Update on Erik

[Erik]

Sorry for the self-centered title. Some of you know that I have done a few things lately in attempt to improve on my dryness. Here's a bit of info on each.

1) treatment for Demodex: still using the tea tree shampoo and oils, and I admit that I am feeling a bit better lately, though with the other things I have done, it's hard to tell what has helped (the perennial problem for dry eye patients)

2) bmore's NAC 600 Glutathione 100 treatment: I'm about 2-3 weeks into this, and again, feeling better, so it may be contributing. No side effects whatsoever, and only one pill a day, so this is one thing I m sticking with.

3) clinical trial with rebamipide: I am on the trial, currently in he "run-in" period. I don't get trial drug (vs. placebo) until this upcoming Monday 4th April--I'll keep you posted

For all of my virtual friends out there, especially the suffering ones: hang in there, things are BOUND to get better. I find myself thinking about all of you every so often and I honestly hope that you are coping well, and even feeling good every so often.

I'll keep in touch.

--Erik

[Erik]

BTW: in my newly-posted pic, I am the non-beautiful one, on the left. My wife of 15 years, Lorri, is on the right. (You probably figured that out.)

[dianat]

I was wondering who the babe was. I knew she wasn't you. I mean, you post as "Erik" not "Erika". She's lovely. And if she's as supportive as my husband, she's super-woman.

I'm happy for your improvements. I truly am. I wish I could report the same, but I'm honest when I say that I feel really good when my fellow dry eye patients see improvements. I can hardly wait to know more about the Rebamipide.

By the way, I'm thinking of going to see Tseng. I just need to be in motion. I know it can't hurt, but I'm wondering how you truly feel about his ability to diagnose. I keep getting mixed ideas on what exactly is causing my problems. I'm curious your take on how equipped he is to accurately diagnose. So far, all I have are theories on what's going on. I don't know how I'll ever find what works when I don't even know exactly what's going on.

Thanks for the update. Keep 'em coming. It was nice to hear from you.

Diana

[jcorbett]

That's not a self-centered title. We like to hear updates from people. I, too, have been on Bmore's NAC/Glut treatment for about 3 weeks and I am noticing an improvement and wondering if that is it.
But you stated it correctly when you said one never knows. We all try so many things. And add in the good days and bad days that occur for seemingly no reason, the weather, computer time, what color socks I wore today (one of my favorites) I never know what to blame or give credit to.
I will wait another couple weeks to see. I am also using the testosterone, which definitely helped, but have noticed I don't need to use it as much now. Could that be the pills kicking in or just the cream doing its thing? I just don't know right now. I'm going to continue to cut back on the cream and keep taking the pills and see what happens.
Dianat - I am not one to push doctors, but you have suffered so much for so long. If you can swing it, it just may be worth it. If nothing else, perhaps you can get put in a file somewhere and he could contact you if something comes up in the future that could help. I understand, though, it's hard to get motivated when you don't know if it's worth it or not.
BTW - I really like your pics. Maybe someday I will try and figure out how to do that. But I will be wearing my ultra-cool Wiley-x glasses. (I think that's what they're called). Now that's an idea....we can all post our pics and model our eyewear! Hmmmm......I wonder if we could get paid to advertise??

[Erik]

Thanks for the compliments on the picture--my wife is indeed very supportive, having been through some chronic pain issues herself (now thankfully a thing of the past.

Not to brag, but if you think Lorri is lovely, you should see my 3 girls. Actually, you can see them, here.

I have some panoptyx myself, and some sweet (not really) Mad Dog Goggs over-glasses goggles, which I prefer from a comfort standpoint, but which make me look like a freaked-out alien being. One day I'll be brave enough to post a picture of me in that attractive eyewear.

[Lucy]

Erik, you're right! Your wife and girls are lovely. It helps to have a supportive family when going through these things. It's so good to have another medical professional on here (I think Dr. G posts on here and maybe others). For all those who think we are looney.......nananananana. This stuff is real and it ain't pretty. Also, it's not just women who "get it." Five years ago we heard a lot of that. Well, you're an older female and what did you expect? As more men came with the same problems, it became less of an issue. Obviously dry eye does not discriminate!

[dianat]

I loved the pics of your kids, Erik! They're beautiful. I'm a stay-at-home mom, so it's kinda my thing. I have a beautiful 3-year-old strawberry blonde on my lap in my avatar. Kinda sadly, I cropped her out. Maybe I'll post a pic of my babes soon. They are, indeed therapeutic for me. Sometimes looking at them makes me really, really sad, however, as I feel I've compromised them with this whole LASIK thing.

I have a lot of baggage to unload. But I certainly have a lot of live for.