Another update on the swollen eye

[Fatsiajaponica]

Back in Moorfields today, turns out the original diagnosis was Retinal detachment,Anterior Uveitis, possible Scleritis. After all the tests today and a weekend of 60mg steroids the eye has improved, no need for op today to reattach retina as it is healing a bit. The cause of the inflammation seems to be leaking blood vessels in the eye, no panic then, back there in 2 weeks. I can see a little better now, they are sure that it is not GCA (because of presentation). I remain sceptical that it isn't related to PMR as they think there is an auto-immune response of some kind? Anyway, thank you to everyone for your insights and support. I am well hyper as continuing on 60mgs of pred, hoping to get some sleep!

[SheffieldJane]

Do you have Diabetes? I had an eye test today because I have recently developed steroid induced diabetes 2. She was looking for enlarged arteries which could burst and cause problems with my eyesight , she was also looking for any signs of a detached retina. My diagnosis is GCA so another threat to my eyesight. Yet the treatment is steroids. Sorry if I have missed the relevant bits of your story.

[Fatsiajaponica in reply to SheffieldJane]

I don't and am hoping not to develop it. I am sorry you are having to cope with the double whammy. Take care

[SnazzyD]

I hope it continues to improve. Now is the time to do that very low carb diet to keep those blood sugars down; your eyes will thank you as well as other bits. The hyperness isn’t great is it? but it’s not forever.

[Fatsiajaponica in reply to SnazzyD]

Yes, I've been working on the low carbs, usually my favourite foods. What would constitute low carbs for the day, 2 slices of wholemeal?, one jacket potato.

[SnazzyD in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

It depends on the person. On those kind of doses all the way to under 10mg I had to avoid all bread, pasta, rice, maize, flours and potato. Fruit needs to be watched too and berries are best. You’ll soon tell what is too much for you after about 3 weeks or thereabouts, or if you start getting low blood sugar feelings followed by rampant snack attacks.

Salt is also one to watch since Pred causes sodium retention so one can easily become puffy and wobbly just from fluid. I had to have virtually no salt but again, everyone is different.

[Fatsiajaponica in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks Snazzy, did you get your own blood sugar monitor to keep track? I'm thinking of doing so

[SnazzyD in reply to Fatsiajaponica]

No because the spikes of blood sugar (before you eat anything) happen randomly. I decided unless they were up all the time, it wasn’t worth it. My 3 monthly HbA1c blood tests from the GP were ok. Once on my low low carb diet , although Pred made me want to eat the furniture, I stopped getting the low blood sugar shakes and sugar cravings.

[Sillydogsmum]

I feel certain that Moorfields would have said if they thought you had diabetic retinopathy in addition to the other conditions. It must be worrying for you but hope things improve. Do go very canny to allow the detachment to settle down.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

At least you have the right people on the case - can't get better than them!!

[powerwalk]

Oh hope it all settles. Best wishes.

[AtopicGuy]

The immune system responds to injuries as well as diseases. Sometimes it goes wrong and causes diseases. Sometimes it overreacts to a genuine threat and causes collateral damage.