Luanne Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 Is this normal? What could be causing it? Does anybody know? I've never had this happen to my eyes before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkacademy Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 isn't that jaundice have something to do with liver problems? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 liver problems can cause the eye whites to turn yellow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Mama Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 Jaundice is a strong possibility. Is anything else out of the ordinary? I'd probably phone the doctor for blood testing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luanne Posted May 11, 2009 Author Share Posted May 11, 2009 Jaundice is a strong possibility. Is anything else out of the ordinary? I'd probably phone the doctor for blood testing. a lot lately. I don't know if there is any connection there. I don't have insurance so unless it is critical I am not going to go to the doctor. I don't have any money to pay the doctor with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Have you been eating a lot of carrots or taking high doses of vitamin A? That can cause it too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soph the vet Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Luanne, I would have your blood pressure checked, just another thought if you have headaches, maybe some leaky vessels in your sclera (white of your eye) giving a yellow appearance, otherwise liver is the first thing I think of and good point about carrots from Jean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ria Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 This could be critical, as in life-threatening if not treated. Go to the doctor. Ria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacey in MA Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 And I was often confused about when it was serious vs. when it was just something they were "getting over". General skin color confused me b/c some were more pale, and my #3 has a sort of tan/olive natural skin color. The Dr. said that if the whites of their eyes are still yellow, then it's a jaundice issue. If it's just yellow skin (but whites of eyes are white), then it's not jaundice, but either something else, or nothing. Now, those are baby anecdotes. I imagine there are other things that may apply to adults with skin discoloration issues. I wouldn't mess around with it though. Stop eating all yellow/orange veggies. If it's not better in a full day (I think that's what the Dr. told me once about the kids on a couple of occassions when they were little), go to the Dr. If it's the whites of your eyes, I'd spend the $ and get it checked out. A simple blood test will tell you if you need to step it further through the Dr. chain. I bet you could get this at any walk-in clinic..... HTH and GL! - Stacey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Hepetitus B will also cause your eyes to turn yellow -- and your pee will be dark dark yellow. Get thee to a Doctor. It's not normal and you need to find out what's up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cathy in IL Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 When sickle cell children have a crisis, their eyes often turn yellow as a result of an increase in the destruction of red blood cells. It is a cause of concern. I know it is hard without insurance, but I think you need a doctor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 (edited) Have you been eating a lot of carrots or taking high doses of vitamin A? That can cause it too. There is a name for this - carotenemia. It does cause yellowish skin, but doesn't cause the eyes to turn yellow. Luanne- it isn't normal and you really need to see a doctor. Sorry. :grouphug: ETA: I wanted to clarify something- carotenemia is "The presence of excess carotene in the blood, often resulting in yellowing of the skin." It is commonly caused by excess intake of carrots or other yellow/orange vegetables in young kids. Yellow eyes is jaundice, and is never cause by carotenemia. Edited May 11, 2009 by Perry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sputterduck Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 It isn't okay. You need to see a doctor. This is one of those times when you pay because you need to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joannqn Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Definitely agree with the others...this is a go see the doctor now not later issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 There is a name for this - carotenemia. It does cause yellowish skin, but doesn't cause the eyes to turn yellow. Luanne- it isn't normal and you really need to see a doctor. Sorry. :grouphug: ETA: I wanted to clarify something- carotenemia is "The presence of excess carotene in the blood, often resulting in yellowing of the skin." It is commonly caused by excess intake of carrots or other yellow/orange vegetables in young kids. Yellow eyes is jaundice, and is never cause by carotenemia. Thank you for clearing this up. I don't want to give erroneous information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 a lot lately. I don't know if there is any connection there. I don't have insurance so unless it is critical I am not going to go to the doctor. I don't have any money to pay the doctor with. Luanne, those are not good symptoms. You really need to see a doctor. Go to an emergency room if you have to, but please go. When you get the bill, you can arrange payment later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ummix3 Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 People were telling me I looked jaundiced. It came and went. Years later I found out I had a severe thyroid problem (hypo). You should have your thyroid levels checked. HTH Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Go see a dr. ASAP! This is not something you mess with. The sheer fact that you ASKED all of us says that YOU know it's not normal. I know you were looking for a response to the effect of, "It's okay. you'll be fine. save your money." but we're not going to say that to you. You NEED to see a doctor. Tell them upfront you need to work out payment plans. Most will work with you