saw the opthamologist again....

[wonko]

(for review, I posted earlier about being unsure of what to do about a change in vision).

She was wonderful and was glad I came back to discuss my concerns.  She even checked to make sure the Rx on my glasses (that I got at a discount eye center) is correct.  I told her about the "ghost images" and also that part of my concern about my vision is because of the other unexplained symptoms I've had since Jan.

She told me what I have is binocular diplopia, or double vision that goes away when I cover either eye.  She can not find anything wrong with my eyes.  The only thing she sees is that my eyes are bloodshot, esp. around the optic nerve.  So she concluded that this is a neurological issue and recommends I see a neuro-opthamologist.

So, I'm not too sure exactly what to do next, or how soon.  I was really hoping to not talk to my neuro until my next appt, which is in ~6 weeks.  But the opth. said this is out of her territory.  So I'm not sure if I should go straight to a neuro-op. or try to at least run this by my neuro on the phone first, or what.  I don't want to step on my neuro's toes, so to speak, but of course my bad attitude predicts if I mention this to him he'll just tell me "don't worry about it."  

Sigh.  I might just wait a couple of days to see how things go, I've had the double vision for less than a week so I'm still hoping it's fleeting.  I really don't want to think about all of this nonsense.  I am MONDO behind at work, which is really eating at my self esteem!  So I don't want to dwell too much on this, plus I know talking to my neuro will totally stress me out.  

Thanks to all for the support!  I know I've been whining more lately and hope to be posting with a better attitude soon!

[Quixotic1]

Why don't you call the Neuro's office and leave a request for a call-cack.  At the same time fax him a note telling him that the Ophtho has stated that your eye problem is neurological and recommends that you see a Neuro-Ophthalmologist soon.  Ask that he process a referral as soon as possible, because the eye symptoms are interferring with your work.  Give him the phone number of the Ophtho for his reference.

Keep doing this until you hear from him.  Calling and sending the note every 3 or 4 days or so.

This should not be delayed nor let dropped.

Quix

[Jenn0030]

I am glad you went to your eye doc.

You really should pursue this...double vision at your age should not start without a reason.  Personally, if it were my body I would like to know what is going on.


I have had double vision as well.  Off and on for about a year.  I usually know that it is time to call my neuro with new problems.

My ON, (I am on my third time of ON in a year) has always been retrobulbar (behind the nerve) and up till the last month there has been no signs of any damage to the optic nerves.  You can only see a mild pallor (waxy yellow appearance) to one of my eyes.  

I hope you find some relief from you troubles, I hope that you won't wait 6 weeks...you would have to worry for a very long time.



Jenn

[doublevision1]

Well I'm glad you returned to see her and it sounds like this visit was more than worthwhile.  So your ophtha is saying that she cannot refer you to a neuro-ophtha directly?  

If you can go straight to a neuro-ophtha without referral from your neuro, it may be a good idea to do so.  If your past experiences with your neuro are such that he dismisses your symptoms and blocks you from further investigation, then it makes perfect sense to take this route.  If he has a problem with it, just say your ophtha suggested it, since she did.  Oh, and if you haven't already done so, get a copy of your file from the neuro to bring with you; test results, notes and all.

There are many neurological causes for binocular double vision, including MS and also Myasthenia Gravis which Michael1028 was recently diagnosed with.  While the cause may turn out not to be something as serious as eitehr of these, it is a serious symptom in and of itself and not to be taken lightly.  Even if it spontaneously goes away on its own, which would be great, you still need to know what caused it to begin with.  It was double vision that really got my GP concerned (following a multitude of other sensory symptoms).  I saw a neuro, and am waiting to see an ophtha-neuro.  There is no reason I can think of why you shouldn't do it in the opposite order.

Good luck and I hope you get answers and relief soon.  Let us know how you make out.

db