes, so you don't get the burning. I don't care if this guy

wants to "OVERRIDE" your choice-- you pay him! Since he doesn't want to listen to you-- find another MD. He may have faith in his OD-- and the OD is probably a good OD-- he'll get you a great pair of lenses-- but as you said-- they haven't even told you about the mac degen. Some of the MD's are still poo-pooing the vitamin concept, but more research is showing that it's very important for eye health. I'll have to check my SUPERFOODS RX book and get the combo for you. You can also search by macular degeneration on the web-- and you'll get plenty of hits. I so hope that you can get the Remicade-- as it will slow the progression. Love to you, Tracie NS

Co-owner/moderatorSee what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage. __________________________________________________