Hi,
I was officially diagnosed yesterday with minor MS and regardless of several tests was a little shocked! 1 month prior to my 40th birthday (3 years ago) I began feeling tired and a little run down. October 2011 I had several days where I was walking around constantly in sunglasses, even in work at my computer, as my eyes were really sensitive to the light. In the December I then had approximately 4 weeks of double vision. This resulted in visits to the Eye Casualty and then to a Neurologist. My MRI scan identified several lesions. At the same time my doctors advised me that I was borderline diabetic. I was then advised that all my symptons were down to diabetes and was subsequently discharged. Last June I then had a very sore/painful eye particularly looking in specific direction and was referred back to the Neurology Department. I saw another consultant who sent for another MRI scan with and without contrast (dye). This came back with another couple of lesions that had appeared since my last scan. He then sent me for several blood tests, spinal MRI and Lumbar puncture, of which I received all results yesterday. My spine is clear of lesions however the spinal fluid confirms that I have minor MS. My consultant wants to see me again in 9 months and will carry out another MRI to check if there are any other additions and if so, I believe will start me on treatment. If not, he will not need to see me again - until I think that I have another ‘attack’.
What I find worrying is that I don’t know if and when I am creating another lesion - if there is even a way of telling. I am not one for sympathy and will face life’s trials and tribulations head on but was really annoyed at some responses from my family by saying stuff like that’s good then if it’s only minor and like it is an every day occurence. In addition, I have been told off for being ‘negative’ when explaining what some of the symptons of MS can be.
I do worry about how long I have before this has a major impact of my everyday life. At the moment, it is bearable and not causing me any major problems, just get tired and worry whenever I get an headache etc. I am trying to carry on as normal as possible.