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@abikeride 

Last reply

abikeride

Noob question

Hey hey hello. I've been lurking around for a while and I'm very grateful for everyone who shares their experience. First off, I was diagnosed with ms four months ago and I started taking avonex. The first symptom was double vision on my left eye, and I received no treatment for this and it simply got better after a month or so. Now, about a week ago, my right eye started feeling sore. I thought I was just tired but then, last Sunday I noticed blurred vision. Like when you look into a bright light and you see black spots? But all the time. So, I don't know, since I'm a noob on this, if this is just a symptom and I have to wait it out, or is it a flare, or is it something else. I'm really confused about what to do. Also, it seems a little soon for another flare :( Any advice? Thanks in advance
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@Stumbler
@Stumbler
 

@abikeride , here's some detail about Optic Neuritis (ON), one of the presenting symptoms of MS :- http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/opticneuritis.html Unfortunately, MS does not work to a schedule or timescale. It does what it likes, when it likes. We just need to understand what can trigger our MS and how best to manage it. One aspect of MS management is "listening to our body". Our bodies will normally give us some signals that our MS is not happy. We should take notice of these signs and try and rest up and relax. Is it a flare? Well, only an MRI with contrast will potentially show MS activity. However, it could be a "pseudo exacerbation", a temporary worsening of symptoms caused by the activation of our immune system by a run-of-the-mill infection, e.g. a UTI. Or, it could be a temporary worsening of symptoms caused by heat sensitivity (https://www.mstrust.org.uk/a-z/uhthoffs-phenomenon). If it's a new symptom, and lasts for more than two days, it is wise to seek advice from your Neuro team. Hope this helps

@Vixen
@Vixen
 

Hello, glad you're not lurking any more! Just to say, I was diagnosed earlier this year and was always very confused over what it means with new and old symptoms. I had a mini flare when I started treatment too, which could be related to your body's adaptation to the new drug. Anyway, in the beginning days I was often phoning my nurse but now, nearly a year later, I have gotten so used to the quirks and random weirdnesses that I rarely both to call the nurse any more. Which treatment did you start?