Aa
Want your opinions
I'm having a really hard time these last few days trying not to over-analyze things. My neurology appointment is 2 weeks away. From what it sounds like from other posts I've read, I got a relatively fast appointment. But the waiting game is still incredibly hard for me!
I'm so afraid the doctor is going to tell me this is all in my head and that it's probably stress. That's what the GPs I saw all basically tried to tell me. Sure some of my symptoms if occurring on their own maybe explained by something benign. But when I look at them all together, I know something is not right with my body.
It is so frustrating. I feel like my body is failing me. I am very active and I have small children. But some days I am just so tired that I can't function and have to take a nap. Or when I am running I get off balance when I get too hot and/or I have numbness and shocking sensations that run through my arms and legs.
The tingling is mainly in the my left arm and left foot/lower leg. My left hand hand has gone numb for a few days. My right foot will go numb for a few days some times too.
And then there is the double vision that comes and goes. It's like I have to think to make myself be able to see. And as soon as I stop thinking about seeing, things go blurry and start to see double. That I know is not in my head. The optometrist said that my eyes do turn inward. So I decided to video myself looking different directions just to see how my eyes look. It seems that when I look to the side either way my eyes do not line up at all.
The last symptom that is really bothersome is lightheadedness when I stand up. One of the GPs I saw said that there could be something wrong with the reflex that causes the blood to return to the brain upon standing. I have researched it some and found that it could be a problem with my autonomic nervous system.
I have also looked up what a neurological exam consists of. I did try to do the Romberg test where you stand with your feet together and close your eyes. I can stand there for about 15-20 seconds but I fall to the right every time.
I have some other things that may or may not be symptoms. But these are the big ones. It started with tingling in hands and feet in the summer of 2013. I didn't think much of it and it went away after a few weeks. Then last summer (2014) the tingling returned along with the double vision. I saw a GP and an opthamologist. But after a few weeks the symptoms cleared up and went away. So I again forgot about it. Until this April when the symptoms above returned.
It seems each time the same symptoms return stronger and a new symptom emerges. I know you all get these kind of posts all the time. But you all are so kind to take the time and answer and give your honest opinions.
So I'm asking if this sounds like possible MS or some other type of disease.
I'm so afraid the doctor is going to tell me this is all in my head and that it's probably stress. That's what the GPs I saw all basically tried to tell me. Sure some of my symptoms if occurring on their own maybe explained by something benign. But when I look at them all together, I know something is not right with my body.
It is so frustrating. I feel like my body is failing me. I am very active and I have small children. But some days I am just so tired that I can't function and have to take a nap. Or when I am running I get off balance when I get too hot and/or I have numbness and shocking sensations that run through my arms and legs.
The tingling is mainly in the my left arm and left foot/lower leg. My left hand hand has gone numb for a few days. My right foot will go numb for a few days some times too.
And then there is the double vision that comes and goes. It's like I have to think to make myself be able to see. And as soon as I stop thinking about seeing, things go blurry and start to see double. That I know is not in my head. The optometrist said that my eyes do turn inward. So I decided to video myself looking different directions just to see how my eyes look. It seems that when I look to the side either way my eyes do not line up at all.
The last symptom that is really bothersome is lightheadedness when I stand up. One of the GPs I saw said that there could be something wrong with the reflex that causes the blood to return to the brain upon standing. I have researched it some and found that it could be a problem with my autonomic nervous system.
I have also looked up what a neurological exam consists of. I did try to do the Romberg test where you stand with your feet together and close your eyes. I can stand there for about 15-20 seconds but I fall to the right every time.
I have some other things that may or may not be symptoms. But these are the big ones. It started with tingling in hands and feet in the summer of 2013. I didn't think much of it and it went away after a few weeks. Then last summer (2014) the tingling returned along with the double vision. I saw a GP and an opthamologist. But after a few weeks the symptoms cleared up and went away. So I again forgot about it. Until this April when the symptoms above returned.
It seems each time the same symptoms return stronger and a new symptom emerges. I know you all get these kind of posts all the time. But you all are so kind to take the time and answer and give your honest opinions.
So I'm asking if this sounds like possible MS or some other type of disease.
I guess I should add that last year it didn't immediately correct the double vision. It slowly got better over a few weeks and eventually went away. So that could just have been a coincidence.
This time after the new prescription, it continue to get worse for a few weeks but recently has started to get better. It hasn't totally gone away this time though. It has been 3 months since my eye appointment.
