Woke up and can't see

[GettingTooOldForThis]

A few days ago I woke up and have double vision and no depth perception.

I went to a and e and they didn't know what was wrong and said they were going to write to my GP and ask them to refer me for a MRI head scan.

Spoke to doctor and he didn't seem to know where to refer me to.

Still waiting and still can't see properly. Hospital said I can't drive until the double vision goes. Due to go abroad on holiday next week.

Anyone any idea what it could be and what I should do?

To those with MS and had optic neuritis how long does an episode last?

My optic neuritis lasted a few weeks each time; around 8 I think.

Oh dear hope it's not that long I need to drive for work

Ive read all the replies and I am not a dr but I'd be very surprised if this wasn't ms, it is classic ms symptoms you describe, the double vision, the way you can see when you cover either eye, tingling, tiredness, all of them add up to ms. Don't want to out myself but I'm very experienced in everything ms! I'm not sure an optician will be able to help, I think you need to see your gp and go through the referral process for ms, if you can afford private this will speed it up. I think a&e didn't do much because they also suspect ms and know it's not life threatening but aren't in a position to help or diagnose. Good luck, get to your gp as soon as possible. You might recover quickly, e.g, days or longer term, e.g. Months or not at all or make a full recovery or partial recovery, no way of telling. Don't drive with double vision and yes to taping over one of the lenses in your glasses. Good luck, you will be ok whatever happens, you can live well with ms and you will adapt. Not sure about insurance for the holiday tbh, you don't have a diagnosis of anything to declare but you have had symptoms since I am guessing you took out the insurance and I imagine this has happened since you took out the insurance so will you be covered, I don't know, perhaps you need to check this. That aside, can't see why you can't go on holiday.

Thank you everyone again. The GP referral was fir an appointment in 4-6 weeks so went back to a and e and got a bit annoyed so they got me an appointment at eye clinic for tomorrow. They have confirmed they are looking at optic neuritis /MS so looks a bit scary but comforting that those of you who have been there say you are able to have a full life with it.

When I know for sure I will post for more support.

Insurance usually has small print that says if you have undiagnosed symptoms that you knew about before you went on holiday, your whole policy can be void. Because you knowingly went abroad with the symptoms, but you can't get cover for them as you don't have a diagnosis. You might have to rely on the ehic card if you're going to Europe.

I'm going to ring the insurance company after I've been to the eye clinic and see what they say. I'm hoping that as I shouldn't need urgent treatment and I've let them know beforehand I should be ok. The kids are really looking forward to it so I'm really hoping I can go.

Can I just ask have your blood sugars been checked to make sure your definitely not diabetic?

No bloods taken hoping to get some answers when I go to eye clinic today. Getting proper fed up now and work are panicking as I'm in the middle of a really important project I'm leading so nobody knows what to do - I am in a specialist role and only one in the company who knows where we are up to and what we need to do next.

I guess I'm going to have to go in at some point and tell someone what to do. Just so tired and worried about how I'm going to manage

Sounds stressful, could you work from home at all if going in is too much? Or could someone come out to you?

I clicked on this thread as I've had tingling in my hands and feet for a few weeks and (on some days) intense fatigue. No vision issues.

I couldn't get a GP appointment until tomorrow but have been having to Wfh some of the time as too tired to cope with the commute.

Hi back from eye clinic I've got high pressure in my eyes but not sure what's causing it. Not much further really need more tests but good news is I can go on holiday and back to work.

Gut some eye drops to take and another appointment for when I get back from holiday

Good news you can get away on your holiday and back to work

Yes I'm pleased would like to be able to drive but I'll take what I can get for now.

The symptoms seem to be confusing them but I guess I'll have to be patient.

On the count down to holidays now though just got loads to do as I was sort of thinking I'd not be able to go so haven't sorted out packing or ironing.

Were the insurance company ok?

Maybe stuff the ironing for once . . .

Going to ring insurance tomorrow I'm shattered. Yes ironing can wait I think.

Sounds like you have a fourth nerve palsy , this is more likely to happen if you are diabetic or have high blood pressure. With double vision they should be trying you with a prism before patching one eye

Corneliussnitch -
I agree, this is what I said upthread.
I am really surprised no appointment to see an Orthoptist asap. I would hope a prism could be fitted, although does depend on amount of torsion.

Hi

Insurers have said I'm ok to fly but work think it's too much of a risk for me to go in to work so want me to stay off for now (I work in a non office based setting).

I have appointments with a field vision expert and an ophthalmic specialist when I get back I think they wanted to see me sooner but for the fact I'm on holiday next week.

No one has mentioned 4th nerve palsy but I think they want me to see all the specialist first.

I'm just going to have to wait and sort it all out after my holidays.

Have a good holiday and hope you get the attention you need when you get back.

An update - the doctors believe I have glaucoma and my pressure is still high but has come down from the original tests. My field test was bad in one eye. Have to take the eye drops for some time to try and get the pressure under control. Got read the riot act about being very sure I take the medication at the right time daily.