[Jodylee]

I should've posted this sooner but, as usual , I didn't think of it until now.

I have neuro optho appt today at 1 pm. They told me to expect the appt to last for 3 to 4 hours! What the heck will the doc be doing to me for that long?

I know he'll be checking for ON but that seems like a very long time. Please tell me about your experiences at the neuro optho. I will be grateful for any info .

[lady_express_44]

My tests were spread out over different days and facilities, but it did take about 3 hours all-up.

The N-O put some drops in my eyes, and I waited about 15 min. While I was waiting, she took my ON and MS history. She checked my eyes with some magnifying equipment, then put different drops in my eyes. About 15 min later, she looked through the magnifying equip again, and confirmed "palor" in my optic nerve. We talked for about 15 min after that ...

The next appointment was a Visual Evoked Potentials test, which took about an hour, all up. That is the test where you stare at a dot in the middle of a checker-board, with electrodes attached to your head. It's painless. They are checking for communication channels between the brain and eyes.

The last appointment was a Visual Field Test, which took another hour or so. In that one I had to tap every time a light came into vision, and the lights got smaller and smaller as time went on. They are checking blind spots and peripheral vision.

I think those are all pretty standard tests when ON is expected.

Cherie

[Jodylee]

Originally Posted by lady_express_44

My tests were spread out over different days and facilities, but it did take about 3 hours all-up.

The N-O put some drops in my eyes, and I waited about 15 min. While I was waiting, she took my ON and MS history. She checked my eyes with some magnifying equipment, then put different drops in my eyes. About 15 min later, she looked through the magnifying equip again, and confirmed "palor" in my optic nerve. We talked for about 15 min after that ...

The next appointment was a Visual Evoked Potentials test, which took about an hour, all up. That is the test where you stare at a dot in the middle of a checker-board, with electrodes attached to your head. It's painless. They are checking for communication channels between the brain and eyes.

The last appointment was a Visual Field Test, which took another hour or so. In that one I had to tap every time a light came into vision, and the lights got smaller and smaller as time went on. They are checking blind spots and peripheral vision.

I think those are all pretty standard tests when ON is expected.

Cherie

That sure explains it ! No wonder it takes so long. I wish they would've spread it out over a few days but since I need a dx I'm glad to get it over with. Dh is going with me, that may be the worst part (entertaining him), LOL.

[ali12]

Hi Joelle,

I don't have any personal experiences but just wanted to say, I hope your appointment goes well and you get some much-needed answers!!

I will be thinking about you and please keep us posted when you can!!

[SallyC]

I hope you appointment goes well and a little faster..

Opthos are notorious for being slowwwww..they come in, apply drops and you wait, they come back to check eyes and you wait and so on and so on. You are on a conveyer belt with 6 other patients. I hate that!!

[Kitty]

I hope your appointment goes well. Check back in afterwards and let us know how it went.

Get a coloring book for DH......he'll be fine!!

[hollym]

When I went, they told me 4 - 6 hours and they were right.

I was first checked out by her assistant. Then, I was sent for visual field testing. Then, it was OCT testing. Then, they did one set of drops and I had to wait for a period of time. Then, I was checked out by a resident. Then, finally, she came in and looked me over. It was a long day and I was so tired and the drops gave me a headache. I went to bed when I got home.

[NurseNancy]

how did your appt go joelle?
i hope you survived it and won't have to wait too long for answers.

[Jodylee]

It's official. I have a dx of optic neuritis. It only took about two hours . I've already had the iv solumedrol about a week and half ago.

Now I just have to wait and see if the blurriness gets better. It's not very bad so I can still drive safely. I don't drive very often anymore anyway but it's good to know that I can if I want . Thanks everyone .

[SandyC]

Jim's went faster than expected too because they saw what they needed early in the procedure. Jim can still drive but he has to go through extensive training. His license is due this year so we have to get an OK through the doctor for him to renew. He doesn't drive hardly at all either, just when I am in the car. He wants to keep his skills up for emergencies you know?

Anyway, sorry you have ON but glad you have an answer to help get a dx.