Hi Daryl,

Yes, people have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia before an MS diagnosis -- and afterwards, too.  It is not always the case, but it is not too unusual for someone to have both MS and fibromyalgia.  There are also frequently vision problems, of several kinds, associated with MS.

Nothing you mentioned rules out MS, but it doesn't point directly to MS either.  You are right that doctors often see their specialty when looking at a new patient, especially if they do not know there is a pattern of different symptoms.  Have you seen a neurologist?  Take a list of all of your symptoms -- vision, pain, balance, weakness, any symptom you remember in the last couple of years -- so the doctor has an idea of your pattern of problems and talk with the neurologist.

If there is a suspicion of MS, you probably will not hear it after just one office visit.  It may take awhile, but you could be heading toward a positive MS diagnosis, or you may hear that it is definitely not MS.  Either way, you could know.

Good luck with a diagnosis -- whatever the answer -- and with your upcoming eye exam.