Does my wfie have ms?

[Davey1979]

My wife has recently been for several scans which have shown that her optic nerve is pale and there are white patches on them. She has Raynard's disease so could this be linked to that? she is to undergo a test for ms and I am really worried. Does anybody know what the most likely problem is? She doesnt really have any of the other symptoms associated with ms but I believe that problems with the optic nerve can be the first sign. Any help/reassurances would be greatly appreciated.

[sllowe]

After reading the study findings - On this discussion -be sure to read Quixotic's post  "things to take away" interp/summary.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS-RISK-AFTER-OPTIC-NEURITIS/show/664930?personal_page_id=864133

[sllowe]

Hi Davey,

I too say don't be so worried. It's good if she's having no MS symptoms and that could be a good sign. Since they are concerned, they will line up imaging, bloodwork, etc. None of this is invasive at this time.

Your chances of MS increase if lesions are found on the CNS at the time of ON. I will look for an article on a study that describes the increase in stats.

Like Lu says we have something to battle this - and, the chances of it working are even greater when found early.

I too am pulling for your wife. She's a special lady to have you digging up info for her. There is just as much bad info out there as there is good -so be careful with what you read. Thank you for trusting us for thoughts and welcome to the forum.
-Shell

[Lulu54]

Hi Davey - welcome to a great place to learn more about MS.  This community will be more than happy to answer your questions and givey ou some guidance.

Yes, Optic Neuritis - problems with the optic nerve - is often the first sign of MS.  A large percentage of people present first with ON before developing other signs of MS.

The possibility of MS should NOT terrify you, but it is worrisome.  We know that most cases of MS today are not the same as twenty years ago.  We have a wide arsenal of disease modifying drugs to choose from that won't cure MS but will in most cases slow or even stop the progression.  If you wife's tests who MS, then she should be given some options of treatment to choose from.  We can talk to you about those if that time comes.

Hopefully your wife has received a referral to see a neurologist who specializes in MS - it is important to see someone who really knows this disease and not just a general neurologist who also has to understand so many other neuro problems like stroke, alzheimer and parkinsons. The next tests should be a thorough neurological exam and an MRI to look for other clues.

Good luck - tell your wife we are rooting for her and hope  for the best for you both.
Lulu