[turtle_78]

It has been few years since I have been here. My Ms has been stable for a while but, now I have having vision problems in both my eyes. My left eye is blurry and I have double vision in my right. I have been on a three day coarse of steroids and so far no change. I am out on FMLA at work until I get my vision back. I am having problems emotionally with this. I feel like I can't be the Mom my kids need and the wife I need to be right now. How can I get over this feeling of failure?

Thanks
Sue

[Kitty]

Good to see you back, Sue! Sorry you're having problems, though.

I have been having visual problems, too. My Neuro didn't put me on steroids because an MRI didn't show an active lesion. I am, however, taking Tecfidera and doing well on it.

Since my DH passed away and my kids are both grown and on their own it hasn't been the kind of problem for me like it is for you.

Visual issues are kind of different in that they affect everything you do. And prevent you from doing things that you could otherwise do with another type of disability. It's still frustrating for me even without a family to care for.

I hope your husband is being supportive and helpful. I know....it's still hard to not be able to do all that you feel you should be able to. I wish I had more helpful solutions for you.

My first episode of visual issues several years ago cleared up on it's own in about 12 weeks. Seemed like much longer, though.

I wish you a speedy recovery and try to be patient with yourself.

I'm sure others will come along with helpful suggestions soon.

[kicker]

Turtle,

My friend said to me when I told him I have MS "You're still you, aren't you?". My kids went from 10 to now 22 with a MS mom. No, it's not easy at any age but my kids are great. I have nothing but respect for any Mom with young kids. Husbands show their stuff, some are great, some not so. Sometimes I wonder how good I'd be.

[GladysD]

My MS affects my vision, when in flare. Like Kitty, clears up within 12 weeks, on it's own. My first time, I had steroid treatments. Had others without, recovery time, was the same. Vision came back, each time 20/25. Which is actually what vision was in childhood, young adulthood. Even if coming down with a cold, I tend to get a small blur, that clears up in a matter of days. I've got kids, myself. Had the official dx, since 2007, when they were (4, 1, newborn). It just is, for them, they'll know me, no different, there is no 'before MS mommy' for them.

[NurseNancy]

hi sue, good to hear from you but sorry for the circumstances.
your words "right now" rang with me. right now doesn't mean forever, or even a month from now. give the steroids some more time to work. if this was happening to your dh would he be a failure in your eyes?

btw...your children are beautiful.

please try to be gentle with yourself and a bit patient. can you think of a plan to help with your situation? like ask friends or family for some cooking/cleaning help? set some priorities for your responsibilities. for instance, cleaning could wait while laundry may be more pressing. can your kids take on any tasks to help out? sometimes having a plan keeps us in control. it's a more powerful feeling and may help with your feelings of failure...which you aren't.

please don't be a stranger. let us know how you're doing.

[SallyC]

My how those beautiful children have grown.. Didn't you just give birth to
Amie yesterday? What a blessing and yet, how difficult it can be, when MS
decides to kick you in the butt/eye.

Hoping and praying that that nasty ON goes away and leaves you better
and stronger soon.

[kicker]

Kids can be tough even when 100%

[turtle_78]

The kids are a big help and so is my hubby. Something simple like shopping is so hard but, He would tell me where the item was, how many over and down just so I would not feel like I can't help. He has been the best. I still have the steroid high, I just hope I can put it to some good work today I should find out on Monday from the doctor when and if I can go back to work and then I have to find out from work if they will allow me back. It seems like when you start to get ahead there is always something that throws you back.

The kids are getting bigger Robert will be 11, Hannah 10 and Amie 6. Amie is starting kindergarten this year and Bob will be in 5th, Hannah in 4th. The time sure does fly. I will have to post some new pictures so you all can see how much they have grown.

Thanks for everything. I did miss all of you. It helps to be able to talk to other people who know what you are going through.

[Erika]

Hi Sue,

Sometimes the steroids take a while to kick in with the eye thing. I have learned that when my eyes are acting up that taking frequent down time periods during the day helps restore them somewhat. I know that isn't easy to do that with children and work, but "down time" can simply be taking 5 minutes to sit quietly with eyes closed and rest while doing nothing but being aware of breathing...and/or thinking about something pleasant.

I know that this sounds too simple to actually do anything, but research has shown that it changes our neurochemistry from being pro-inflammatory towards being pro-endorphin (rest and restorative). I don't know if that is what helps my eye symptoms, but it does work for me.
Just thought that I'd pass it along.

Hope that it settles down for you soon.

With love, Erika