My other symptoms have gotten better too. It seems that all my symptoms flow the same pattern of worsening and then getting better. But even though they have gotten better, they are still present at this time.
This time after the new prescription, it continue to get worse for a few weeks but recently has started to get better. It hasn't totally gone away this time though. It has been 3 months since my eye appointment.
My other symptoms have gotten better too. It seems that all my symptoms flow the same pattern of worsening and then getting better. But even though they have gotten better, they are still present at this time.
I haven't totally ruled out the possibility of my prescription being wrong. But I don't think that's the likely cause. My eyes had remained constant for about 3 years and now all of a sudden are getting worse. I went from a -4.25 contact lens to a -5.25 in 2 years. I'm not sure if that's a big change or not but it seems like it to me.
In the past when my vision had gotten worse, I noticed I couldn't see as clear. So I went back to the eye doctor to get my prescription renewed. I have never had this double vision happen before even when I was wearing contacts/glasses that were not strong enough.
The point of wearing the reading glasses was to see if they made a difference and if they did, then I could switch to a multi-focal contact lens.
I figured I would see what the neurologist said about things including the vision issues. Then I would go from there and possibly return to the opthamologist depending on if the neurology found any evidence of a neurological cause.
If the neurologist doesn't find any neurological issues, hopefully she can point me in the right direction.
Sorry if I'm being confusing. It's kind of hard to type out and explain my reasoning. If my only symptom was the double vision, then I would be more likely to think it was a problem with my prescription or strabismus that needed corrected. But all my symptoms happen together and return together and worsen together. So I believe the must be associated with each other and most likely have the same cause.
In the past when my vision had gotten worse, I noticed I couldn't see as clear. So I went back to the eye doctor to get my prescription renewed. I have never had this double vision happen before even when I was wearing contacts/glasses that were not strong enough.
The point of wearing the reading glasses was to see if they made a difference and if they did, then I could switch to a multi-focal contact lens.
I figured I would see what the neurologist said about things including the vision issues. Then I would go from there and possibly return to the opthamologist depending on if the neurology found any evidence of a neurological cause.
If the neurologist doesn't find any neurological issues, hopefully she can point me in the right direction.
Sorry if I'm being confusing. It's kind of hard to type out and explain my reasoning. If my only symptom was the double vision, then I would be more likely to think it was a problem with my prescription or strabismus that needed corrected. But all my symptoms happen together and return together and worsen together. So I believe the must be associated with each other and most likely have the same cause.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Please pardon my confusion, i even had someone else read your last post to help me comprehend where you were coming from but he came up with similar thoughts....
You said:
"When I had this happen last year, I went to an ophthalmologist. We thought my prescription was wrong and she adjusted it. It slowly got better and went away. So I thought that must have been the cause."
"Well when it came back again this time, I thought maybe it was because my prescription had changed, which it did."
"since I have been wearing my new contacts and glasses, it has gotten worse."
"My prescription is only to correct my nearsightedness."
"I really don't think it's a problem with my prescription."
**When the double first happened you saw the 'ophthalmologist' and your script needed adjusting, once changed the new script also corrected your intermittent strabismus, this is because your eye muscles no longer needed to work so hard constantly trying to keep your vision focused.
When your vision went double this time, you assumed you needed your script changed again, you had your vision assessed by your 'eye doctor' (optometrist) and you were correct, your script did need to be adjusted.
What i am finding confusing to understand, is that even though your double vision didn't correct as it did with the ophthalmologist's script and you say it has actually gotten worse since you've got your new glasses/contacts....for reasons i don't understand, you still don't believe there could be a problem with your script, right?
Wouldn't it seem reasonable if your vision is now worse with the new script, that the script is potentially incorrectly prescribed, if this new script is not correcting but has actually worsening your vision, that makes sense right?
IF this is the script created by your eye doctor, the same one who's solution for the intermittent Strabismus esotropia, was to tell you to wear off the shelf reading glasses (farSightedness), when you actually require a prescription to correct nearsightedness, which would mean swapping from farsighted to nearsighted glasses and further staining your tired eye muscles, worsening the convergence issues, Esotropia, functioning eye teaming, muscle coordination etc.
I would seriously recommend you don't exclude the logic of an incorrect script for your visual issues and highly recommend you consider going back to the ophthalmologist!
