Toronto native - New to site

[Double M]

Hello,
I've been following your site for a while. I'm not sure I'm looking for further information, or it will just be cathartic to share my experiences ... with those who can relate.

I am 31 years old. I live in Toronto. I had my first Iritis episode in 2006. I had 2 other episodes in 2008. However, since February 2010, I have had chronic Iritis, rotating between both eyes. In March I was diagnosed Ankylosing Spondylitis (my brother also has it).

I have always taken (and currently still do) Prednisolone and Cyclogel. For the first time, I am feeling like it might be attacking both of my eyes and this really frightens me. I am a new mom and am just returning back to work.

I am treated at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto (it's great to see that there are other Toronto natives accessing this site)! I am frustrated because it's a teaching hospital and I find there are varying opinions to treatment. I am not getting better. I have recently been referred to a Uveitis Specialist at St. Mike's; however, she hasn't recommended anything different (only that she feels I should try FML once a flare up subsides).

Has anyone ever had any success pursing a homeopathic approach to Iritis ?
I am desperate.

Cheers, M

[Mike Bartolatz]

Contact theodore Rabinovitch MD or DR Dzerko for a consultation. their contact information can be found in our CANADIAN specialist list. you need a rheumatolgoist on your team so that a corticosteroid sparing approach to treatment will stop the attack on your eyes. because you have ankylosing spondylitis, you have to be treated to control it as well as the uveitis. the literature is replete with cases like yours which require this type of treatment to prevent serious sight threatening complications to constant inflammation. whether the treatment is NSAIDs to start such as Celebrex, Difusinal or Naprosyn taken orally at prescription strength DMARD drugs such as methotrexate, cellcept etc alone or in combination with TNF A drugs such as Remicade or Humira you must do something to prevent glaucoma, cataracts or other changes within the eyes from the inflammation and the corticosteroids you are currently using. FML is still a steroid and can also lead to complications.

I know of no homeopathic means of controlling or curing your uveitis. we don't discuss this type of treatment here.

wish you the best.
Mike