My problems first started with vision too. I went to a couple of opthamologists and they did not see any problems but I was persistent and kept insisting something was wrong. It turns out I did have MS, although the symptoms were mild. My advice would be to go to a NEURO-opthamologist. They are much harder to find (it's such a narrow specialty) but that is who I would seek an answer from. I'm sure there will be one at the Cleveland Clinic you could see. Good luck with everything.

Glady - i am currently in school and yes i believe the spots are floaters too but the other visual problems is ore what i am concerned about.

Natalie - i tried to get a referall to a nuero-optho but my doc has been out of town. I am not currently scheduled with one at the clinic but I am hoping that they will provide me with access to any person/test they may see fit. Also may I ask what types of symptoms you have and what type of MS you have and how yours was diagnosed (also how long after your symptoms began you were diagnosed) because my symptoms are not nearly as extreme as some people who i have talked to but i still feel that something is def. wrong.

Thanks

Welcome to NT!

MS as well as many diseases can be difficult and time consuming to diagnose. MS has lots of different symptoms and effects each of us differently. There are many other diseases that can mimic MS so having a good neurologist and/or diagnostic team is really important.

Others gave some great ideas and suggestions. Please let us know how you are doing and what the results from your testing and dr. visits are.

BTW - Have they discussed the possibility of migraines? Migraines can definitely occur without a headache. I have only had 2 occular migraines and boy, were they entertaining. Lots of squiggly, zig zagged and sometimes colorful things going on in my vision. Just something to think about.

tkrik - ocular migraines have been suggested but the visual disturbances dont seem to come in episodes (besides everytime i exercise which i was guessing has to do with the heat). Yes almost everything has been suggested to me and i have learned how very frustrating it is to be dealing with symptoms which can be caused by almost anything!
Thank you I def will let everyone know what the people at the cleveland clinic think. A quick question is it highly unlikely to be able to diagnose MS in the first year of real symptoms?

Thank you everyone for your answers and support

Some MS specialist Neuros can and will DX MS, if certain criteria
is met, even without positive MRIs. It will depend on how well
versed your Neuro is with MS, it's symptoms and with a thorough
physical exam.

Good Wishes,

hi boiler and welcome to NT,

i couldn't add anything right now to the advice you've gotten.
it might be helpful to the dr to keep a sx (symptom) journal with sx's and dates. you might also include if you've exercised or it's hot, etc.

please let us know how your appt goes. try to bring a family member or friend for a 2nd set of ears. remember that you are your own best advocate. write down your Q's and get them answered.

Boiler,
I am 53, but was 19 once upon a time! It sounds like you are very active.

I had some early symptons when I was young and active in sports. I didn't know anything about MS. I just kept on going and wondered if all the other kids lost their balance while going down the bleacher steps...or why I felt like the more I lifted weights the weaker I got instead of stronger...and so on... and so on!

I am sorry, I don't know the answer for you. But, I pray that you find out before you are in your late 40s like I did.

I will keep you in my thoughts!

nancy - thank you and dont worry my mom is coming as my second set of ears and I previously kept symptom log for about 4 months and I will restart that for these 2 weeks.

friend2u - yes I stay active as I am actually part of the rowing team at my school so we practice about 2 hours a day and there are some days when I wonder if I am tired from previous practices or if it more because I will feel very weak. Thank you for your insight I will let everyone know what the doc says after I go. Also a question for you - for your first symptoms did you have the "episode" pattern ? because I dont think I have really had this (i mean i have particularly bad days occasionally and sometimes a bad week but I dont have days where the symptoms completely dissapear).

Thanks!