(btw uncorrected myopia or an inappropriate myopia script will effect balance, coordination, depth perception, stereopsis etc)
Mild 'less obvious' eye turns (small-angle strabismus) typically develops during childhood like large-angle strabismus does, when a child wears their corrective vision lenses, their glasses will usually additionally help with keeping the eyes in alignment, as it decreases eye muscles from tiring ("muscles that hold my eyes straight get tired/weak and can't maintain it all the time").
http://www.strabismus.org/esotropia_eye_turns_in.html is worth reading to get what i'm saying.
Try to keep in mind whilst your trying to understand causation, the simplest answer is often correct (Occam's Razor) and it's actually quite common for vision to change in your 20's and for the strabismus to show up, become more obvious or worsen when needing a new script and then resettle again, so it's more likely not as abnormal as you might be thinking.
Your ophthalmologist would be more capable of determining causation and determining your options and definitely worth seeking his/her opinion imho.
Food for thought.............JJ
You said:
"When I had this happen last year, I went to an ophthalmologist. We thought my prescription was wrong and she adjusted it. It slowly got better and went away. So I thought that must have been the cause."
"Well when it came back again this time, I thought maybe it was because my prescription had changed, which it did."
"since I have been wearing my new contacts and glasses, it has gotten worse."
"My prescription is only to correct my nearsightedness."
"I really don't think it's a problem with my prescription."
**When the double first happened you saw the 'ophthalmologist' and your script needed adjusting, once changed the new script also corrected your intermittent strabismus, this is because your eye muscles no longer needed to work so hard constantly trying to keep your vision focused.
When your vision went double this time, you assumed you needed your script changed again, you had your vision assessed by your 'eye doctor' (optometrist) and you were correct, your script did need to be adjusted.
What i am finding confusing to understand, is that even though your double vision didn't correct as it did with the ophthalmologist's script and you say it has actually gotten worse since you've got your new glasses/contacts....for reasons i don't understand, you still don't believe there could be a problem with your script, right?
Wouldn't it seem reasonable if your vision is now worse with the new script, that the script is potentially incorrectly prescribed, if this new script is not correcting but has actually worsening your vision, that makes sense right?
IF this is the script created by your eye doctor, the same one who's solution for the intermittent Strabismus esotropia, was to tell you to wear off the shelf reading glasses (farSightedness), when you actually require a prescription to correct nearsightedness, which would mean swapping from farsighted to nearsighted glasses and further staining your tired eye muscles, worsening the convergence issues, Esotropia, functioning eye teaming, muscle coordination etc.
I would seriously recommend you don't exclude the logic of an incorrect script for your visual issues and highly recommend you consider going back to the ophthalmologist!
(btw uncorrected myopia or an inappropriate myopia script will effect balance, coordination, depth perception, stereopsis etc)
Mild 'less obvious' eye turns (small-angle strabismus) typically develops during childhood like large-angle strabismus does, when a child wears their corrective vision lenses, their glasses will usually additionally help with keeping the eyes in alignment, as it decreases eye muscles from tiring ("muscles that hold my eyes straight get tired/weak and can't maintain it all the time").
http://www.strabismus.org/esotropia_eye_turns_in.html is worth reading to get what i'm saying.
Try to keep in mind whilst your trying to understand causation, the simplest answer is often correct (Occam's Razor) and it's actually quite common for vision to change in your 20's and for the strabismus to show up, become more obvious or worsen when needing a new script and then resettle again, so it's more likely not as abnormal as you might be thinking.
Your ophthalmologist would be more capable of determining causation and determining your options and definitely worth seeking his/her opinion imho.
Food for thought.............JJ
It is interesting your symptoms. I have some similar ones. I too fall to the right with my eyes closed, lol. You are actually the first person who seems to have the same issue with exercise, and problems with blood pressure type issue. I have no heart problems, and am fit. I also have some visual issues, but could be from old eye injury, though they apparently scared my GP into sending me to a better neuro asap when she did her own testing and got results from a sensitive muscle test.
In the mean time, investigating Lyme Disease may be worth it, I hear it can cause a lot of these problems. An the tests are all blood tests, so easy right? You may need to find an LLMD if you get the IgeneX test. You can check out the lyme forum here on this site.
I am looking into lyme for myself, seems like areal possibility the more I research it.
