Iritis.org

Mike,

I meant to post again earlier since "My Intro"... Since I've had this recurring iritis over the past 10 months, would it be smart to visit a uveitis specialist, or is continuing to see my opthamologist sufficient? I've had all the blood tests/x-rays done, saw a rheumetologist, and there was no apparent cause for the iritis and scleritis. My doctor said that's pretty typical, and even a person with no underlying cause can have recurring bouts of iritis (the scleritis I only had my first occurence, since then only the iritis has returned). Last time I was there I asked him if there was anything we were perhaps "missing" and whether I should repeat the tests and he didn't think I needed to.

I live in the Renton/Bellevue area. Is this Bellevue doctor the one you recommend most? Is it worth a visit to him? I don't want to waste anyone's time if there's nothing else to be done, but maybe this guy might have some other options for me...???

Thanks,
Jo

I don't know what the doctor will say. the attitude on the west coast of the USA is to wait until permanent vision is lost before treating with immunosuppressive medications to retrain the immune system. there are no true experts in diagnosis and treatment in Washington State. the closest is in Salt Lake city or California. some individuals travel back east for care.
if you feel that a second opinion is in order, then DR Corey might be able to help as he has done a fellowship in California. each case is different with this stuff and perhpas Dr Corey would at least try to initiate a steroid sparing approach through the use of oral NSAIDS in an attempt to get your autoimmune uveitis and sclertis under control. I don't know what you have been tested for but Scleritis and uveitis together is VERY unusual and is sometimes related to the Mixed connective tissue disease processes and perhaps the enteropathic arthropathies. there are links to information on these topics in information forums at this site.

Wish you the very best,
Mike[/i]

Dr Corey no longer practices in Washington State. he move to Utah