New Health Issues & MS

[kubbyskoo]

History:  Multiple Sclerosis with normal eye exam results (so I was told); limited mobility; a dork for a neuro that I can't change.

Background:  Saturday (4-16-2011) went in for a regular eye exam at a new clinic and to get new glasses and was told that I not only have cataracts that need to be removed but macular dystrophy and needed to see a specialist since the blurry vision was not related to MS. Went crazy several days worrying about going blind. Wednesday (4-20-2011) saw the specialist they sent me to who said I had a recent optic nueritis episode (didn't know that}, cataracts that needed to be removed and Fuchs's Cornea Dystrophy and needed a transplant.

Questions:  Now is it just me or does this all seem to be coming kind of fast?  Is there really a need for such a rush?  My symptoms flare after a family gathering!  Stress is not a good thing!  I do have some vision troubles at times but I can see. I guess, I haven't had any major illness or surgery since being diagnosed, thank God, and I'm having trouble trying to figure out how to take care of me in all of this when the docs seem to have forgotten the fact.

Plainly put ... I'm already trapped at home with little to do and have to deal with a lot weird pain and symptoms because of the MS. I can't imagine being blind or misdiagnoised on top of it. My eyes are all I have left to help keep me somewhat busy, sane and feeling somewhat normal!

[Lulu54]

I'm glad you are doing better - I hope we will see you around some more. - Lulu

[kubbyskoo]

Only ever had 1 Solu-Medol treatment for my MS and no other health issues. Have seen a neuro op who I recently got rid of and saw a cornea specialist who made me feel much better. I think I'm in better control, now. Thanks to all of you!!!!!!!!!!!

[michelleric]

HI there.  Most of your eye issues do not seem to be related to MS.  The cataracts could be if you have had lots of Solu-Medol treatments. The Optica Neuritis can be from MS as well.

The Macular dystrophy and Fuchs dystrophy are problems of a different nature.  I am "assuming" you are being referred to a cornea specialist?  If not, you need one. I am also "assuming" you are being referred to a Retina specialist as well?

I am wishing you well, you certainly have your share of eye issues. Sorry.  Do you have other health issues you are dealing with?  Such as Diabetes, High blood pressure, etc.?

Thinking of you,
Michelle

[LisaJF]

I second that suggestion in seeing a neuro-opthalamologist for a second opinion.

MS has taken everything else -- dont let the quick diagnosis take something that you have remaining left.  Get that second opinion, even third.

Good luck to you.

[kubbyskoo]

Thank you for everything!  It didn't even cross my mind to go see a neuro-ophthalmologist and it's not really the issue of some kind of surgery or other illness to look after, but the inexperience of doctors who know little or nothing about MS.

Thanks again and I hope things are well with you. I'll keep in touch.

[rendean]

Hi and since we have met before, welcome!

I do not know much about eye issues and different eye conditions. I am assuming that the specialist was an ophthalmologist? Or even better a neuro-ophthalmologist? In my opinion, I think I would agree with the specialist about the recent ON. As for the remaining diagnoses I would get another ophthalmologist opinion.

I know this is difficult. Losing my eyesight is my biggest fear as well so I understand your panic but you need to gather all your information into a folder in chronological order and seek the opinion of a neuro-ophthalmologist. I just went to one for a 2nd opinion and he was wonderful and he cleared up a lot of issues for me.

Hang in there and spend some time compiling your information and write a time-line of what MS events occurred when. We have a Health Page written about this subject as well as many more subjects. The pages are in the upper right hand corner of the page next to the yellow icon. The link for the time-line is:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/The-Importance-of-the-Timeline/show/765?cid=36


I hope some of what I shared helped. We have a member , michelleric, who knows about eye issues and works in the field. Perhaps you send her a note and you could ask her to read your post and see if she can help.

Keep us updated with how things are going.

Ren