I don't think it is in your head. My first doc I visited for weakness and issues with my right arm, ext... said "Just try to ignore it,..I guess. I'm sure its fine, fatigue is normal with exercise" I went back to the Gym (I am a gymnast, though no longer competitive) that week, thinking "I just need to push harder, its normal, I won't really fall, it just feels that way." and I ended up losing control of my muscles on the right side again and landed on my head from 6' in the air doing something simple I had done thousands of times with no problems. I could have broke my neck, luckily I fell the right way and I'm ok. My practice is now on hold, as per some better testing that revealed definite problem. From what, remains to be seen. I hope for lyme, as it CAN be cured relatively easily.
In the mean time, investigating Lyme Disease may be worth it, I hear it can cause a lot of these problems. An the tests are all blood tests, so easy right? You may need to find an LLMD if you get the IgeneX test. You can check out the lyme forum here on this site.
I am looking into lyme for myself, seems like areal possibility the more I research it.
I don't think it is in your head. My first doc I visited for weakness and issues with my right arm, ext... said "Just try to ignore it,..I guess. I'm sure its fine, fatigue is normal with exercise" I went back to the Gym (I am a gymnast, though no longer competitive) that week, thinking "I just need to push harder, its normal, I won't really fall, it just feels that way." and I ended up losing control of my muscles on the right side again and landed on my head from 6' in the air doing something simple I had done thousands of times with no problems. I could have broke my neck, luckily I fell the right way and I'm ok. My practice is now on hold, as per some better testing that revealed definite problem. From what, remains to be seen. I hope for lyme, as it CAN be cured relatively easily.
Mine comes from damage to my 6th nerve. Glasses do no good. My parents were told because it was neurological there was nothing to do to fix it. I have learned to live with it. I have had it for 50 years. I learned to drive with it and do everything else.
If yours is caused by inflammation from MS of the nerve it may go away in time.
Alex
If yours is caused by inflammation from MS of the nerve it may go away in time.
Alex
The eye doctor told me to wear reading glasses to see if that helped. It hasn't. I mean it does make words bigger and easier to read. But it has not helped my double vision issue. It has actually gotten worse.
When I had this happen last year, I went to an ophthalmologist. We thought my prescription was wrong and she adjusted it. It slowly got better and went away. So I thought that must have been the cause. Well when it came back again this time, I thought maybe it was because my prescription had changed, which it did. But since I have been wearing my new contacts and glasses, it has gotten worse. I really don't think it's a problem with my prescription. And the fact that the optometrist said that my eyes do turn inward at times makes me believe that it is not just the prescription.
My prescription is only to correct my nearsightedness. Last year was the first time I had the double vision problem but I have been wearing glasses/contacts since 5th grade and now I'm 28.
And I suppose it depends on what is causing the double vision as to if it is constant or not. I really think it is a problem with weak muscles in my eyes and/or not being able to properly control my eye muscles. I know there are other eye conditions that cause constant double vision. But I don't think the fact that just because mine is not constant totally rules out MS as a cause. I don't think that having double vision rules in MS either.
As I've read each person with MS is different. So I believe it is possible that someone could have intermittent double vision and another could have constant double vision depending on what is the cause of the double vision.
When I had this happen last year, I went to an ophthalmologist. We thought my prescription was wrong and she adjusted it. It slowly got better and went away. So I thought that must have been the cause. Well when it came back again this time, I thought maybe it was because my prescription had changed, which it did. But since I have been wearing my new contacts and glasses, it has gotten worse. I really don't think it's a problem with my prescription. And the fact that the optometrist said that my eyes do turn inward at times makes me believe that it is not just the prescription.
My prescription is only to correct my nearsightedness. Last year was the first time I had the double vision problem but I have been wearing glasses/contacts since 5th grade and now I'm 28.
And I suppose it depends on what is causing the double vision as to if it is constant or not. I really think it is a problem with weak muscles in my eyes and/or not being able to properly control my eye muscles. I know there are other eye conditions that cause constant double vision. But I don't think the fact that just because mine is not constant totally rules out MS as a cause. I don't think that having double vision rules in MS either.
As I've read each person with MS is different. So I believe it is possible that someone could have intermittent double vision and another could have constant double vision depending on what is the cause of the double vision.
I have double vision from MS. It never clears up for me. I see double no matter what.
Alex
Alex
COMMUNITY LEADER
Both my kids have Myopia, my son is the only one in our family with strabismus though, his eye completely turns inwards, his brain shuts down his weak eye, he's only ever seen double without his glasses......hmmmm just a thought but why hasn't your glasses script corrected both the Myopia and the Strabismus?
