Sinus and eye infection

[Eyak1971]

After transplant I experienced multiple sinus infections that I never had before due to be immune suppresion and more recently due to new poor levels of air quality due to climate change, those are becoming more frequent with eye infection as well. My question concerning eye infections. Has anyone had an antibiotic drop prescribed that is safe with a transplant patient? On occasions, I have been prescribed neomycin andpolymycin B sulfates and dexomethasone drops and ketorolac tromethamine drops. Both interact with tacrolimus. Are there any other options in your experiences with eye infections?

[Jayhawker]

Have you seen an ophthalmologist for your eye infections?

Jayhawker

[Eyak1971 in reply to Jayhawker]

Yes. But I just wondered if others have experienced similar issues. When you are on so many medications due to transplant and dealing with a variety of doctors and you must be the communicator, it is hard to make sure that everyone is aware of possible medication interactions. Have had some negative physical responses to some medications.

[Jayhawker in reply to Eyak1971]

I understand… One of the meds I was on to treat CMV definitely caused serious visual issues. It was like constantly looking through very thick fog. Fortunately my ophthalmologist is dedicated to reaching out to and working with all my physicians niw including my transplant team. He really is excellent. He’s also very aware of all the meds I’m taking and potential impact on my remaining vision.

I do believe I’ve had more sinus trouble than normal but it’s also seasonal allergy time for me. Frankly, my allergies have seemed much worse than usual. I’ve wondered if my extremely low white blood cell count has anything to do with that but am not sure. My WBC count is between 1.5 and 2.0 without treatment. They’re really struggling with that isdue with me and have been since early February.

Jayhawker

[Eyak1971 in reply to Jayhawker]

Sorry to hear about your issues. It seems once you are immune suppressed every Germ or bacteria seems to be after you. I really think I am having more sinus issues besides the time of the year. It is poor air quality. I grew up at a time when we never gave it a second thought. Now I have multiple air purifiers in my home as well as an air quality monitor. I did not realize that burning candles and plug in deodorizers affect the air you breathe. Let alone if you have a close neighbor that is a chain smoker. And then you have to check the air quality of your location to see if you should stay outside very long because you are immune suppressed and the fires in Canada are polluting the air in the east and midwest of US. You feel you should live in a bubble. This is a whole new experience for someone who grew up in the 60 s. Makes you wonder what our world will become in just a few decades.

[Jayhawker in reply to Eyak1971]

I know—it’s a lot!

Jayhawker

[Tankjsl]

I would call a good pharmacy that you trust. They can advise you what could be used and if you need a script maybe your primary care doctor could take care of that for you . If you by any chance see an ophthalmologist, they can prescribe medication as well.

[Eyak1971 in reply to Tankjsl]

Thank you for sharing.

[Darlenia]

Very smart question. We clear any and all medications through our transplant team. The centers have pharmacists most familiar with transplant interactions and know which ones are safe to use, etc. My hubby recently had a dental procedure and the center advised the dentist to switch my hubby to another antibiotic, etc. Although my hubby isn't often seen by his center anymore, he was told to always reach out to them with any and all questions - he can do so by phone and online. I have a friend who lost her transplanted hubby to an inappropriate medication prescribed at a local Urgent Care for toe nail fungus. He died within days of taking it. So we're super cautious about using meds not cleared through our center. By the way, our center provided a notebook with acceptable meds - I think most are of the OTC variety. So check around - maybe you already have a list of preapproved drugs too that you can check.

[Eyak1971 in reply to Darlenia]

Thanks for sharing.