This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

12 days ago I developed Optic Neuritis. I was referred to an ophthamologist but it took 5 days before I could be seen during which time my eye was the only problem I experienced.
At day 6 I started taking corticosteroids (first IV and now oral) and also found out about the possibility of MS. Since then I've been scared and depressed, etc, but also have started noticing other MS-type complaints such as leg cramps and tingling fingers.

I'm confused as I would have thought that if I were having an MS exacerbation then I would have got the other types of symptoms at the same time as my eye and not 5-6 days later? And that by taking steroids this would actually lessen any other symptoms I was experiencing, not start them? My eye has healed perfectly after only a week. I've heard that the corticosteroids can bring on anxiety etc, is this maybe what's happening?

Would appreciate any advice as I'm still waiting another 2 weeks for an MRI and results. Thanks.

Hi New,
welcome to "This Is MS".
First take a deep breath! Waiting for any test or results can be stressful and stress can aggrivate symptoms (if it's ms) So try to stay calm. Steroids don't necessarily bring on symptoms, it could be just a coincidence. Thankfully your
vision is fine. Ten yrs. after my dx I had optic neuritis in my right eye, it never cleared up completely and i was on an IV
steroid for 3 days. I was dx 19 yrs. ago, I was really scared, but as time went by it wasn't as scary. For me it's just not urgent anymore. I've learned alot here from others' experiences and thoughts, we want to help you too. But while you wait
remember to do things you enjoy.

New,

One of the definite aspects of MS is that it is different for each person and the symptoms can vary widely.

In order to get a proper diagnosis, it takes time and different tests which often will rule out other diseases in order to come up with a MS diagnosis. And in the time waiting for tests, symptoms can disappear and/or change.

I hope you are under the care of a neurologist at the present time who knows a lot about MS. If not it would be a good idea to get a referral to one, hopefully associated with a MS Clinic.

Best of luck.

Harry

The two organs that need and use the most vitamin C are eyes and the adrenal glands.
If there is a lack of vitamim C or if the body has other problems like trauma, the vitamin is sent to the problem site and the two organs are without and odd symptoms show up. Taking one gram of vitamin C every hour may solve the problem in a few hours. If you have the flu it will be gone in a few hours. Let me know jf it works. I have not had a cold or flu in twenty years, but then I take my vitamins, have for fifty years Have not seen a doctor in all that time accept for injuries. Sliced a finger to the bone, Put band aids on and left them for two weeks, healed, no infection.