There's a possibly there's an issue with your newer script(s), my son's script was incorrect once i think they forgot the prism and with him it was immediately obvious the script was wrong, it might be worth checking with your optomitrist to see if your script is only to correct your near-sightedness....
Food for thought..........JJ
There's a possibly there's an issue with your newer script(s), my son's script was incorrect once i think they forgot the prism and with him it was immediately obvious the script was wrong, it might be worth checking with your optomitrist to see if your script is only to correct your near-sightedness....
Food for thought..........JJ
I had come across the Myasthenia Gravis too. I can see that as being a possibility of what is causing my symptoms. The only thing is that I don't feel like I experience much muscle weakness. Like I've mentioned before, I run a lot and I don't feel any weaker when doing that. Just sometimes numb/tingly and if I push really hard I get off balance when I try to stop and walk. I would think that would exaggerate any muscle weakness I have.
To JJ: I think it is basically the same just one is talking about outward tendency and the other refers to inward tendency of the eyes.
I've had to wear glasses since 5th grade. I am very nearsighted. In the past couple of years my vision has declined even further. But with contacts/glasses I see fine before all this happened. I just went back to have my prescription renewed and again my eyes had gotten worse. So I'm up-to-date on my prescription. And when I really try, I can see great. But it really seems to take a conscious effort for me to focus or align my eyes so I can see clearly.
I don't always see double. Sometimes it's right on the edge where things are blurry but not quite double. And then other times it is true double vision. It started out as things just getting blurry and I felt like my eyes were crossing. Then it got worse to where I do see double at times. Then I can usually shift my gaze and refocus my eyes to make things clear again but not always.
Good news is I have a busy weekend ahead. So that will help me take my mind off of this. Then I will only have a week till my appointment.
Thank you all for your replies!! No matter what my diagnosis ends up being, you all have been a great support and I'm glad I came across this forum.
To JJ: I think it is basically the same just one is talking about outward tendency and the other refers to inward tendency of the eyes.
I've had to wear glasses since 5th grade. I am very nearsighted. In the past couple of years my vision has declined even further. But with contacts/glasses I see fine before all this happened. I just went back to have my prescription renewed and again my eyes had gotten worse. So I'm up-to-date on my prescription. And when I really try, I can see great. But it really seems to take a conscious effort for me to focus or align my eyes so I can see clearly.
I don't always see double. Sometimes it's right on the edge where things are blurry but not quite double. And then other times it is true double vision. It started out as things just getting blurry and I felt like my eyes were crossing. Then it got worse to where I do see double at times. Then I can usually shift my gaze and refocus my eyes to make things clear again but not always.
Good news is I have a busy weekend ahead. So that will help me take my mind off of this. Then I will only have a week till my appointment.
Thank you all for your replies!! No matter what my diagnosis ends up being, you all have been a great support and I'm glad I came across this forum.
COMMUNITY LEADER
So sorry, i totally didn't notice my error.......I didn't even pick up that i was reading 'inward' but my brain was comprehending outward lol that will teach me to replay whilst sleep deprived, again sorry for causing any confusion....
"Strabismus, often called "crossed-eyes" or "wall eyes," is a condition in
which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other. One eye is
either constantly or intermittently turned in (esotropia) or out (exotropia).
This ocular misalignment may be accompanied by abnormal motility of
one or both eyes, double vision, decreased vision, ocular discomfort,
headaches, or abnormal head posture. Although the exact cause cannot
always be determined with reasonable certainty, strabismus is usually
attributable to refractive, sensory or organic, anatomic or motor, or
innervational causes. "
http://www.aoa.org/documents/optometrists/CPG-12.pdf
Do you still have 20/20 vision?
Sorry.........JJ
"Strabismus, often called "crossed-eyes" or "wall eyes," is a condition in
which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other. One eye is
either constantly or intermittently turned in (esotropia) or out (exotropia).
This ocular misalignment may be accompanied by abnormal motility of
one or both eyes, double vision, decreased vision, ocular discomfort,
headaches, or abnormal head posture. Although the exact cause cannot
always be determined with reasonable certainty, strabismus is usually
attributable to refractive, sensory or organic, anatomic or motor, or
innervational causes. "
http://www.aoa.org/documents/optometrists/CPG-12.pdf
Do you still have 20/20 vision?
