Optic Neuritis... Now MS

By jen77

1 min read

This last week has been pretty intense... last Friday I thought I had an eyelash in my eye and by Sunday I had lost my vision while I was working.

Nothing alarming other than my vision loss

I am an emergency room nurse and not being able to see and care for my patients is quite scary. I had the doctors check my pressure and retinas... nothing that was alarming other than my vision loss.

So on a Sunday there are never really any resources available and I was in a position of fear but I checked in to get an MRI to rule out everything.

MRI with contrast

ED Doctors are not specialists and they did not order my MRI with contrast. Insurance carriers don’t want to pay for transfer to a higher level of care when resources aren’t available...

2 days later I finally got an MRI with contrast, a stat read, and my first dose of IV Solu-Medrol.

Found out on Friday I have MS

Geez... what a ride... but the preliminary report didn’t say MS...
I just found that out on Friday.

My vision is improving... I am not sure what to expect from the neurologist. I have a very high-stress life, kids, bankruptcy, 3 jobs. A lot of changes are going to have to be made.

The fear in my head

I don’t want to look at the idea of not being an emergency room nurse... but the fear is floating in my head from time to time.

The stress falling on my husband and family... I am the main provider.
I am not sure where this is taking us but I know God has it under control.

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chirpychez62 Member
Just wanted to reassure you that I too some 18 years ago suffered an acute episode of optic neuritis where I lost my sight temporarily in my left eye. My MRI at that time identified some lesions but MS was not diagnosed. I was advised however that there was a strong possibility of developing MS in the future. My sight returned and I did not experience any major neurological issues for the next 16 years. I continued to play and work hard living life to the full including managing a successful career in a demanding role requiring a number of relocations. Everyone’s MS journey is different and unique.
bachtte Member
Please see if there is a neurological opthamologist in your area and get a consult. They can look directly at your retinol nerve and measure the possible damage that might be related to your MS. Be proactive as you can.
stephaniect Member
Thank you for sharing , that is how I was diagnosed with MS as well it started with optic neuritis 9 yrs ago in ...but after a lot of steroids my vision stabilized even though at times it still gets blurry but only in one eye. Many blessings to you!
colette4 Member
I have been having trouble in general since I have been off treatment for over six months. I also had trouble reading without a magnifying glass. I went to an optometrist for my yearly checkup. My eyes were too screwy. I finally got to go to a new MS neurologist specialist and apparently I didn't get proper treatment before. But he kept examining my eyes and testing them. Then, he said he thought I had optic neuritis and scared me to death. I've read a lot about it and don't want to go blind. I, like you will pray and know that God will get me through this.
1. Janus Galante Moderator
 vvxjr9, thank you for your comment on this story. Thank goodness that you were able to connect with a new ms specialist, was this just very recently that you had this appointment? Has he given you a plan for treatment going forward? Please keep us posted, we're so very glad you're here! xxxx's Janus