on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcoastmom Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 I don't know what other symptoms you have, but I had yellow eyes when I had a gallstone blocking a duct to my pancreas. Jaundice is a sign of liver problems and not something to be taken lightly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Mama Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Luanne, Just checking in on you today! Hope all is well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marylou Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Please let us know how your doctor's visit turned out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Just seeing this. Yes, please please please get to a doctor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 My husband has a rare disease called Gilbert's syndrome. When he is stressed his eyes turn yellow. There are other things that can cause his eyes to turn yellow as well (drug interactions, etc.). It also makes him very tired. I agree - you should go to the doctor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Are you ok, Luanne? Did you see a doctor yet? :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5knights3maidens Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Just saw this. Go to the doctor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 (edited) There was a time in my life when I was without adequate insurance. (I had some coverage, but the yearly deductible was something like $1000, so I had to pay so much up front). Anyway, I do know that it can be hard to handle, especially when something seems really wrong with your body. I had a thyroid problem, and in the end, had my thyroid out (cancer). But at the time, the way I approached getting some medical care -- and paying for it -- was this: 1. I'd call a doctor's office, explain that I had very minimal coverage, was a full-time graduate student, and could not afford to pay the full bill. Did the physician ever make "other arrangements?" I'd leave that question open-ended, because at times the doctor would either waive the office visit fee, give free samples (to save on prescription costs), or spread the payments out over months or nothing at all. But at least I had asked. 2. I also had to learn -- the hard way, I think -- to prioritize my health and my ability to lead a productive, active life. It's a tough call, racking up those (uncovered) bills, especially when you know that a visit leads to a test, which leads to another visit, which leads to another test..... and on and on. It's exhausting emotionally and physically, because just when your health is at its lowest point, your bills go up. Not fun. But your health does matter, Luanne. I think I waited too long to really advocate for my health the way I would have done if I'd had insurance. It would have been better for me to drop out of school and get a job with coverage, then work on my health/medical treatments while keeping that employment. School would have been there at the end of the road, and I would have been healthier and more able to get through it faster. What I'm saying is that sometimes it might be best to rearrange your entire life to prioritize and focus on your health. Perhaps having medical coverage is worth letting something else go. I hope that in some way this helps you in your tough situation. Please, the other ladies are right... go get checked out. Sincerely, Beth in NJ Edited May 11, 2009 by Sahamamama Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacie Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 Luanne, any updates? I'm praying for you. If you're still undecided about going in, please get checked out. I lost my friend Janet (itsmejanet on here) to pancreatic cancer last year and one of the symptoms that stood out was yellowish-looking, itchy skin. I don't want to scare you and there are many reasons for your symptoms, but it is something to look at closely! Let us know how you are doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicksMama-Zack's Mama Too Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 My husband has a rare disease called Gilbert's syndrome. When he is stressed his eyes turn yellow. There are other things that can cause his eyes to turn yellow as well (drug interactions, etc.). It also makes him very tired. I agree - you should go to the doctor. I hope this is all Luanne has. A friend's daughter has Gilbert's as well. They discovered it when she came down with mono. K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luanne Posted May 16, 2009 Author Share Posted May 16, 2009 I talked to a doctor and they said to take it easy for 3 or 4 days and drink plenty of liquids. I did that and my eyes aren't yellowish anymore. Thank you all for your help and advice in this matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 I am soo glad that it was such a simple fix. Now keep drinking that water! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jensway Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 Good to hear. Just curious what did the doctor say it was? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 Wow, so it was basically that you were getting dehydrated? What a relief!!! Thanks so much for posting the update -- I've been wondering how you were doing, and it's great to hear that it's something a little rest and some liquids will cure! :hurray: Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 :grouphug: What a nice update...:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pandemonium Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 sounds like jaundice to me. Call your doctor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acbuy Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 yellowing can be caused by UV exposure and dehydration (dry eye) due to excessive wind (eg. driving with the window rolled down, or skiing or boating etc.), causing the clear covering of your eye (conjunctiva) to thicken and loose its opacity and so the white of the eye will gradually appear yellow. sorry for the run-on sentence, it's 1am :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahli Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 If it's jaundice, the skin will also appear yellow, not just the eyes, because of the bilirubin excretion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.