Sorry.........JJ
I just googled Esophoria and wanted to find out what can cause it. One thing struck me...
Myasthenia Gravis can cause that. It's main symptom is muscle weakness and you can experience tingling/numbness with it.
Just a thought/avenue to explore with your neuro.
Good luck, hope you are feeling better and get answers soon!
Ree
Myasthenia Gravis can cause that. It's main symptom is muscle weakness and you can experience tingling/numbness with it.
Just a thought/avenue to explore with your neuro.
Good luck, hope you are feeling better and get answers soon!
Ree
The neurologist I am going to see is labeled as general neurology.
I know I won't get a diagnosis on the first appointment. I would be happy with just the doctor acknowledging that something is going on and not just saying I'm too stressed out.
When I went to the optometrist, she diagnosed it as esophoria which is the tendency for the eyes to turn inward instead of outward. The eye doctor described it to me that my muscles that hold my eyes straight get tired/weak and can't maintain it all the time. So it is definitely a problem with my eye muscles. But it doesn't only happen when I'm tired or have been straining my eyes too much. It happens off and on all throughout the day. Some days are worse than others where it is more on (double vision) than off (normal).
But I also notice that when I look to either side one eye turns in more than the other and my eyes are not "looking" at the same thing.
About every time I stand up I have to stand there a moment because things almost go black. Then the blood returns to my head and I go back to normal. So what you (jensequitur) describe sounds very similar to what happens to me.
I know I won't get a diagnosis on the first appointment. I would be happy with just the doctor acknowledging that something is going on and not just saying I'm too stressed out.
When I went to the optometrist, she diagnosed it as esophoria which is the tendency for the eyes to turn inward instead of outward. The eye doctor described it to me that my muscles that hold my eyes straight get tired/weak and can't maintain it all the time. So it is definitely a problem with my eye muscles. But it doesn't only happen when I'm tired or have been straining my eyes too much. It happens off and on all throughout the day. Some days are worse than others where it is more on (double vision) than off (normal).
But I also notice that when I look to either side one eye turns in more than the other and my eyes are not "looking" at the same thing.
About every time I stand up I have to stand there a moment because things almost go black. Then the blood returns to my head and I go back to normal. So what you (jensequitur) describe sounds very similar to what happens to me.
I don't think this is strabismus. I think that you're having a neurological problem with the muscles of your eye. I have frequent vision problems, but I suffer from eye muscle weakness and tremor - in other words, my eye shakes when I look at something too hard.
The lightheadedness when standing is sometimes called orthostatic hypotension. I've been plagued with this since my diagnosis. Blissfully it hasn't been a problem in the last two years. I stand up, and I feel as if I've run out of air, and I have to lean over and grab something so I won't pass out. Eventually I get enough air and I can move around. I have lesions in the brainstem, so I think it's related to that.
The lightheadedness when standing is sometimes called orthostatic hypotension. I've been plagued with this since my diagnosis. Blissfully it hasn't been a problem in the last two years. I stand up, and I feel as if I've run out of air, and I have to lean over and grab something so I won't pass out. Eventually I get enough air and I can move around. I have lesions in the brainstem, so I think it's related to that.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Just thoughts but I really think you 'could be' describing Exotropia, which is one of the most common types of Strabismus. Exotropia basically is when the eye(s) turn away from the nose, exophoria also causes outward turn but it 'rarely' causes diplopia.
When the eye turn is not a permanent misalignment, and the eyes turn outward only some of the time, vision improves with focused attention, worsens with illness, fatigue, stress or eye strain etc etc it is usually called 'intermittent exotropia', actually most exotropia is intermittent.
Strabismus is a form of binocular vision dysfunction, the failure of the two eyes to maintain proper alignment at all times, which results in the eye(s) turning. If the optomitrist you saw noted this outward eye turn, i would suggest you get it appropriately assessed and the visual diagnosis made by an ophthalmologist.
Cheers...........JJ
When the eye turn is not a permanent misalignment, and the eyes turn outward only some of the time, vision improves with focused attention, worsens with illness, fatigue, stress or eye strain etc etc it is usually called 'intermittent exotropia', actually most exotropia is intermittent.
Strabismus is a form of binocular vision dysfunction, the failure of the two eyes to maintain proper alignment at all times, which results in the eye(s) turning. If the optomitrist you saw noted this outward eye turn, i would suggest you get it appropriately assessed and the visual diagnosis made by an ophthalmologist.
