Episcleritis

[Phillip_B]

I was diagnosed with Episcleritis about 3-4 months ago. I've been on Corticosteroids (Ophthalmic Suspension), and recently (6 weeks ago) was put on a even heavier dose and strength of Prednisilone. Now i haven't suffered any infections or anything in the afflicted eye but it seems to me like Episcleritis just might have an underlying cause. The medicine does help the pain, and in some cases entirely eliminates it. However, every time i start to feel the pain and swelling coming back, it doesn't always stay within the confines of the orbit. It feels like the pain is in the bridge of my eye, in the temple area, and occasionally in the frontal sinuses along with the eye itself. From what i understand, Episcleritis is when the sclera of the white part of the eye swells. Is it possible that it could 'spread' or be caused by something local, like in the sinuses?

Any suggestions would help dearly. I really want to be off this medicine, and this condition is starting to become crippling.

[Phillip_B]

Well i asked about it possibly being scleritis, but she seemed dead set on that it was episcleritis; mostly because my eye wasn't red like the classic look of episcleritis. I'm still undergoing follow-ups with my doctor and opthamologist, so i may find out what it could be. I still need to go to a stomach specialist to see what they think may be causing the Mesenteric Lymphadenitis. It's gone on a couple months, and the swelling hasn't really changed after 2x CAT scans from what they told me.

Although the occurence of both seemed to suggest they're related, but i will see about getting a rheumatologist referral soon.

[Sandra M Brown, MD]

Mesenteric lymphadenitis is a rare condition and I don't know anything about it.  Is it considered an auto-immune condition?  if so, there could be a connection between the 2 problems since episcleritis is also an autoimmune problem.  The pain in episcleritis can radiate to areas around the eye.  It is important for you to understand whether you have episcleritis or scleritis, which sound almost the same but have very different treatments and prognosis.  Search both terms to learn about the differences. If you have chronic scleritis that just won't stay away, you may need to see a rheumatologist to be started on medication to "turn down" your immune system over-reaction.

[Phillip_B]

Mesenteric Lymphaednitis**

[Phillip_B]

I forgot to mention that i also have lymphadenitis thats lasted a couple months as well. I don't know if they could be related, but its worth noting.