Update and advice ?

[LouLamb]

Hey all,

I have a few appointments coming up. I’ve got an OT coming Tuesday to look at the kitchen. Not sure what they might be able to provide to help me. Has anyone had any aids from them for the kitchen ?

I got the local hospital rheumy on the 10th. No expectations for this appointment. I am going to ask about my eyes though.

This weekend my eyes were awful. They felt very tired but sleeping didn’t necessarily help. They felt itchy and sore. I think they were very dry. I’ve never experienced this before. Has anyone else has problems with their eyes? I was quite worried as the only thing that’s not wrong with me is my eyes. I don’t need them going wrong as well !

I’ve been having a few issues lately with my stomach. I feel sick a lot of the time. This feeling comes and goes very often. I’m not quite sure why. I don’t think it has anything to do with my meds. Has anyone had similar experiences like these ? Or is it just me .

On a more positive note it’s only about 3 weeks till I’m off to Benidorm again. Been waiting so long! I love the heat over there it makes me feel like a different person. Not looking forward to flare that I get when I come back. I won’t worry about that until it happens! It’s definitely worth a flare for 8 days of living ‘ semi normal ‘

Hoping everyone is well and health 🙂

[MEW53]

Hi LouLamb,

Your OT will look at your needs in the kitchen, I got a percher chair which I sit at when trying to get my meals ready. She’ll give you some good advice, I have a few gadgets which I put online to help me as my hands are bad, I have a special gadget which helps you pull the ring on tin cans. If you look online for aids online you’ll see what is available before the OT sees you.

I have very dry eyes and have been using hypremellose eye drops for several years. The eyes dry as you get older especially using computers, iPads etc. And air conditioning drys them out too.

Mention the feeling sick syndrome to your rheumatologist, he may be able to suggest something.

Hope the driving is going ok and enjoy Benidorm.

Take care 😀

[LouLamb in reply to MEW53]

The driving is going well! I’m currently saving for a new car. Not sure how much longer this one will last me. I want one with heated seats 😂

[HazelW]

Good luck with your various appointments. Hope you get lots of positive outcomes. I am in no way a medical expert but the issue with your eyes could well be Sjoegrens (hope I've spelt that right !) . Lots of Lupies have that. At one stage my GP thought I may have it but it hasn't bothered me for a while & I have regular eye checks so don't think it is a problem any more. Sickness is quite a problem for many of us too, touch wood I've been okay on that front for some time now . So basically, yes these are quite common issues with Lupus, so definitely mention them at your appointment.

Enjoy Benidorm - sunshine is definitely the best medicine!!!

[LouLamb in reply to HazelW]

I thought could be some sort of start to sjoegrens.

I wish I could go abroad more !

[HazelW in reply to LouLamb]

Bet you do. I always feel so much better when the sun is shining !! Xx

[Bebe76]

I have lupus and Sjogren's. My eyes get very dry. Dry eyes can sometimes cause blepharitis.

nhs.uk/conditions/blepharitis/

More helpful information here: lupusuk.org.uk/dry-eyes-and...

As for the stomach issues, for a long time I woke up each morning feeling sick and when I was put on omeprazol, it improved a lot.

Do mention both problems to your rheumatologist!