Cheers...........JJ
Double vision with MS does not come and go I have it. Something is going on with you for sure. Whether it is MS time will tell. Do not get your hopes for an answer your first appointment. It may seem like the neurologist is dissing you if he even says it might be in your head. If he gives you another appointment that is good.
Alex
Alex
Please know we understand what you are going through. Especially residing in "limbo land." You know your body better than anyone. There may be responses / questions you find undesirable but rest assured, these responses are nothing short of honesty and in your best interest at heart.This is why I respect this forum, nothing is sugar coated. Just honest, ethical and truthful responses. I would not have it any other way.
I've hit the spectrum of one physician stating he sees this all the time and he knows without a doubt that I had early onset symptoms of MS. Whereas, another stated they did not see anything suggestive of MS "clinically." Others have stated this may be menopausal but I'm smart enough to know these are not symptoms of menopause which another GP humbly agreed on record.
Moral of the story!!?? Don't allow your frustrations to heighten if you receive a benign answer in two weeks though you still experience symptoms. You may have to see a few Neurologists or not. My mind tends to over analyze as it is just the way my brain is wired for collecting data.
If you need to vent, I understand as this is a challenging position you are in currently. Not to mention the challenges of the "wait and see" period. That I understand quite well.
It may very well be that you do not have MS and another ailment is causing these symptoms as others with experience have conveyed.
That said, just know we understand the anxiety and frustration you currently experience. We have all been there and some of us are navigating those turbulent waters with you right now. ox ox
I've hit the spectrum of one physician stating he sees this all the time and he knows without a doubt that I had early onset symptoms of MS. Whereas, another stated they did not see anything suggestive of MS "clinically." Others have stated this may be menopausal but I'm smart enough to know these are not symptoms of menopause which another GP humbly agreed on record.
Moral of the story!!?? Don't allow your frustrations to heighten if you receive a benign answer in two weeks though you still experience symptoms. You may have to see a few Neurologists or not. My mind tends to over analyze as it is just the way my brain is wired for collecting data.
If you need to vent, I understand as this is a challenging position you are in currently. Not to mention the challenges of the "wait and see" period. That I understand quite well.
It may very well be that you do not have MS and another ailment is causing these symptoms as others with experience have conveyed.
That said, just know we understand the anxiety and frustration you currently experience. We have all been there and some of us are navigating those turbulent waters with you right now. ox ox
The positive here is that you have taken steps in seeking remedy and answers. Though it remains uncertain what the causation of your ailment(s) are, you are navigating the right path thus far.
My suggestion, have a chronological (dated) history of your episodes and symptoms for the Neurologist. The ones I've visited seem to appreciate a documented historical background. Refrain from mentioning anything about MS, only provide a factual account of symptoms past and present. From there, allow them to assess and formulate.
What is impressive is your inferring that stress could be enhancing symptoms already exiting. Or it could be stress bridging with something else to cause these symptoms.
Regardless, the upcoming appointment you have will put you at some ease. Indeed, that is not a long wait to see a neurologist as we have all learned. You will read from many here that for some, it takes an upwards of months to see a Neurologist. I just had my appointment moved up from Aug to July.
Do you know emphasis and area of specialty this Neurologist practices?
My suggestion, have a chronological (dated) history of your episodes and symptoms for the Neurologist. The ones I've visited seem to appreciate a documented historical background. Refrain from mentioning anything about MS, only provide a factual account of symptoms past and present. From there, allow them to assess and formulate.
What is impressive is your inferring that stress could be enhancing symptoms already exiting. Or it could be stress bridging with something else to cause these symptoms.
Regardless, the upcoming appointment you have will put you at some ease. Indeed, that is not a long wait to see a neurologist as we have all learned. You will read from many here that for some, it takes an upwards of months to see a Neurologist. I just had my appointment moved up from Aug to July.
Do you know emphasis and area of specialty this Neurologist practices?
my 2 cents... I was told the same thing by general doctors, my account of the tingling sensations I had experienced on and off for a couple of years went in one ear and out the other. I was told it was anxiety, when I knew darn well it wasn't. Because for some strange reason the MS flares or symptoms I would get always coincided with the menstrual cycle, I was told it was premenopausal. It wasn't, it was/is MS.
