(Kimberly, ignore my post) “New topic” has appeared before my stinging and burning eyes!

Hi everyone, I am approaching my third year of TED. I know about eye drops, I know about ointment, I know about warm packs (warm packs feel great!)
About a year ago, I did try Restasis (very expensive) and it did not help me at all. My eyes tear a lot, so vision is blurred from tears. I was thinking there might be some improvement in these symptoms sometime in my life, but so far, not happening.

For those who might be interested in my upper eyelid surgery, to lower my retracted upper eyelids, I see no improvement at all. There was a fair amount of pain post op. More than my OD, but less than the palatal graft site for my unsuccessful lower eyelid surgery. The sutures tore through my eyelid on the slightly proptotic eye, so it was “done” three times. I still have those sutures in. There are some dissolving sutures underneath, which have not entirely dissolved yet.
Shirley

Hi,

I just wanted to say that you've been so strong and a rock for so many of us here with TED and have always been so open and ready to support us all as well as keep up to date detailed information through your posts. I hope things will improve for you soon and dont give up and keep fighting!

Kells x

gosh, Kells, that really means so much to me. THis forum has been a lifeline for Graves' and TED. I can't begin to tell you how much I have received from my forum friends. I do get discouraged, as you can tell. I am looking for an “end” to TED, knowing that I am as good as I am going to get. and hoping that the surgical interventions that I have had (all 13 of them) have not made my lifetime situation worse. I have not had one of them for cosmetic reasons. all are seeking better comfort or better vision, or not having to tape my eyes closed at night.
It is very important for anyone with tED to know that having procedures for appearance and cosmetic reasons, is absolutely fine. TED really wrecks havoc with our appearance. But it is also very important that the surgeons do the procedures for the MEDICAL indication of TED. Otherwise, insurance will puke it out.
Shirley

Thanks, Shirley, for the update – I'm so sorry that you are *still* not feeling any relief after all this time.

Thanks also for the reminder about “medical” vs. “cosmetic” coding. This is definitely an issue to discuss with the surgeon during the initial consultation in order to avoid further headaches down the road.

Take care!