Swollen eyelids/Scleroderma

[Fuchia]

Hi Fuchie here.

I would like ask does anyone else get puffy/ swollen eyelids? I have noticed the past few weeks I have this new addition. Particularly in the mornings (or is it getting older!!!) I was only diagnosed before Christmas and still adjusting to all the symptoms.

Thanks everyone

[funnyfanny]

Hi Fuchie, yes I suffer with puffy/swollen eyelids. Ive been having this for approx 3 yrs now. I do find that when I'm not feeling so well they do look worse. Im only 42 so I don't think its age related more symptom related.

[Fuchia in reply to funnyfanny]

Thanks Funny fanny, I too think it is symptom related as it first started over night and didn't develop slowly. Mine are also worse when I am going through a bad spell.

[LucyJean]

Hello there, just joining the role call here to say that I get the puffy eyelid thang too. I am 44 so please let us not say it is age related When I am run down it is worse, in fact my eyes seem to be more red full stop. Nobody really notices it apart from me I am sure and eye make up sorts it out.

I hope that things settle for you and that you have a good team of medics to get you started on treatment.

All my best

Lucy

[Fuchia in reply to LucyJean]

Hi Lucy, I camouflage with make up too😉Let's hope it keeps working. I do have a good rheumatologist who has helped me so much after waiting a good few years for a diagnosis. Just good to chat with others in a similar position. Thanks a lot.

Here's to all of us with 'chubby'eyes....

[Hidden in reply to Fuchia]

I used to have this for years in my 30s and 40s - was told I had posterior blepharitis with Rhinitis with eczema on my scalp and everywhere else too. Now I have been diagnosed with primary Sjogrens Syndrome with Raynauds. I'm hypothyroid too and being assessed for Scleroderma.

My eyes are no longer puffy now in my early 50s- but are chronically dry - producing no tears whatsoever. This isn't age related for me - it's Sjogrens - also a common secondary disease to have with Scleroderma.

Heat pads/ wheat bags warmed up slightly with an eye massager using a special opthamology tool really helps posterior blepharitis I'm told. I also have meibomian gland disease which means my eyes don't produce enough oil. You should all get this checked out by a good optician or opthamologist as there are topical treatments that can prevent it from causing damage to your eye surfaces and bring much needed relief too.

[Fuchia in reply to Hidden]

Hi Twitchytoes, thank you for all your help and suggestions. I will look into the recommendations. I too have been told I have Sjogrens, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis along side the Scleroderma. We'll all get there in the end I am sure. Wishing good future health.

Fuchia

[Hidden in reply to Fuchia]

Thank-you Fuchia. In that case I'd say Sjögren's is very likely to be the culprit. Do you use preservative free eye drops? Unlike Osteoarthritis and Fibro, Sjögren's is an autoimmune disease and needs taking seriously as you can get corneal ulcers and other problems with your vision and teeth and many of the symptoms of Scleroderma are also symptoms of Sjogrens - left untreated they can make each other worse. Regular eye drops and good oral hygiene are both a must! X

[Fuchia in reply to Hidden]

I don't have anything for the eyes at the moment Twitchytoes. Rheumatologist have written to GP to give me something for dry mouth and I have had big dental problems the last 5/6years. Treatments have gone very wrong. Rheumatologist said that was due to Sjogrens. It is just a lot to take in when you are first diagnosed with different autoimmune diseases. I seem to be reading permanently with any free time I have. All your help is much appreciated.

[Hidden in reply to Fuchia]

I really do understand. It's like having a new full time job isn't it?! My Sjogrens is thought to be my primary disease now but I was initially diagnosed and treated for RA. I got completely knowledgeable about RA with secondary Sjogrens thrown in. Now I'm trying to get my head around Sjogrens being my main disease instead and other diseases such as Raynauds and scleroderma crossing over possibly.

I feel back to square one! - especially as my main problems with Sjogrens have been neurological and my dry mouth and eyes are just one of many aspects to my disease.

Still blepharitis should be one thing you can sort out quite easily with some help from your optician. X

[zenabb]

In my experience (I am 87) symptoms come and go in cycles.