STY. EYE.

[yogabonnie]

this is so minor..but so annoying in the last 3 months I have had 3 styes. I assume this is prednisone stress related (stress? what on earth could be stressing us?? ) but they seem to be lasting longer and longer. now on week 2 with one higher up in the eye lid. ANYONE?? help! what to do.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Blepharitis is not uncommon in the ranks:

nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye...

webmd.com/eye-health/blepha...

Eye hygiene can make a massive difference

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As you keep getting recurring styes I think you need to seek advice. This might help -

allaboutvision.com/en-gb/co...

[SheffieldJane]

I have got persistent conjunctivitis and worried that it was a side effect of Tocilizumab ( It is listed I think). I worried about my suppressed immune system and another attack on my eyes. The doctor I spoke to knew nothing about Tocilizumab. I got some over the counter antibiotic drops that hurt more. My eyes really ache at night as well.

I really understand how these things can get you down. Talk to your GP as they are recurring. It smacks of a deeper infection that may need antibiotic tablets. My mother swore by Golden Eye ointment, it always seemed to work. I have a horrible feeling that it was the same manky little tube throughout my childhood. I hope it gets better soon. Hay fever is not helping.

[Grammy80 in reply to SheffieldJane]

I'm hopping on only because I read that you thought styes might be a side effect of the Tocilizumab. I've been on it now since last October and not had any eye problems other than dry eyes. With the TCZ, I'm mindful of the 'deal-breaker' side effects and the rest I consider a trade off. The TCZ is really a decision about sight, I feel. EVERYTHING has side effects, we know.

I just found out through my own research that the various meds I've taken for years to protect my stomach may be what damaged my kidneys. Who knew? .....who really knows for sure once so many parts need attention? So, now they have me off all except 20 mg of Omeperasole. I'm feeling more British all the time.

Got to keep the faith. xo💖

[SheffieldJane in reply to Grammy80]

When you say ( by the way, hop on as often as you like, my spirits rise when I see your name, my friend’ ) you are off everything except 20 mgs of Omeprazole, do you mean everything? What had done the damage? What is the prognosis? I didn’t join in with your kidney thread because I didn’t really understand the implications to contribute intelligently.

Are you still on Tocilizumab and Pred.?

My worry was a thing like conjunctivitis might spread because my immune system was so effectively suppressed. Infection is our main concern with Tocilizumab according to that hard to read but informative medical paper PMRPro sent through on the use of Tocilizumab in GCA. Xx

[Grammy80 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Oh, no, Jane......I'm not off everything. I meant they have taken the medicines I was given to protect my stomach away and started me on 20 mg time release omeprasole .....I'm still on a host of other stuff, Actemra, Prednisolone, supplements, Alendronate ...plus other meds.

I had been taking 60 mg of Dexilant plus 40 mg of Famotidine per day ....when my kidney filtration rate was low, they stopped Dex and Famotidine plus Celebrex. I have labs on August 11 and we shall see if there is any change in the BUN, Creatine and GFR. There is no repairing the kidney or kidneys....just try not to make it worse.

Once I get the Boston thing out of the way, and I see the new labs, maybe it is time to see a nephrologist. One day at a time. My mind is so chuck full~! xo

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Grammy80]

They are so keen to use celebrex and other NSAIDs and they are poison to kidneys. But terrified of pred ...

[Grammy80 in reply to PMRpro]

I'd had a hip replacement when I was 60, then a revision at 77. It was after that surgery in July 2017 I had been given the Celebrex and have been taking it every night since until July 28th~! I had no idea~I'm hoping my numbers have improved by August 11, but there isn't much I can do is there? xo

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Grammy80]

No - but the doctors forget this side of it.

[Grammy80 in reply to PMRpro]

💖💖

[yogabonnie]

I laughed out loud at "the same many little tube throughout my childhood." wasn't that the truth. we had something called Peterson's Ointment that was put on my eczema nightly but seemed to be the same tin for Years and years and years!!

[SheffieldJane in reply to yogabonnie]

We are still very much here however! 😳

[yogabonnie]

Yes! But it is so strange as I have been washing my hands soooooo much and retrying not to touch face !

[yogabonnie]

thanks! I will try that!

[Janstr]

I've had several blocked tear ducts & styes since being on pred. (I had never had a blocked tear duct before, & had had a very occasional stye ( once every 4 or 5 years) ) & was told by a skin specialist who I was seeing about something else, to put hot compresses on the blocked tear ducts & massage, & if it didnt go away to go to GP maybe for antibiotics. He also told me to buy a product called lid clear from the pharmacy to use daily along with the hot compresses & massage as a preventative. I clean the lashes with the Lid Clean. Since doing this I haven't had a reoccurrence if either the states or blocked tear ducts

[SheffieldJane in reply to Janstr]

That’s useful,practical advice. I have had a blocked tear duct for ages with a swelling on my upper lid and a watery eye - separate to the conjunctivitis . I feel that this tendency is linked to either our condition or the meds.

[Hindags]

I have blepheritis and used to get sties...both before and during PMR. Now I use Vanicream cleansing bar...not a soap. Very mild. I wash my eyelids with warm water and the cleanser once or twice a day. Sometimes I soak my eyelids with makeup removing cotton pads that I hold under warm water. Haven’t had a sty for a few years now.

I used to use expensive wipes for irritated eyes but found them more irritating and less effective. Washing along the base of the eyelashes does the trick for me.

