ON - how tacky.

[DiannaKw]

I don't know what to make of this. After a couple weeks of classic symptoms, I put two and two together. It finally occurred to me that I`m experiencing a mild case of ON (although who`s to say what ``mild`` is, as I have no point of reference) While I`m not big on self diagnosis, it`s actually painfully obvious based on what I`ve come to know of ON`s epidemiology.

I know. How cliche. Boring. What? ON and MS? You don't say!

What makes my case a tad jarring is the timing. I first noticed the eye pain the DAY OF or NIGHT BEFORE my first Rebif injection two weeks ago.  It has since progressed... does`t hurt as much as it did at first, lessof those ``one-sided` headaches``, but the foggy, disturbed vision in one eye has become rather noticeable.

At this point it`s mild enough to be ignored, but what`s the deal? Is it that I didn't start the DMD in time to prevent this one? Do interferon's need time to build up in your system to be effective, like Copaxone? Is it the low does I`m on right now? On the other hand, the interferon's could be staving off further visual deterioration, in other words, it could be much worse than it is right now.

I wonder, is it advisable to have this treated with corticosteroids as it is in it`s current state? Sure, it`s pretty annoying and driving at night gets my heart pumping a little faster than it used to, but its acceptable in the short term. I`m only concerned that if I ignore it and leave it untreated, allowing it to resolve itself over time, could I be causing or increasing the risk of long term or irreversible damage? Would it make a difference in this regard?

MS. What an *******. I already called my nurse today (left a voice mail) and I hope to hear from her soon, and depending on what she says, schedule an appointment with my neuro. I just thought I`d throw it over this way, and see what you guys think!

Dianna

[sllowe]

Hi Dianna!

I think your eye should be seen by your neuro  - that way he/she can determine if ON and to treat, or not treat. I have eye pain on and off through the years since dx, and don't go to the doctor for steriods (because it passes), but if it becomes worse I would definitely do so.

Your very much right about the Rebif - they titrate you to the full dosing schedule, so full potential protection is just not there yet. I say potential because not all DMDs work for all people the same. I'm on Rebif too and do feel I respond well to it.

If ON, steroids may help - but hope they call you back for a look.

[maxthecat43]

Hi Dianna,

I wouldn't mess with this...   Optic Neuritis can be pretty serious.  I'd get it assessed so that they can get you on a course of steroids- quickly.  I didn't know what was happening to me, so it was never looked at until my optic nerve looked like it was healed.  It has been since determined that it must have been a "mild" case of ON.  (To me mild means not blind.)  Anyway, I have never completely recovered.  My vision in that eye is still a little darker, and a little blurrier.

As for the dmd:  It does take up to several months for the meds to have any real effect on the disease.  Of course, even then it won't prevent all relapses.  It's only supposed to slow disease activity down.  

I believe lesions on the optic nerve tend to heal more quickly- although it can be an imperfect healing.  Getting in to see a Neuro-Ophthalmologist soon, would be a good idea.

Please keep us updated, okay?
Tammy

[DiannaKw]

TYPO  

Does = Dose