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A protein has been discovered that decides which cells in the brain should die (I wish there was such a protein for neurologists and MS researchers). As usual the findings could (but never do) lead to better therapies etc.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medical ... wsid=34711


PS On another issue, I getting my first experience of optic neurosis. Eyesight in one eye has gone a little bit blurry but what I really notice is that red is really clear in my good eye but washed out in the bad eye. As someone with severe shorsightedness and astigmatism since teens, I can't believe that I would be afflicted by another eye problem - BASTARD DISEASE. Anyone else experience colour problems?

John lost color for 7 years as well as most of his sight in the eye affected by optic neuritis. This year he is able to see a bit of color as well as shapes in that eye. You will get used to it after a few months. I realize it doesn't help to say that and you are right "BASTARD DISEASE".

Anyone else experience colour problems?

Yes. When I had optic neuritis it was like trying to look through my glasses when they're fogged over. Even after it cleared up following treatment with IV prednisone, I repeatedly noticed that some colors had diminished intensity when viewed through the affected eye. The colors just seemed a little less bright and grayer. You may want to consult with your doctor regarding your new symptoms. Treatment with steroids could be indicated as it might help to lessen the probability of sustaining permanent damage to the optic nerve from the inflammation. Even after I "recovered" from my optic neuritis, my vision was sensitive to heat. For example, taking a shower that was too hot or spending too much time out on a hot day (e.g., > 90°F) would elicit the fogged over effect obscuring my vision. Cooling off always helped it to recover. Over a period of several years my eye has become less susceptible to heat induced problems. This could be a sign that my treatment with Avonex combined with my supplement regimen is having a positive effect allowing the optic nerve to heal. Of course, due to the relapse/remitting nature of MS, it could just be part of the natural cycle of the disease (it's hard to tell with just a sample size of n=1).

BASTARD DISEASE.

Agreed!!!

NHE

NHE wrote:

You may want to consult with (it's hard to tell with just a sample size of n=1).

BASTARD DISEASE.

Agreed!!!

NHE

n=2 as John also suffered problems with heat right up until this summer. Heat no longer blinds him in both eyes and I should add "at this time" and "knock on wood". Don't want to jinx him.I believe it is either diet,vitamin D3, flax or turmeric that improved that as it improved just before we started copaxone

I had tunnel vision for a while some years ago because of optic neuritis. Very scary and I feel for you Bromley. Get treated ASAP. Good luck, Carole

Ian

Sorry to hear about the optic neuritis. I am just repeating what others have said here.....IV steroids are apparently very good for it, so do consult your neuro.

Best wishes and let us know how you are.

J.

Ian,

About 21-22 years ago I had a bout of having all colors washed out and not really registering in my vision. It was strainge - I could still see colors after a fashion but I had to think about them, and everything was greyed out. I was in a major funk at the time and subsequently attributed it to depression. Now I am not sure that it wasn't the MS. In the mid to late 1990s I had some trouble with my eyes, like a shimmering in my peripheral vision. I chalked that one up to eye strain - again, I'm not sure it wasn't MS. In the last few years before the diagnosis, I have had more trouble seeing at night and had severe double vision when diagnosed last year. The double vision was caused by a brain lesion though, not optic neuritis.

Since the diagnosis, I have changed the way I eat. Not only has the night vision problem largely gone away, my daytime vision has become sharper and more vivid (at least with my glasses on, like you I am very near-sighted and have been that way since I was a little kid). The improvement in vision from diet changes (if that is what caused them) took several months. Right now my only vision annoyance is little floaters - they come and go.

I don't know if I can really say diet improvement cleared up my eyesight or it is just the ups and downs of MS. I'd sure like to think it was diet. Melody has suggested that diet has seemed to help her husband.

Good luck with it, that is, may the vision disturbances GO AWAY!

Lisa

Thanks for all your advice and support.