[Daffodilia]

I have had a couple of sties over past year (on about 6 mg pred for PMR)- I use Optrex Intensive Dry eye drops. Also tried tea tree eye wash but made my eyes sore. Heat pad seemed to make them worse so I stopped it.

[maria40]

Do take care of this as it can develop into blepharitis which I now have. I have a permanent large stye under my left lower eyelid and redness on the inner lid. This began after a bad bout of flu in February just when GPs surgeries were getting busy and people had reservations about going. I did mention it on my last visit to GP then and was told to wash my eyelids carefully every night and apply hot compresses several times a day. I've been doing this ever since but the stye persists.

[yogabonnie in reply to maria40]

this is what I am worried about. it seems to be in the middle of the upper lid. a little tiny pea beneath the surface. AS IF I dont have enough ugly age things!! haha. pretty soon I will have a mask and a patch! thank you.

[maria40 in reply to yogabonnie]

I agree. The combination of mask, sunglasses and make up free face is not fetching . Couple that with the fact that I chickened out on my hair cut.......!

[SheffieldJane in reply to maria40]

My efficient hairdresser had all her staff in PPE, Provided masks, had screens and sterilised everything between each client. Only 3 at a time. I felt as safe as for hospital appointments. The visit was a tonic - previously I looked like Cousin It from the Addams Family.

[KellyInTexas in reply to SheffieldJane]

🤣😂✌🏻I haven’t had a cut since March...and I have extremely thick hair...it’s taking over this half of Texas...

[SheffieldJane in reply to KellyInTexas]

😂😂😂

[maria40 in reply to SheffieldJane]

A friend recently said she looked like Gandalf - with black roots! My hairdresser was very reassuring and understanding when I cancelled but I don't think I can hold out much longer, my hair is too fine to put up and slips out of scrunchies.

[SheffieldJane in reply to maria40]

😂 If we didn’t laugh we’d cry.

[SheffieldJane in reply to yogabonnie]

I know it’s a conspiracy. I was ageing quite pleasantly and suddenly I have all these things like a fat back and neck. It can be quite lowering. I hope this stye goes Bonnie. I bet obsessive eye cleanliness will be the key. I have sent for a mask that heats up and some Blepharitis wipes, following this thread.

[yogabonnie in reply to SheffieldJane]

I just sent for the mask too. ! I think that is a great idea and sounds quite comforting! socks so your skin doesn't tear...weight vests... strange eye pads... my legacy!! haha. I think now, from nurse friend it is a chalazion. Which may go away with the heat but may also have to be removed. She had it done and is fine. I will wait a bit.!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to yogabonnie]

I think the consensus in the past has been that scrupulous eye hygiene is the best way to go ...

[yogabonnie in reply to PMRpro]

I do love this site...just when you think you are the only one out there.....

[SheffieldJane in reply to yogabonnie]

We will always have the 70’s 😂.

[SheffieldJane in reply to yogabonnie]

My mask came. It was quite soothing. The Blepharitis lotion and pads. They feel under control. Another tedious procedure like sugar testing, blood pressure taking, subcutaneous injection, foot lotion and cortisone , maintaining me is getting complex.

[LWNE]

Hello, I have blepharitis, which can lead to styes, and its common with PMR...I am using a heat pad on my eyes for a few mins in the mornings, and I have bought eyelid cleansing wipes to use twice a day. Seems to be helping, eye hospital check up showed this condition (I have uveitis as well, which is currently nicely quiet)

Hope this helps!

[yogabonnie in reply to LWNE]

thanks this helps a lot!! I just ordered the heat pad. and i have a bottle of the eye stuff.

[yogabonnie]

i think this all was caused because I USED to (before COVID) wear mascara and the would wash it off throughly at night...during covid I just quit with the mascara..and gave my face a casual wash. ... and so began the bacterial and now it is going back and forth... Maybe giving up my last vestige of vanity wasn't such a good idea!

[SheffieldJane in reply to yogabonnie]

I haven’t worn eye makeup for months now. I do cleanse my face with Miceller water by Clarins for sensitive skin, but not my eyes - just water. Maybe I need something for them?

[Blackcatlover]

Have had eye problems too. Bought a gel eye mask that can be put in the microwave for twenty seconds. I hold it on my eyes every morning for eight to ten minutes. Eyes are healthy and clear. Was told I have blepharitis and was prone to styes. This has

Made all the difference in the world without adding another drug.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Yes - but it also kills off the good skin bacteria that keep the baddies in check.

[yogabonnie in reply to PMRpro]

actually I think soap and water for hands is best too. I look this up online and think it is too strong for me. and yes. we need the goodies!!!

[yogabonnie]

thank you I just ordered a mask!

[Blackcatlover in reply to yogabonnie]

When you use the mask, I wrap a Kleenex around it and keep the Kleenex between my eyes and the mask. Have not had a problem in two years. Good luck!

[SheffieldJane in reply to Blackcatlover]

Top tip!

[herdysheep]

I used to have a lot of styes as a child and can remember (just) having a warmed cushion to hold over the eye. Seemed to take them a long time before coming up with the eye bag, which I now use daily. 30 secs in microwave and over eyes for 10 mins. Then thorough clean of eyelids with blephasol on make up style eyepads or tea tree wipes from optician. Latter are said to be best but I mix and match. Systane eye drops first thing and last thing. Not unusual for me to fall asleep with eye bag on!

The eye hygiene stressed after cataract surgery was good training - wash hands thoroughly before doing anything with eyes - what else?!

I have found a good optician is more help on such things than GP!

[yogabonnie]

Thanks! I thought I’d give it another few days then call eye doc next week