Finally a diagnosis

 I saw the specialist at the IU Center of Neurology yesterday.  The doctor I was scheduled/saw is the director of the whole program and started this program many many years ago, so I am confident in his diagnosis.   

After a thorough exam and going over all the tests I had previously had, he believes that the optic neuritis is a one and done type episode.   It’s official name is Clinically Isolated Syndrome.   While there is no 100% guarantee that it won’t progress into MS, his experience suggests that I am probably in the clear.   He recommended another set of MRI’s in July of 2023 to ensure no new lesions and to take a vitamin D supplement.   And to contact if any new symptoms arise.

Optic neuritis can’t take 6-12 months to heal, and while my vision may improve, it also may stay somewhat blurry.  The doctor said there isn’t any treatment that is proven to improve the healing process, except the iv steroids that I already had.  He had great things to say about my neurologist which is comforting to know she is the best, but I already felt she was. 

I am relieved to finally have a diagnosis.  It brings peace to my mind that we have some answers and a plan. For those who read this, thank you for your thoughts and prayers.   

Overwhelmed and Exhausted

Everything seems to be crashing down this week.  

Both my girls have situations at school that make getting up and going tough.   One has to deal with a teacher that doesn’t like that she has an opinion and knows how to intellectually argue said opinion.  The other is dealing with things that were spoken against her that are not true.  Lies and dirty name calling that have made her physically sick.   It breaks my heart as mom.  

I have been in contact with the school administrators and we are working out the solution.  BUT right now I question our family’s decision to send my girls to public school.  Why didn’t I get a job and sign my oldest up for dual enrollment through a local junior college?  Deal with my youngest one’s attitude and resentment?   Why did I allow them to enter the lions den?   

I know they will face similar situations in their adult lives, and these conflicts will build them to be stronger women, right?!?    😩   But they are not grown and I want to shelter them from the pain, carry their burdens for them.  That will never change, no matter their ages.  

On top of all this, I have my appointment at the IU center of neurology next week.   I have had some eye pain in my left eye this week and a migraine like pain in my right eye that felt like it would pop out of my head.   I haven’t shared this with anyone bc no one needs one more thing on their list to think about.   But my brain is going through all that could be going wrong-blindness, brain tumor, MS, or many other unknown ailments.  I

If you read this, please just keep my family in your prayers.  Pray for strength, peace and answers.  Pray that we feel His presence in a very tangible way.  Pray that my girls treat each other with compassion as both are dealing with things that the other doesn’t understand.   Sometimes it’s easier to show kindness and compassion to friends than siblings, but that isn’t how it should be   So, just pray for my family during this time