2 year mark for Uveitis remission

Jacob had his 6 week follow-up with Dr. Foster today. This visit marked the 2 year medicated remission for Jacob's uveitis. His eyes are completely clear!

Two years ago, Jacob was in the midst of a uveitis flare-up that was uncontrolled. He had been
treated initially with NSAIDS that produced no results. He then moved onto Methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug. This produced no results either. During the Methotrexate and NSAID therapy he was also on steroid drops. Jacob was unable to achieve a steroid free remission with this medication combo. His eyes continued to flare as we tried to wean the drops. The decision
was made to add to the Methotrexate another drug called Humira. Humira is a drug that is classified as a TNF antagonist. This stands for Tumor Necrosis Factor. Once the Humira was added Jacob went into remission. We were told 2 years ago, that once he achieved remission that
he would continue to be on this combination for a full 2 years before weaning would be considered. I remember thinking 2 years was so long!! Now here we are! Full 2 years off steroids.

As far as his eyes are concerned we have the go ahead to wean on the meds. This needs to be determined by the rheumatologist though. We are scheduled to see her on July 19th. Jacob's joints have been doing very well except for the one swollen toe. One toe. So now we wait for the appointment in July to see what she says.

We have graduated to seeing the eye doctor every eight weeks instead of every six. Uveitis is a disease that isn't to be taken lightly. It can come back at any time. The effects can be devastating. Jacob is very fortunate that his eyes have been very responsive to treatment. We shouldn't forget that still today, 10% of children will go blind from the disease. This is improved from fifty years ago when 50% of the children went blind. Proper care and diagnosis is so critical in preserving sight with this disease.