new to the forum-

Was just wondering what you think of this. I've had symptoms since 2000. I had optic neuritis diagnosed last week after I lost the vision in my left eye and it's still not fully back. I then saw a different neurologist who ordered every test under the sun on me, saying we'd better get all the results together for when she sends me to the MS clinic- "it'll make it easier for the MS docs when you see them"  This was the craziest appointment I've ever had. I have seen neurologists in the past, just for a consult when there was a problem and my primary doctor referred me. No one ever diagnosed MS officially, I never even went through more then just an MRI which I know was normal as of 2004. I guess I'm trying to say, the doctors left it as a question, I knew it was left as a question but then this diagnosis of optic neuritis and poof it's a guarantee??  Anyone experience anything similar?

I've had balance and coordination problems, numbness, tingling, spascity of the legs so severe that walking was very difficult. I've had memory problems and some very mild mental confusion at times. I can't explain it but it is what it is.

thanks

Thanks uppity- I guess it's weird to  go from my first neuro visit(2000)...  a real ja who told me that I needed to get some girlfriends and relaxation tapes... to this.  The neuro ordered all the tests, vep mri to start lp if they deem neccessary. After that first neuro I decided fine- call me crazy but it doesn't change the fact that I feel bad a lot... usually 2-3 times a year I am basically useless for anywhere from one week to 3 months. Then it goes and I am almost me again but always a little worse, maybe a little more tired or a little more clumsy.

I think it might have been easier to keep ignoring everything and pretending ok fine it's in my head. to be told there's probably something there and that there was something real(the optic neuritis) was a blow. I think being "nuts" was easier because I could just convince myself to stop being a wimp and try and force myself to keep going all the time. (least til my hubby would stop me lol) Because of my clumsiness I've had the following injuries-

torn meniscus both knees, one from missing a step on stairs, one from stepping wrong off a step stool when I lost balance. Both elbows broken at different times from slipping both times, minor stupid incidents. The worst was I fell out of a shower stall and permanently damaged my left shin and ankle. I've been unable to walk right since. This happened after 2 days of over 100 degree heat, a few days of bad leg spasticity and exhaustion, all of which I attributed to travel, jet lag and pms- lol I can talk myself out of anything I feel usually.

I guess I am rambling or venting... thanks for listening.

Heather