doublevision

Under the radar

When I reached the age of thirty, I was helping my father-in-law do some gardening when I bent over to pick up a leaf and I felt a twang somewhere in my lumbar region. This twang put me completely out-of-action for a week or so afterwards. My GP had simply smiled and said, “welcome toContinue reading “Under the radar”

Hindsight

My first big relapse was in 2004 with a numb face, a headache that wouldn’t shift, optic neuritis and vertigo. It’s strange to think of it now, but the medical profession couldn’t explain the cause at the time. Probably because I presented the symptoms individually, rather than all in one go. I then experienced aContinue reading “Hindsight”

The eyes of the monster – part 2

Well, I went to see the eye surgeon. The upshot of my meeting was that I’m not going to have an operation to correct my doublevision. I decided that it wasn’t worth it because I have what he termed a “complex squint” and any correction to my doublevision to the left would be offset byContinue reading “The eyes of the monster – part 2”

The eyes of the monster

Regular readers may know that I have had doublevision ever since my last big relapse in 2008. Every time I look left I see double. Looking straight ahead I’m fine and looking to the right, results in a textbook case of nystagmus (shaky eyes). Doublevision is the reason I saw my GP in the firstContinue reading “The eyes of the monster”

DVLA update #3

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you will be aware that my driving licence officially ran out at the end of March as I have to have it updated every three years. You will also be aware that I don’t have my shiny new licence yet due to the DVLA Medical Group making anContinue reading “DVLA update #3”

Neuro update

I went to see my new neurologist last month at big city hospital. Like my last neuro, he is another twinkly eyed, amiable bloke. My last neuro- has a vastly increased workload apparently. Either that or he’s too wrapped up in his trials and research (which I have consistently turned down the chance to takeContinue reading “Neuro update”

Life with MS – analogies

There seem to be analogies every which way you turn when you discuss MS with other (oh heck!) “sufferers”. The most popular one must be the MS MonSter (see what I did with the letters?). The one that sits on your chest in the morning and stops you getting up, demands a piggyback if youContinue reading “Life with MS – analogies”

“Sorry, there’s nothing we can do”

There is a stand up routine by Sean Lock where he recounts being told off for swearing by belligerent airport staff. His exasperated reply finishes with “This is exactly the sort of occasion swearing was f***ing invented for!” Excuse me a moment… a$%e!… &u$%&!!… (%d%*!!! %^&*!!… f&*^:~!!… ~*()&*&^$%$”!!!!!! There – out of my system… No,Continue reading ““Sorry, there’s nothing we can do””

Wahay! I am off to see an orthoptist tomorrow to talk doublevision. Doublevision and eye movement problems in general have been my one constant since I had my last major relapse in 2008. My MS history is littered with symptoms and side effects that have come and gone or have fluctuated with other external factorsContinue reading “Doublevision”

MS Explained

Just a note to say that the MS Trust (UK) have updated their marvellous booklet MS Explained. This is a little bit more involved than some of the literature out there. While not for everyone, it explains the neurology and immunology aspects of MS very well in layman’s terms. I would heartily recommend this publicationContinue reading “MS Explained”