New here

[CLSceliac]

I just received the diagnosis Friday after MRI after an 2nd episode of optic neuritis. I had optic neuritis back in 2006 and had an MRI at that time and was all clear (neurologist indicated that 20% time there is no known cause). I had a follow-up MRI in 2007 all clear as well. In the meantime I was diagnosed with celiac disease (another AI disease). Fast forward to February with another attack of optic neuritis. With most recent MRI, there are now a couple spots indicative of MS. No other significant symptoms. Feeling a bit overwhelmed since after all this time, I finally felt the MS cloud was not hanging over my head. On the flipside, if it wasn't MS, I was going to be equally overwhelmed by the unknown inflammation. I'll start medication (aubagio) as soon prescription approval goes through which I understand can take awhile. Anyone else have just vision symptoms?

[22cyclist]

Hi CLS and welcome to MS world! Sorry you were diagnosed, but glad you found us! I have had MS for many years but have had ON so many times in both eyes that it has atrophied my optic nerves, they say I will eventually go blind. So for now I try to go see as much as I can and photograph and paint everything I can.

Look around the site, you may get more responses on q & a now that you are diagnosed, ask and answer questions, check out our chat rooms and arcade if you are into doing something non-ms wise but with msers.

Take care
CU around
Lisa

[hunterd]

welcome to msworld ! Like you were already told, we have much to offer. Look around and get familiar. Good luck

[CLSceliac]

Thanks for the welcome! Got the call from the 1 to 1 nurse and the aubagio has been approved. Now to get labs checked before getting started. I'm bouncing all over on how I feel about this diagnosis as other than eye problems I think I'm symptom free. I'm trying to stay positive and think that with this medication I can prevent any new symptoms or reoccurrence of the ON.

A bit off topic, but what's the general protocol with seeing a Neurologist vs. MS Specialist (or both)? I was diagnosed by a local Neurologist and he didn't mention anything. My insurance is through a hospital in Baltimore with an MS Center and one doc that specializes in ON. Baltimore is an hour drive so not convenient for frequent appointments but is it bad etiquette to go to for a consult but keep my local doctor. I tried asking the MS nurse and the impression I got was that would complicate matters. Maybe I should wait 6 months until I'm established on medication? Maybe I should only go down that path if I have issues (go with the flow unless other symptoms come up)?