Optic Neuritis Worries - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Deowyn · 05-23-2009, 07:43 AM

I've recently been diagnosed with what is most likely MS. I have several brain lesions and optic neuritis in my left eye. I started losing my vision a little over 2 weeks ago. By the 4th day when my vision kept getting worse, I went to the ER and they admitted me and started my on an IV of 1000mg of solumedrol once a day for 5 days. It's been about a week and half since I finished the IV steroids and I was just wondering if you guys could share your experiences with me as far as how long it took your vision to come back, if it came back, and generally what I can expect from here on out. Is it ok to wear my contacts again? Is there anything I can do to help speed the recovery? I also worry about having this happen in my other eye before this one gets better. Has that happened to anyone? If so, how did you handle it?

Thanks,

Dawn

MSJayhawk · 05-23-2009, 10:09 AM

Never used the 'roids, but you may or may not get better. I have dealt with the problem of my right eye. On a few occasions I have lost my vision completely, but I cam back. My right eye is quite sensitive to light. I use sunglasses about 90% of the time (indoors and outdoors).

Specifics regarding your contacts should best be answered by your doctor as they are the only ones truly qualified to answer you directly. I cannot promise you your eye will recover, but try to relax and avoid stress and strain. You need time to heal and it certainly requires a boatload of stress.

I will certainly keep you in my prayers!

MSNik · 05-23-2009, 03:17 PM

Dawn, I went thru exactly what you describe when I was first dx...and yes, its okay to wear your contact lenses. The ON is behind the eye- its actually inflamation of the optic nerve and wearing contacts will not hurt you (or help you) in anyway...go ahead and wear them.
As for will your vision come back? For me- by the end of my 5th day of steroids, it was coming back....steroids, given in that dose- IV- can continue to help you for up to a month after you stop getting the infusions........however, also keep in mind that the more times you get the steroid infusions, the less they tend to work and the long term effects of taking them are not good for you if you abuse it. They say up to 3 times a year is safe, however, my MS specialist says no more then twice a year. My other docs agree...steroid use is not healthy in the long run, but necessary for those of us who suffer MS issues .
I have had ON three times total and only choose to do the steroid route the first time...each time that it has come back, I have lived with it and gone cold turkey with no drugs, and its always "righted" itself...however, I live with some residual pain off and on in that eye. Its nothing horrible, but it rears its ugly head when I am extrememly tired or fatuged.
I hope this helps...and that you feel better soon.
Nikki