[Judy2]

Think I've discovered something that hasn't been discussed before so your input would be appreciated! Wednesday evening I developed a headache -- not a migraine, just a dull pain around my right eye. Thursday when I awoke, the same eye felt gritty with my eyelid swollen. When I checked the mirror, it was a pretty scary sight.

More so than usual!!! The white part of my eye is completely red from broken blood vessels. The eye looks "sunken in" with the lashes difficult to see. The swelling around it makes me look like I got the worst end of a fight! This has happened a few times lately, but not as severe.

Maybe just a coincidence, but also had blood drawn yesterday to check my coumadin level. It was too high which means my blood is too thin at the moment so a change in the warfarin (blood thinner) is needed. Think the tech. used a regular sized needle instead of a butterfly to accommodate my small veins, so I was wondering if there could be any connection between that and my eye problem? I've also heard that people with auto-immune diseases are more prone to this eye thingy happening. Has anyone else heard this or have any information? Thanks!!

[Kitty]

The only time I ever had eye pain was when I had Optic Neuritis. But my eye wasn't red. If I were you I'd let the doctor take a look at it. Sounds like it might be some type of infection. If it was related to the coumadin it seems like it would be in both eyes.......but I'm no doctor so I'm just guessing. I'd let a doctor have a look at it. Hope you feel better soon!

[kicker]

Judy,
Please see a qualified doctor who has some experience if that's possible. Eyes are important.

[mrsD]

Broken blood vessels like this can signal low Vit C status.

Also some other drugs are implicated in this, particularly benzodiazepines like Valium/Xanax/Klonopin. Although this is not a very common effect. Sounds like your Coumadin needs adjusting.

[Dejibo]

I have sjogrens so my eyes stay extremely dry, and I have to use ointments and such. My lash line will crust up, and the little dots where the oils come out, will clog up,and my eyes go all red, raw and swollen. I was dx by a rhuemy tho.

Please dont mess with your eyes. If its pink eye, you want it fixed quickly! if its sjogrens you want treatments! If its an infection of another sort, you will want answers. its just too hard to find them on line, in a book, or by looking of pictures of others eyes.

please go see your MD.

[SallyC]

((((((Judy))))))..Feel better.

[Lady]

Judy,
I thought my red, itchy, gritty, swollen, tearing, eyes was from allergy. I used anti-allergy drops for years. Now my Neuro-Op says it is dry eyes, like Sjogren's, (not tested lately for this one, I have enough Dx's).

So I use Blink or B & L eye drops, for dry eyes, rejuvenator ones. It worked. B & L is from Wal-Mart, they have Blink too, but the eye dr gave Blink samples to me. It is now gone, all the problems. I use it often, like he said, it took a months to get better.

The corner of the eye would get a ball of crust and block the tears from lubricating the eye.

I thought I had pink eye. In fact my pcp gave me drops for pink eye and it wasn't. Once I started the dry eye drops, that is what helps.

This may not be your problem so see an eye doctor to be sure. This was just my experience. I hope you find the answer.

[Judy2]

Thank all of you soooo much for your comments, concerns and suggestions!! I would like to see the eye doctor, but of course it's the weekend plus I'd have to find transportation.

After doing some research on the blood thinner (warfarin), I've discovered this condition can be caused by the level being too high, which it was. The dosage has been changed now. Also coughing, lifting heavy things and other meds can cause this. It sounds like too much warfarin was the culprit, but I still want it checked out when I get the chance.

Been divorced 20 years this month and at this point in my life, I wish it had worked out. It's the pitts going through this whole MS journey alone. Just thought that in four more years I'll have been divorced as long as I was married! Time flies-----even when you're not having fun.

Thanks again for your support my friends!

[Catch]

It just seemed like you could use another hug

[Judy2]

Originally Posted by Catch

It just seemed like you could use another hug

Thanks Catch, I really needed that! I'm so over this MS thing and all that comes along with it. Really don't know how much more of this I can stand with all the pain. So thanks again for that hug!!