Dear Lyme Friends, I had a frightening episode yesterday evening. I was sitting here at the computer studying as usual, and the vision in my left eye completely blacked out for a couple of seconds. It quickly went away, but scared me so much I decided to research it. This never has occurred before. Upon looking up information, I learned this could be a sign of a Transient Ischemic Attack.
I cannot afford to have a stroke! I have no health insurance. I am so scared! What should I do? This is absolutely terrifying!
Sincerely, Jin
Posted by five4me (Member # 22843) on :
I have had this happen three times over the last ten years. All three times lasted at least 45 min-3hrs. Was told by optho and neuro that they were migraines w/out the headache or migraine related.
Posted by Jin (Member # 11735) on :
Dear five4me, Mine did not last even a minute I do not think. It was that rapid. Regardless, it was frightening. They say migraines in the eyes are rare, but not among Lyme patients. We are not normal people. Our bodies are not normal. Although my testing appeared to point toward something else, more definitive tests are needed to completely rule out Borrelia.
Sincerely, Jin
Posted by burnsjw (Member # 11819) on :
I went blind in the beginning, due to optic neuritis. It was painful. Pain in left eye and then couldn't see. Happened pretty quick. Have had migraine vision problems without having a bad headache. Will be watching t.v. and usually just one eye will go all black/grey and i can only see half of the t.v. Sometimes all the vision field will be gone. Sometimes it is in both eyes. I have retinal thinning with 2 larger holes in retina of left eye. The thinning was already there, but the holes were painful episode followed by flashes of lights that wouldn't leave. I would go to eye dr. if you can afford it. when I have half the vision disappear, i usually just have a slight head ache. Not a vomiting migraine. Call your local board of health and ask them if a dr. will see you for free or a minimal fee. Good Luck.
Posted by s0ngbird1962 (Member # 16395) on :
Think you should get vision loss checked out to rule out other possibilities. But my the 5-6 year old son began having episodes of complete vision loss when his neuro lyme was at its worse.
Underwent all kinds of tests. Was that symptom that finally made us seek out an LLMD. Once properly treated vision issues disappeared.
Posted by EyeBob (Member # 12572) on :
Personally, I would contact your State's Association of optometrists, e-mail them to see if someone in your area will see you FOC. If you call an office and tell them that you are having this type of symptom, they should not, as a matter of ethical principle, turn you down. If this is a cardiac event, the same should be true for a cardiologist or internist that you contact. You seem to have had several medical issues in the past, perhaps call you most recent MD, explain the situation including your financial situation and ask that they see you.