the r.factor

[kelpee]

My name is Kel, and I've lived with iritis/uveitis for the last 18 years. For a long time I floated along (pun intended) with very few attacks and they were very low on the pain scale as well. For the last three years I haven't been quite so lucky.

The increase in frequency and severity of my attacks prompted me to find a second opinion. The doctor I was referred too is just short of a miracle worker. He listens, he cares and most of all he gives it too you straight. I am thankful for my ophthalmologist! Through him I was referred to a great Uveitis specialist in Toronto, Dr. Larissa Derzko-Dzulynsky and through her to a Rheumatoid Specialist, Dr. Choy at Sunnybrook hospital. It was a round about route but I have been diagnosed with an elevated r.factor, which gives at least gives me a reason.

I have tried most of the drops on the market. I have had steroid shots behind my eyes. I have been tested for almost every immune disease that can be linked to iritis. At present I am on a NSAID and a corticosteroid drop and I am taking a rheumatoid drug as well. Unfortunately I believe they're losing their effect. I have lost quite a bit of my eyesight. I have lost my ability to read books. Being one of the few people left who actually have a library in their home, I can't explain how heart breaking that is too me.

In the beginning, I didn't take these attacks seriously. I wasn't informed as to the consequences of ignoring the eye aches. Twenty years later facing the probability of losing my sight, I regret that.

[Mike Bartolatz]

Hi Kel and welcome to the group!
sorry you are now losing vision to this stuff which can occur if the uveitis is under treated. the goal is off all steroids without inflammaton and one has to sometimes 'push' the DMARD drug a bit higher than what the rheumatologist is used to using. are you on Methotrexate or other DMARD drug at this time? if so, how much are you on and are you taking Folic acid about 11 hours after the MTX (any sooner and the folic acid will interfere with the way MTX works).

Please know we are here to help you through this. DR D is one of the best in your province.

wishing you the very best,
Mike