[Gabe]

#1059793

Good morning! My eye involvement does not (yet) include eye bulging. However I do have a lot of edema/swelling above the eye (under eyebrow) and below the eye all way down to top of cheekbone. I look like I’ve been in a boxing match without the bruising! My eyes are also dry so I’m using artificial tears/drops to help with that. Can’t wear my contacts any longer and am trying to adjust to glasses. My pressures are slightly elevated and I’m noticing some definite changes to my distance vision clarity.
My question…does anyone have an opinion on trying Benadryl to reduce the swelling around eyes? There is a warning on bottle for glaucoma (which I don’t have but glaucoma is precipitated by increased eye pressures I believe). Wanted to try something other than cool compresses to reduce swelling….

[DeeColleen]

#1177619

No I’ve never heard of that. My ophthalmologist did tell me to take selenium 100 mcg twice daily; use refresh p.m. at night and restasis (s.p.) during the day when my eyes are dry. It has been helping. One thing I’ve added to this was to wear an eye mask at night; my boyfriend noticed that one of my eyes were not fully closing at night. The eye mask helps retain the moisture in my eyes.

I am really cautious about taking additional medications: Advil, tylenol, etc. Always consult with your doctor before taking anything not prescribed; especially because we are newly diagnosed you want to be absolutely certain that reactions will not occur.

I hope this helps

-Dee

[Gabe]

#1177620

Thanks Dee, I’ll look into the selenium..actually never heard of it. I use the Refresh drops throughout the day. I agree about the additional meds since I’m taking more in the last 3 months than in my entire life
Thanks!
Karen

[Kimberly]

#1177621

Hello – I haven’t heard of Benedryl being used for swelling, but this presentation from our 2012 San Diego conference might be of interest:

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

“10 Ways to Look and Feel Great”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rO4X74284s

On the selenium, there was a small study in Italy that showed that selenium supplements (100 micrograms twice a day) might have a positive impact on mild TED. However, the study was done in an area known to be selenium-deficient, so more research will be needed to determine whether this might be helpful to other patients. (On a side note, taking larger than recommended doses of any supplement is *not* a good idea. Certain vitamins/minerals that offer a benefit at smaller doses can be dangerous if taken in too large of a dose.)

http://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/ct-for-patients/vol-4-issue-8/vol-4-issue-8-p-5/

Hope this helps!

[LKBallenger]

#1177622

Hi Gabe, I am a benadryl addict. It seems to be the only thing that helps me sleep. I am trying to find something else for my insomnia. If you have dry eyes like I do, DON’T take Benadryl! Your eyes will be even dryer
Sorry to hear about the swelling around your eyes……it’s such a bummer

[Gabe]

#1177623

@LKballenger. Thanks. I won’t be taking Benadryl based on further research. Plus I remembered it actually has the opposite effect on me. Makes me hyper and I certainly don’t need that right now. Just finished watching the You Tube video Kimberly recommended and I plan to try many of the things listed there (top 10 things to look and feel better).
Have you tried Melatonin? I used it every night for over 10 years. It’s a natural supplement. Before Graves it worked very well for me.
Karen

[LKBallenger]

#1177624

Karen,
Have you tried lowering your iodine intake? My multi-vitamin has it….no longer taking that. I’ve cut way back on the iodized salt and my eyelids seem to be a little better. My wedge pillow arrived in the mail today so I will let you know how it helps the morning double vision—-can’t remember if you had that as one of your symtoms. I am also going to start warm compresses on my eyes. There is a product called “tranquil eyes” that I may order…..which was in the video. I also got a humidifier for the bedroom……..I’ll let you know if any of this helps……I am just getting started on trying to make myself more comfortable…….racking up the credit card charges…..LOL
Also went through the cabinet and chucked all products with paraben……baby lotion and baby wash had it! Yicks!
Yes I have tried melatonin….with no luck
Hope you sleep well tonight!
Laura

[ChristinaDe]

#1177625

😮 I learn something new everyday! Just read through this thread & Laura mentioned iodine in her vitamins. Doggone it, mine too! Hmmm.

Thanks for mentioning that little tidbit! My eye dryness & soreness have pretty much gone away, but I have a fluid bag that collects under my left eye & I’d love to shrink that baby!! I’ve been trying everything I can think of, including decreasing dietary salt.

[LKBallenger]

#1177626

Christina,
For a multivitamin, Women’s one a day “petites” don’t contain iodine……..orange container. Glad to hear the dryness and soreness are gone……..that’s encouraging…….now we just need the swelling to go down!
Laura

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