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Recurrent pink eye & face pain, anyone?

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Posted 4/9/2007 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
I'm trying to figure out if recurrent conjunctivitis is related to having lupus. Anyone else dealt with this?

I know it could just be due to our crappy immune systems not fighting off germs. But still, it seems strange to me that I've had pink eye three times since starting plaquenil in February, while no one else in the family has had it.

It's the bacterial kind, and antibiotic drops usually clear it in a few days. But this latest bout was only in my left eye, and I also experienced left jaw and temple pain, and a bad sore throat on that side. The pink eye, jaw and throat pain is gone now, but my left temple area remains very tender. Could the infection have spread to the bone or something?

My primary care doctor is useless about stuff like this, and I don't go back to the rheumy for a few weeks. Would you call about the pain? The only thing I've found on Google is that temporal arteritis is sometimes a problem for people with vasculitis. My rheumy wanted me to see an ENT about some nasal sores, to rule out vasculitis, but I haven't yet made that appointment.

Sorry that got so long, but if anyone has any input or help, I'd appreciate it!


Thanks!!! 

Posted 4/9/2007 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kari,

  I do get recurrent eye infections. I'm not sure about the pink eye and bone infection. You should call your eye doc or rheumy about this. I do think it is pretty common to have eye infections with lupus and sjogren's but, three times in that short span needs to be addressed by a doctor.

  I hope you get some relief and answers soon. Please keep us udpated on this and take care. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

                                                      ((Hugs)) Babs

Posted 4/9/2007 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
Kari, I get conjunctivitis all the time. In fact I have an eye infection right now and it's driving me crazy. I'm using Quixin eye drops. Mine started in my left eye, and my left tonsil is sore. I also have a new sore in my mouth- on my lower right jaw bone. I began using the Quixin on Friday and by Saturday my left eye was better but my right eye was on fire. It's still not better and the inside of my right eyelid is red and swollen and feels like it's full of ground glass. I'll probably try to get in to my opthalmologist.

I've had conjunctivitis at least seven times in the last couple of years, and have assumed that it's related to my lupus or sjogren's but have never had that confirmed. It's a good question to ask our rheumy's.

I find it interesting that I first caught a bad cold, then within a couple of days started flaring, then my eyes get infected. This seems to be a pattern. My rheumy's going to increase my CellCept when I see her in a couple of weeks. I can't wait.

I'm sorry you are both going through this.

Pat
Posted 4/10/2007 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kari, I was at the opthemologist yesterday,and he told me that it is common in lupus patients,and that along the bottom rim of the eye there is a gland and it will often misfunction or become clogged as often we have little moisture to keep it clean,etc. He took my lower lid and squeezed the day lights out of it until some oil (from the gland) came out.
I told him how it felt like my eye was going to explode and with the mini ulcers and redness,etc,he said it was normal and put several hot compresses on it daily-basically for life. My left eye has never had this problem to this extent,just mild cases of pink eye. My family never had the pink eye either,but apparently if our tear ducts and gland are plugged,there is no way for the virus to escape. Each time I used the drops or creams I was prescribed,it would come back stronger the next time....I don't know,maybe I am just a side show circus act some days
LOL! I really do feel that way some days! I hope this helps.
crystal
Posted 4/10/2007 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry,forgot to mention,I have that tonsil thing as well (both problems on right side) and socket pain along with the eye pain and light sensitivity(extreme many days). my vision can literally change day to day,haven't figured that out yet,but have another appointment on the 18th for further testing.
I was told to keep up with the acupuncture and try massage therapy as well,something linked to the fibro. as well-........ask about your sinus',I'm thinking it all is attatched somehow...I was prone to sinus infections as well
Crystal
Posted 4/11/2007 6:35 AM (GMT 0)
Crystal, that information really helps explain what's going on with me. Both of my eyes are worse today than they were yesterday, and I've used up the eye drops. They hurt and burn so much that I think I might go crazy. If I didn't think I could get in to see my doc tomorrow I'd go to the ER. There is absolutely no relief for this. I've been putting cold wet compresses on my eyes, but I haven't tried the hot. I'll do that right now.

The way you described the clogged tear ducts and glands makes so much sense. Interesting that I also have a sinus infection. This is so exhausting. If I can just get some sleep maybe I can get back my positive attitude.

Thanks for the info.

Pat
Posted 4/12/2007 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, thanks for letting me know I'm not alone. I REALLY appreciate it, and I hope that all of our eyes are feeling better soon. I'll definitely bring it up at my next rheumy appt.

Thanks again!
Kari
Posted 4/12/2007 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
I'm going to the opthalmologist this afternoon and I can't wait for him to give me something that will relieve this pain. I'll quiz him about eye infections and lupus and sjogrens and will let you all know what he says. What I hope (but doubt) he'll do is give me refills on the drops he subscribes so I can treat this the minute it happens again and not have to wait to get in to see him. Wish me luck. I'll report back.

Pat
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