styes and chemo

As it turns out, eye styes can be a direct result in chemo. Chemo can (and did in my case) clog the tear ducts. Because your tears aren't draining the way they should, the tears that remain in the duct system become stagnant, promoting growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. These organisms lead to recurrent eye infections and inflammation. Which can and did cause styes.
I was prescribed Erythramycin ointment to apply 2 x day for 7 days.
I suppose I am getting just about every weird side effect down the pike!
Hugs,
Janet

Janet,
You are not alone, welcome to my world of mysteries!.   I had problems with my right eye. First it was blurry vision, then  progressed to blurry with yellow drainage and discomfort. Fortunately I was going to see my Onc.. so I called ahead and to let the office know before I came in. I didn't want to possibly expose other people to any more issues than necessary, especially if their immune system was compromised.
My appointment was rescheduled for the end of the day. Only the receptionist, the doctor and I were in the office. I got Erythromycin ointment for my eye and used warm compresses for the discomfort. The doctor didn't think it would remain a problem after treatment, but the same issue returned after each of my remaining chemo cycles.

That's all in the past and  I can see clearly now, gone are all obSTYcles in my way.
I wonder why it was always my right eye not both or just the left. Oh well, just more to ponder
Lisa


Edited by musette green - Jul 10 2009 at 4:42pm

Well...I'll be darned.  I finished chemo last summer (08) and I have had a recurring problem with styes.  I've complained about them with my oncologist and family doctor and nobody seemed to think anything of it.  I keep getting them... they get better and then I get another one.  Do any of you know if there is anything documented on this?

Thanks!