The thing is, all that time when my symptoms were mild, coming and going, this thing was doing damage and one day after I finished my shower, out of the blue, the permeate damage it had done just manifested in a huge way. At that point it was obvious this was MS. I was diagnosed off the bat because the MRIs clearly showed MS.
I have no idea if this is MS or not for you, I hope to God it is just stress but if it is MS, I hope you get diagnosed soon before any damage is done and you can get on a medication to get ahead of it. That's my opinion, IF, and that's a big if, but if it's MS, the last thing you want to do is sit around and wait for a diagnosis.
The thing is, all that time when my symptoms were mild, coming and going, this thing was doing damage and one day after I finished my shower, out of the blue, the permeate damage it had done just manifested in a huge way. At that point it was obvious this was MS. I was diagnosed off the bat because the MRIs clearly showed MS.
I have no idea if this is MS or not for you, I hope to God it is just stress but if it is MS, I hope you get diagnosed soon before any damage is done and you can get on a medication to get ahead of it. That's my opinion, IF, and that's a big if, but if it's MS, the last thing you want to do is sit around and wait for a diagnosis.
All my labs came back normal. I'm not on any medications and I don't drink.
I have not been tested for neuropathy but I thought that was a general term for nerve damage.
And as far as mental health, I have never been diagnosed with any issues and I don't feel like these symptoms are made up in my head.
Why would I all of a sudden have the vision problems? And why would I have them and then they go away but return about a year later? And I don't think it's convergence insufficiency because it happens even if I'm looking at something far away and when I look at something up close. The distance doesn't matter.
I do believe the lightheadedness is orthostatic hypotension but what is causing it? My blood pressure is on the low end but not too low. Plus the doctor measured my BP and heart rate in several different positions, laying down, sitting up, and then standing. There wasn't much difference to indicate something cardiovascular.
The doctors I have seen basically say these things are normal. Or it's stress. These things started happening during one of my least stressful times in my life. Pretty sure it's not stress related. Or they say I'm just tired. But I get plenty of sleep and that does not make a difference.
It's like the doctors don't take me seriously.
I may not be a doctor, but I know it's not normal, at least for me. I just don't feel right. Something is wrong, that I'm sure. But what that something is, I'm not sure.
I have not been tested for neuropathy but I thought that was a general term for nerve damage.
And as far as mental health, I have never been diagnosed with any issues and I don't feel like these symptoms are made up in my head.
Why would I all of a sudden have the vision problems? And why would I have them and then they go away but return about a year later? And I don't think it's convergence insufficiency because it happens even if I'm looking at something far away and when I look at something up close. The distance doesn't matter.
I do believe the lightheadedness is orthostatic hypotension but what is causing it? My blood pressure is on the low end but not too low. Plus the doctor measured my BP and heart rate in several different positions, laying down, sitting up, and then standing. There wasn't much difference to indicate something cardiovascular.
The doctors I have seen basically say these things are normal. Or it's stress. These things started happening during one of my least stressful times in my life. Pretty sure it's not stress related. Or they say I'm just tired. But I get plenty of sleep and that does not make a difference.
It's like the doctors don't take me seriously.
I may not be a doctor, but I know it's not normal, at least for me. I just don't feel right. Something is wrong, that I'm sure. But what that something is, I'm not sure.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi there,
I'm not sure that MS is the most likely explanation, the way you describe your visual issues doesn't sound right for the visual issues caused by MS, truthfully it sounds more like Strabismus or convergence insufficiency to me, if concentrating on seeing actually clears up the double vision.
Your light-headedness when standing up and the doctors response, sounds like it could be something like Orthostatic hypotension or otherwise known as postural hypotension, it's a form of low blood pressure.
I'm speculating but have considered and been tested for the more common explanations eg Iron deficientcy, Vit B, hypoglycaemia, diabetes, medications side effects, alcohol, mental health, neuropathy etc?
Cheers......JJ
I'm not sure that MS is the most likely explanation, the way you describe your visual issues doesn't sound right for the visual issues caused by MS, truthfully it sounds more like Strabismus or convergence insufficiency to me, if concentrating on seeing actually clears up the double vision.
Your light-headedness when standing up and the doctors response, sounds like it could be something like Orthostatic hypotension or otherwise known as postural hypotension, it's a form of low blood pressure.
I'm speculating but have considered and been tested for the more common explanations eg Iron deficientcy, Vit B, hypoglycaemia, diabetes, medications side effects, alcohol, mental health, neuropathy etc?
Cheers......JJ
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