constant episcleritis for 10 years

[Stefimus]

help!!!!  i have had episcleritis on and off for 10 years.  In the past 3 years it has gotten so bad.  My eyes constantly stay red.  I am seeing a rhematologist, but he just seems to shove medicine down my throat.  I have had all blood work done, I don't have any rhematology diseases like lupus or RA.  The only thing that works to clear it up is high doeses of prednsone.  Once I am weined off, it flares right back up.  I am now on methatrexate (I refuse to take the steroids anymore) and that is not working.  My right eye has been flared up for 3 months straight now, and it won't go away.  The lotemax does not work.  I need help.  I am starting to feel depressed.  I can't take waking up and going to bed hurting anymore.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[Jenn0030]

Have you ever looked into a second opinion for the episcleritis?  Sometimes episcleritis can be associated with anterior uveitis. (A similar eye condition)  A Second opinion may help you understand that your current physician is treating you properly and / or give you all the possible treatments options.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Life is tough. All diseases cannot be cured. Some diseases can be controled but don't go away, they are called chronic diseases. Without treatment you would likely be in constant pain and experience some loss of vision. Serious problems require serious medicines and ALL medicines have side effects.  The optimal thing is for you to be under the care of an ophthalmologist and a rheumatolgist.

There are no quick fixes for your problem and you are receiving what sounds like excellent care.

JCH MD