Hi all MSers
I haven't visited this site in a long time. Honestly, I felt if I wasn't feeling sick there was no reason too. I've become use to the everyday symtoms that never go away and they never pose much of a problem in my functioning ability. I've been blessed.
A few days ago I started experiencing a new symptom, eye pain. Only in my left eye, and then yesterday I developed a blur spot in the lower corner of my left eye. It is an annoyance but I still see very well. And I'm starting to feel depressed and overall not feeling good. These are new symptoms that I believe are associated with the MS diagnosis. I'm not seeing a nuerologist. I hate to say it but I am one of those uninsured people. I don't take any ABCR drugs. I'm not interested in using them.
How important is it for me to followup with a physician with the developement of this new symptom? If I don't do anything about it is it going to become permanent or worse? I know that MS is a mystery illness and acts the way it wants to when it wants to but I was just wondering if anyone had any good advice or experience they could share with me.
Thank you all
Hi Theresa,
Welcome back. I'm sorry that it has to be because you are experiencing something new. But I'm glad that I read this.
What are you describing sounds very much like a case of optic neuritis. The eye pain, especially upon moving, and the blurry spot. When it comes to eye issues, I would recommend consulting a doctor. I believe that a neurologist would order a round of solumedrol to cut down the inflammation much more quickly than simply waiting for the exacerbation to resolve on its own. You definitely don't want to possibly, maybe, have that blurry spot stick around.
When I first had optic neuritis, I didn't have insurance either. To help keep costs as low as possible, my neuro-opthamologist ordered oral prednisone to take but in the same doses as the infusion would be. It was a really tough ride; the infusion is much easier for me. Also, there have been studies comparing the effectiveness of oral steriods vs. IV steriods in the case of optic neuritis and oral steriods were NOT found to be as effective.
Please, consult a physician and present your case history. And if this doctor is not someone who deals with MS patients, also bring information with you regarding a 'typical' treatment for a relapse. 3-5 days of IV solumedrol at 1000mg, followed by an oral taper.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
(and just so that nobody else takes this information as medical advice, I am not a doctor!)
Theresa,
How are you feeling today? Did you get in to see any doctors yesterday, maybe even in the ER?
Thinking about you and hope that you can give us an update soon.
Hi Lisa
Today is day 2 with this symptom and I have been debating a visit to the ER, I made an appointment with the health clinic in my area. They see patients without insurance and charge based on your income. The earliest that I can be seen is June 17th. I looked up the information on Optic Nueritis on the internet and the info I came across said that the issue usually resolves on its own within ( I think) 6-8 week, and sometimes it can lead to a permanent condition. I just don't know what to do. I'm afraid if I go to the ER they will not treat me the same as if I had insurance. I just don't know.
Theresa,
Do you still live in Newport News? I did a quick search of hospitals in your area and Riverside seems to have a good uninsured policy. At least they spell out the type of financial assistance they offer. I would lean towards the ER rather than waiting until mid-June, simply because it is your eyesight.
With my first bout of optic neuritis, I only did oral prednisone and it took 2 months for my vision to return to almost normal. My right eye had gone completely blind for a period of time. I still have permanent damage and dimness in that eye. I wonder if Solumedrol would have made for a better outcome. I also wonder if no steroids would have had the same outcome.
It's impossible to know for sure.
Hi Lisa
I decided to go to the ER on Saturday. They admitted me to recieve a 3 day course of the IV Solu Med., It helped with the eye pain but my eye sight has not returned to normal.
The steriod med. is making my heart palpitate and uncomfortable. They ran an ultrasound of my heart and EKG while I was in the hospital and says it's normal, but it doesn't feel normal at all. I also have a very upset stomach, and I know it is all from the meds.
I went to Sentera and they do have a program with a charitable organization that will help pay for my hospital stay, Thank GOD. And I thank you all for your advice, it is the reason why I decided to go to the hospital otherwise I wouldn't have bothered because I am very skeptical about the hospital not caring because I am uninsured.
I have a followup appointment at the health clinic in June. They were able to move it up from the 17th to the 8th for me. They health clinic will refer me to a nuerologist so I can try to get back on one of the ABCR drugs. The nuerologist in the hospital stressed how important it is for me to be on the preventive medicines to avoid future attacks.
Thank you very much for your advice.
So glad that you went in for treatment. Give the vision time and hopefully it will come back to normal. Just that the pain is gone is a huge improvement!
I really should have given you a link to our Solumedrol post discussing things to do to make the experience easier.
I get the pounding and uncomfortable heart palpitations also. My infusion nurse recommended increasing my potassium intake even more than I had been and it made a HUGE difference. I also usually take a small dose of Xanax to help the anxiety it causes.
As for the stomach, yes lots of extra acid is produces. My neuro always insists that I take OTC Zantac before each meal to help protect my stomach. Drink lots of water and watch the sodium intake.
These things usually help me, including lots of rest.
I'm so glad that you did get treatment. I was concerned for you.