Staying Cool in Panicky Times

Hi---

I'm new to the blogging world, but not new to MS.  I've had it for about 10 years now, and for the first 7, it was confusing because no doctor could say "definite MS."  My symptoms started out kind of subtly, then disappeared (mostly, unless I was exhausted or completely stressed) until the following summer annual relapse.  Until 2005, when things got more serious.

During this time I had double vision (6th nerve palsy) in the left eye for 7 weeks. In the beginning it got so bad from the heat that my whole field of vision was completely doubled, as I was on the way to the hospital with my husband for a stat CT scan.  I knew it was the MS, but of course the doctors always want to rule out more acute things, like brain tumors or strokes.  I couldn't drive for 6 weeks and every time I looked left of center, everything doubled.  Large places like Costco or Target were a nightmare.  Still worked during that time (at a library), but I hated the hindered sight that no one could detect unless I told them.  I found a way to tilt my head to the left and not glance out of the corner of my left eye.

As the year progressed, more scary things developed, like the vertigo, which I initially though was a stomach virus because of the nausea.  Until I kept waking in the night with such dizziness, I was afraid to go back to sleep.  Like bed spins from drinking too much! I actually would be asleep and be dreaming about the dizziness, as though I was spinning really fast, then I'd be woken up and would pace around the house, too panicked to sleep.

So I can definitely relate to the vision and vertigo issues.  My husband has been great, helping me with 1/2 of my Betaseron shots and trying to keep me from getting too down.  Several times he has taken me to the ER for such freaky symptoms, but now we kind of gauge whether it's life-threatening, or can be waited out, and most things fall into the latter category.

I'm sure glad I've come upon some of these MS blogs.  I like this one a lot because it gives a caretaker's view, something my husband wants to add to my new blog.

Take care and hang in there. 

Sincerely,

Jen at www.msfriend.com

Jen,

Nice of you to comment. I really appreciate the kind words and yet sympathize with you and your husband for what you both go through because of MS. From what you describe, it sounds like you've got things under control-- as much as possible, anyway.

Feel free to write your own sharepost whenever you're in the mood. I'm sure there are plenty of folks here who could benefit from your experiences.

Take care,

Jake

Ah, yes, I used to causually tell my boss at work, "Gotta go home. I'm going blind." And that was that, called a cab and made it home into bed. Wish you had been around. Lucky Mandy. Stay strong, Jake. It gets easier. 

Panic and fear - not a good combination indeed.  But staying calm, cool and collected is easier said then done when the adrenaline kicks in.  I suspect this happens to many people out there.  Take Jake's advice - it could save both your lives!

All the best, sue

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