I've been noticing that my vision has become more and more blurry over the past few months. I also had been having trouble urinating with ease. (Basically, it would take a while for my bladder to decide it was ready to release its contents). I had read that Cymbalta(taking for pain) could cause urinary retention in some people. I let my rheumy know, so he lowered my dosage from 60 to 30mg. A bit later is when I began to notice my vision was worsening. Even with my glasses everything seemed blurry. Went to ophthalmologist and she told me about the systemic connection between the eye and urinary bladder. I was blown away! Who would think the focal refraction muscle and urinary bladder contraction would have the same nervous system stimulus? So she suggested I let my rheumy know, and tell him take me off of Cymbalta just to see if there would be a change in my vision, as well as my urination issue. (My vision had lowered 5 levels in seven months, by the way.)
Since being off Cymbalta, I have noticed that I am seeing a bit more clearly, and peeing definitely isnt a strain anymore. I will revisit the eye doc at the end of Dec for a recheck of my eyes. Hopefully, all is as well as I think it is. Body pain is not good though. I may try 20mg of Cymbalta to see if it helps pain without damaging vision and bladder functioning.
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Beautifulwoman
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That is very interesting thank you for posting. I have very blurry vision and the opposite to you a leaking bladder, so much do that I need huge pads. I hope your vision returns to normal. I thought mine was because of the Hydroxychloroquine but I have been off it six months now and it is still very blurred.
Like I said, the Cymbalta worked great for pain. I can definitely tell the difference since I've been off of it for about a month now. Pain levels have skyrocketed. However, the reduction of side effects is also very noticeable. I'm just hoping that I can do the 20mg without any bad side effects, and the lower dosage actually helps the pain.
Hey Beautiful women, I find this very interesting as I am having the same problem peeing and now I have been told theres a problem with my eyes. I was on hydroxychloriquin - i stopped with this peeing problem going on 14 months. I have been sent to womens health getting my bladder checked out but they say its fine but I am thinking its CKD thats why the bladder is fine as its the kidney. But frustratingly they are not taking me seriously and telling me to drink more water. at times i go to toilet and nothing... theres nothing to show that I am retaining water at all. If you have any info/research on this I would appreciate it. Best wishes on getting good pain management.
I would have the urge to pee, but it was as if my bladder said, 'I'm not ready yet'. Crazy and scary feeling at the same time. Then it got to the point of being able to go, but hesitant and pausing. I couldnt release a steady stream. I really had to concentrate! Soon as I stopped the Cymbalta I had no problem at all.
As for you, keep pressing those doctors. You shouldn't have to suffer like that.
Interesting since you stopped taking Cymbalta things are improving. I read a number of websites that kidney and eye issues go together. amazingly the eyes can show the health of the body. What have they gp said about your kidneys,? If anything? What do you think about vitamins for eye problems?
I have the same hesitancy. Because I’m post menopausal, my GP sent me to get my bladder tested and I was told it was perfectly normal and fine but the problem still persists. It did improve when I started taking thyroid medication. But in my instance my problems began when I stop taking hydroxychloroquine. If relevant or a coincidence as I had a kidney infection prior. 😬I am now getting blood test today a bit worried as I don’t want it to be anything scary!😳🙃 though that’s the end if the road of nhs investigations. I keep failing miserably to drink water I’m a tea drinker and not sure if that’s good or bad. 🤔 it’s difficult when you have 2 separate issues eyes and kidneys treated separately and a short time consultation. I wish us both a full recovery and a good quality life.
I had been dealing with kidney stones since 1999. I have a wonderful nephrologist who put me on potassium citrate which has practically ceased the crystals from forming. I wouldn't wish kidney stones in my worse enemy! I'd rather deal with lupus symptoms any day instead of kidney stones. Other than that, I havent had any lupus/kidney related problems.
I take vitamin D3 daily, as my levels are low. I also take a normal adult multivitamin.
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