RESTASIS | Arthritis Information

Anyone using this? after my eye excitement this weekend, the Dr, suggested this, just wondering if anyone has some feed back, many thanks Rain

h2,

I used it for a day or two so I can't say alot about it except I am one who doesn't like to use any medications. So far I am lucky enough that plaquenil has helped. I had temporary plugs put in my eyes and that helped alot so will go Tues to get permanent ones. I work at a pharmacy and I read too much about side effects. The best advice is try it.I do know since it is an eye drop very little if any is absorbed into you system. Good luck Pat

I started it last week. I have had reoccuring corneal errosions(basically
corneal tears) from dry eyes. I have been on steriod drops since Feb. and
started Restasis last week. Dr. said that it can take up to 3 months to see
any changes. I will be getting plugs after an infection-caused by the eye
irration-dies down.

I have had to see the eye dr. every other week since Jan...good thing he is
cute!!

BeckyI've been using Restasis for 8 months now. It does seem to help a bit. It hasn't solved my dry eyes problem completely though. I still use drops several times a day. But then I have allergies and take antihistamines for that, which aggravates the dry eyes. Can't win on this one! I can still have a good cry though - was reading a sad book yesterday and it felt good to feel tears breaking through. Gotta find more sad books.

Rain,

Don't get me wrong. If it weren't for the meds they have, not only for RA, alot of people would be in real bad shape. If I start to have the problems that alot of people have on here I'm sure I will take whatever I have to. I can see where it would be very hard for you to take these meds since you owned a natural health food store. Sleep is the pits. I don't know what its like to sleep. Sure pray you feel better soon. Pat

Rain, I have the eye plugs and they make a wonderful difference. Before they put those in, they couldn't get my dry eyes under control no matter how many eye drops I put in. I still have dry eyes, but now it is under control at least 90% of the time.

These are very small and will reduce your need for a lot more meds. And, they last. I've had mine in for more than a couple of years.

You might want to consider this. It only takes them moments to do and you will never really even be able to tell that it's done.

Deanna,

What an anpropriate avatar. I havn't graduated to them yet. It seems with work and work around the house I'm lucky to even get on the computer perhaps this winter. I would like to have someone come into my house and help me as I learn faster when someone shows me. Pat

Pat I have to take the opposite approach. I would say that Restasis has saved my life. I've been on it for a year now and will continue for as long as it works. It isn't the perfect cure for dry eye, but I was so bad that I wanted to scratch my eyes out before I started on it. I will say that the first 6 weeks were pretty hard getting use to it, because it makes you very light sensitive. Eventually it gets better. I would never hesitate to tell people to try it.

I used the Restasis drops for about 6 months, but didn't really see a huge difference. I also have lower punctal plugs, which seem to help. My artificial tears are what I rely on!!

Good luck with the Restasis - let us know how it works for you.

LAZ

Aflaren,

I,m so happy Restasis helps you. Everyone is different with meds. I had plugs put in yesterday and they have really helped . When I use drops it's even better. I hope they continue to help. My eyes get itchy too and that drives you crazy.