Sometimes an answer, as frustrating as it may be, reveals what you "don't" know about a question, rather than what you do know. Especially as relates to medical issues, this 'process of elimination' situation is more common than you think, and can be more informative than not. Let me unpack that a little for you - in real-time mind you (as I process this new news myself).
Whatever I have, it is NOT the Arcturus variant of Covid. I thought this could have been possible, because it's one of the newer versions that has been identified, and it presents with a symptom (among others) that acts like Pink Eye. But I have none of the other Covid symptoms, and I didn't test positive for the big 19.
Whatever I have, it is NOT long-term Pink Eye. There is such a thing as Chronic Conjunctivitis where Pink Eye keeps coming back because you have a blocked tear duct or recurrent blepharitis (which is inflammation and crusting at the eyelash roots, causing sticky red eyes). My situation is not this defined or dire, but here too, it is good to be aware of what's out there that could be a diagnosis.
Whatever I have, it is NOT the result of any of my current cocktail of Multiple Myeloma meds. I have been on this particular regimen for about three years and have never had anything like this up until recently. Yes, I know, things can change, but after speaking with my Oncologist and revisiting the listed (lengthy) side effects of the drugs that I take, nothing points to the potential of this problem.
As I write this, it's around 10pm-EST and my right eye (the more troublesome one) is starting to get kinda dry and kinda itchy and kinda tired. It's been another long day (a good one), and maybe my eyes are just beginning to age and need more rest like the other parts of my body. Or it could possibly be seasonal allergies. In that case, there’s not much I can do beyond OTC remedies - which tend to make me drowsy (even the alleged Non-Drowsy ones). Regardless of the answer, it's just another thing I will learn to live with (emphasis on the word "live" as this is not life threatening at all). And I'll check in with an Ophthalmologist (adding another "gist" to my care team), just to make sure that it's passing and manageable.
So, I still don't really know, but it was fun walking with you through the process that I have dealt with more than once along my journey - and now you've seen it play out live.
