RA plus retina and gi issues
A year before my RA diagnosis at age 59, I had a large retinal detachment. It was repaired by laser but I have a lot of scarring and continued flashes.
Has anyone had retina or visual changes with RA?
My eye surgeon says it's non-related. Will ask my rheumatologist at next appointment.
A few months ago went for routine colonoscopy with endoscopy. On PPI for Barrett's esophagus.
I had palindromic rheumatism at least five years before my RA diagnosis. Now on methotrexate and prednisone.
Best wishes to everyone
Hi
!
Unfortunately, GI and eye issues are not uncommon with RA. Sometimes, there's a direct correlation between RA and whatever issue you are experiencing. And sometimes, it's more of a comorbidity issue or your immune issues making you more susceptible to other health issues and conditions. While I am not aware of too many community members dealing with retinal detachments, retina issues do occur with RA. Here's some information on the various vision/eye problems a person with RA may face -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/symptoms/eye-problems. The GI problems can sometimes be caused by the various medications used to treat and manage RA symptoms, so that's something to keep in mind. Here's some info on Ra and GI issues that I thought you might find interesting -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/ibs-restroom-tips. And I think you are wise to bring up any questions you have with your rheumatologist at your upcoming appointment. He/she may be able to help you decide whether your issues are RA related or not and how to proceed with possible treatment options.
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.Thanks so much, I appreciate this information. I'm glad to be part of the community. This information and support is needed.
Yes and more yes. Let me tell you a story! About 15 years ago or so, I woke up with a blurry right eye. I thought it had something to do with the head cold I had at the time so I ignored it. After two weeks the cold was gone but the blurry eye wasn’t. SO I went to my regular Opthalmologist who told me…. I was going to blind. Ugh, punch in the gut. My mom said make an appointment with a specialist before we freak out but I had to wait 24 hours before I could see someone. Those were the longest 24 hours of my life. Turned out that my regular doctor was dead wrong and scared me to death for no reason. Yes, my high level of prednisone had cause a fluid leak into my eye but there was a shot in the eyeball that could fix it. A shot into the eyeball isn’t great but it’s a long way from going blind! So, yes, I have had RA cause my eye issues and that’s not even getting into the whole Plaquenil thing. Let us know if there’s anything else we can do to help. Keep on keepin’ on, DPM
