What to do at 4am

General
21

Maureen, I understand your concern - I truly do. And I suspect that the limitations of the typed word mean your posts probably sound far more emphatic and matter-of-fact than you intended. Firstly, I don't live in the US - it is perfectly legal for me to drive provided I can pass they eyesight test and disclose my condition, which I have done. The only stipulation on my licence is that I wear my glasses while driving.

My Ophtho - Professor B, is a good friend of mine, takes VERY good care of me, and we have discussed my vision at length - in fact it is excellent considering. Put it this way - at the beach in the dark, I was able to spot the breathing spouts of three whales approximately 3 miles out at sea, without my glasses. I don't believe I have a vision issue. I alternate drops and the new moisture barrier spray every hour when I am awake. At night I use long lasting ointment so that I can wake up without the worry of my corneas having dried out. I have never had ulceration, infection or any kind of erosion. I test my STT myself weekly (I am an ex ICU nurse).

And lastly, I live in a country and an area where the tyranny of distance is a problem. My specialist are all based approximately 250 kms away. I must drive to work at a different location sometimes - that is another 175 kms the other way. And if I want to go shopping to a major centre (Mall) ....try the 9 hour round trip. I have no husband, no boyfriend, no relatives and no friends that could spend the time to drive me anywhere. Ours is a do it yourself or perish lifestyle. I average about 1200 kms a week in driving, and I have been driving for 30 years. Not once - ever have I had an accident. In fact, I've never even had a ticket for speeding.

The intent of my original post was not to raise any issues about physical symptoms. I was wishing to share with the good people here - one way, my way of coping in a positive and novel way with something many of us experience. I wish that you could re-read my original post in the light in which it was intended. To be a beautiful and uplifting experience that came out of something horrible - insomnia and pain.

One of the things I live by now, is to surround myself with good people, who share positive thoughts and emotions despite the challenges in our lives. I no longer choose to accept the negative around me - life is too beautiful to survive like that - I want to live it. And I want to be able to share that goodness whenever I can, however I can. I respectfully ask you to please consider the angst and disharmony your words have created - possibly due to something personal you are, or have experienced, and allow us all here to move forward in a more friendly , supportive and positive way.

By the way, I am a wildlife photographer - at the moment I am following the Northern migration of Humpback whales up the East Coast of Australia to the warm tropical waters. These are some of our encounters from the weekend


Maureen said:

Talk to a dry eye opthamologist.

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22

Here is just a quotation from the plethora of medical documentation about dry eye and temporary blindness. I googled "dry eye and temporary blindness".

From the following website, www.eyesurgeonpc.com/betterdorf/dry-eye-syndrome.htm

It states and I quote: " Furthermore, dry eye syndrome is associated with a decreased ability to perform activities that require visual attention, such as reading or driving a car."

I regret sharing this information due to all the angst it caused. My impression of this website was to promote an atmosphere of support and education. Not an environment of discord because someone shares knowledge which reflects the opposite opinion of another member.

Yes as a trained mathematician I do not typically post emotionally charged statements.

We are all dealing with a life changing and to date, noncurable autoimmune disease.

Again many blessings on your journey.

23

Your photos are incredible, Tog. Thank you for sharing! I got my first speeding ticket this summer, alas. At age 47, I was hoping that I was immune, but I hit a revenue trap in Santee, SC at just the wrong moment Ah, well, such is life.

24

Maureen, my takeaway from this discussion is that people with Sjogren's should stay in touch with their eye doctors, keep up to date on eye appointments, and ask questions about driving. It appears that many of our members do just fine behind the wheel, thank goodness. A friendly reminder to be aware of one's visual limitations is a good thing, and not just for Sjogren's patients. I am off to the eye doctor today to check on my own pre-glaucoma condition.