Visit with Dr. Stephenson

I had a really great visit with Dr. Stephenson today.  She was very concerned about my eyes, but I assured her that all was well.  (Since my last blog, I had another eye problem which Dr. Carter prescribed TobraDex eye drops and Doxycycline for.  I was quite sure that I was getting optic neuritis again, but I apparently had something else going on.  I was weepy most of the day last Monday because I just couldn't face dealing with that again.  The IV steroids suck!!!!) 

Dr. Stephenson asked about what I've decided regarding the Copaxone.  I told her of all the lifestyle changes I've been making since January and she was very pleased.  I also told her about all of the supplements I'm currently taking and I gave her some information I had printed out regarding the curcumin and cod liver oil.  Dr. Stephenson took the literature and said she would read it.  I questioned whether all of her patients were so wishy-washy regarding treatment as me and she said that MS is a very big thing to deal with as is deciding on the best treatment and that yes...all patients are typically "wishy-washy" as I put it.  We mutually decided to try the supplements for 6 months and to run another MRI in September.  If at that time I've developed new lesions or show any activity/changes/etc. at all, I will promptly go on Copaxon...no questions asked.

I talked to her about the itching again.  I told her that we discussed it before, but this time I brought information from the National MS website regarding itching.  She read over it and said that it all makes perfect sense, but that she just hadn't had anyone mention the itching.  She prescribed 300 mg. Neurontin to be taken each night to help and I'm suppose to call her back in 2 weeks to let her know how the medication is working.

As before, Dr. Stephenson pointed out that I could at any time ask for a referral to a MS specialist in Dallas.  I explained to Dr. Stephenson that I am very comfortable with her as long as we are able to logically discuss my medical needs and negotiate my treatment. 

All in all....I'm quite pleased with my visit today and I'm really liking Dr. Stephenson!

New Eye Problems

Yesterday I noticed this funny opaque looking stuff on both of my eyes.  I thought it was just eye gunk and tried to rinse it out with saline solution and then wipe it off with my finger, but nothing would help.  It was still on my eyes this morning.  I know I'm quick to jump to conclusions now, but I'm just so paranoid about my eyes since I've had optic neuritis twice resulting in damage to my optic nerves.  I called my neurologist's office, however she was unavailable and I was told to call my primary care physician.  After talking to my mother, I decided to call an opthamologist and was able to get in to see Dr. Troy Carter today. 

After several tests, Dr. Carter said that I have Salzmann's Nodular Degeneration of the Cornea.  It is considered rare, however of those diagnosed, it is found predominantly in women in the 6th decade (50's).  Medical therapy consists of lubrication, warm compresses, and topical steroids. Dr. Carter said that when the nodules become bothersome all the time, he will refer me to the cornea specialist he consulted with, and sent pictures of my eyes to, today for KP  followed by a Excimer laser to smooth the surface after removal.

I have to go back next Tuesday for a couple of more tests on my optic nerves and those results will be sent over to Dr. Stephenson's office.

You know, I really haven't ever had any major health problems so this eye thing on top of the recently diagnosed MS to getting ridiculous.  I feel like my warranty has run out!  I'm going to end this post now because anything else on here will just sound like whining. 

http://www.images.missionforvisionusa.org/anatomy/2007/02/salzmanns-nodular-degeneration-of.html

Shared Solutions

Shared Solutions just called and advised they will pay up to $1,200.00 a month on any co-payments for Copaxone.  So in between insurance and this plan, I will be on a $3,000.00 per month medication for just the price of my monthly insurance premium.  Wow - they sure make it easy for people who actually want to inject medication daily!

I am so torn on what to do.  Do I take their medication (even though it's shots every freakin' day), go at it from a homeopathic direction (I'm up to 27 different vitamin and herb pills each day now and I'm already tired of it), or just say screw it - I'm not going to do anything and just take my chances (which is really where I'm at right now)?  Decisions, decisions, decisions.  I wish I had someone to talk to who would just make a decision for me.  Remember....MS affects a person's ability to make plans and decisions!  *Sigh*  I really don't know what to do so I think I'll just do nothing for now.

VEP and Lab Results

Yvonne from Dr. Stephenson's office called today and advised all of the lab work was fine from the most recent round, other than my chloride level being high, and that the VEP results were in, however she couldn't go over them with me as Dr. Stephenson had yet to sign off on them.  I asked her if she could just read me the report and she said  the results only contained one line which stated "central and lateral slowing in the optic nerves".  Hmmmm.  I'm obviously still in the land of confusion!  When Dr. Duke and I were visiting before the testing began and he questioned why I thought I was there, I told him I thought I was there to check my optic nerves.  He said that no, I was there to check the demyelination occurring.  But the report he prepared was specifically regarding the optic nerves.  I just don't know what to think about these medical professionals anymore!  Yvonne asked when my next appointment is and upon hearing April 11th, she moved it up to March 21st.  I've already notified Richard so he can go with me.