

Jo Beth's ears had always gotten irritated from earrings, but it was always the right ear that bled first. Jo Beth's privates got inflamed from friction, but it was the right side that got the most swollen. Both of Jo Beth's kidneys hurt at times, but it was the right kidney that first brought her to the doctors. Both Jo Beth's eyelids got swollen at times, but the right one would burn and the vision in that eye would blur more often. It was her right arm and hand that went weak and numb. The acne-like bumps and sores happened more on the right, and the bruising and varicose veins. Foot surgery had hurt more on the right. Her hormone patches gave her more rashes there. She had even lost a tooth on the right, when a surgery failed to heal. So, let's see...Herpes only managed to mangle Jo Beth's left side, so Fate threw in Behcet's on the right. |
Study Questions:
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| Behcet's Basics |
| Skin sores are common. Numbness and weakness are, too. Eye problems are not uncommon. A small percentage of patients go blind (similar to diabetic retinopathy). Permanent bruise marks and extreme varicose veins-- even on the abdomen--can occur. Lung involvement is not uncommon. |
| Some doctors say to avoid foods with sulfur compounds (anything cultured or stinky): Broccoli, egg yolk, cheese, shellfish, wine Jo Beth loves scallops. Her favorite breakfast is a hot cheese omelet. Guess her favorite veggie? |
| Capillary walls get inflamed, Either not enough blood gets through, or the vessels burst and bleed. |