Any experience with orbital edema?

**ArlaMo** · 01-16-2013, 07:11 AM

The scleritis in my right eye was improving after my rtx infusions in December, but the last week or so, my lacrimal duct has been blocked and a bit painful. I woke up yesterday and the whole right side of my face is swollen and hurts like crazy. The edema is worse under my eye - today, it is so swollen, my eye won't open.

My local optometrist took pictures and sent them to Dr. Rosenbaum - Dr. R wants me to see an orbital specialist. His secretary called this morning to help me schedule that, but the first available appointment is on the 25th. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but this has had me in tears a few times over the last 48 hours

Anybody had any experience with this? I don't know if there is anything I can do here at home for the next 10 days to help it.

**Dirty Don** · 01-16-2013, 07:37 AM

No experience, sorry there, but I would be on that phone everyday and twice if needs be to the doc's office. Hang tough AM!

**ArlaMo** · 01-16-2013, 07:42 AM

Thanks Don! Just got a call that they had a cancellation tomorrow - I'm just hoping I can make the four hour drive to Portland!!

**Dirty Don** · 01-16-2013, 07:45 AM

EXCELLENT! You'll make it...I know it...best of luck now!

**drz** · 01-16-2013, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by ArlaMo

Thanks Don! Just got a call that they had a cancellation tomorrow - I'm just hoping I can make the four hour drive to Portland!!

Get a helper to go with you as the ride might be too much for you and then you can maybe try nap a little on the trips there and back. Or plan to stay over night cause those long trips can be exhausting when you feel ill already.

Best wishes for a safe trip and good consult.

**ArlaMo** · 01-16-2013, 05:05 PM

Yay - my sweet mom is going to come with me. Thank goodness for moms!

**ArlaMo** · 01-17-2013, 04:51 PM

Saw Dr. Ng, who is an orbital specialist at Casey Eye Institute. He was a bit abrupt in his "bedside" manner, but thorough. He actually lanced the lacrimal sac and drained out all the fluid, took some cultures, and told me I was not a good candidate for a stent. He said at some point, I might need the lacrimal sac excised completely.

The swelling has gone down some, but I look I got a good jab to the face in a boxing arena.