<p>I have been reading CC for about a year and have collected much useful advice and enjoyed many entertaining anecdotes. I have encountered a situation which I am now seeking the advice of the wise CCers out there.</p>
<p>My nest was emptied about 2 weeks ago when we took our DD to OOSU 450 miles away. She did not mention at that time that she had been experiencing intermittent double vision which could possibly be associated with a twitching eyelid. The first time she informed me of this condition was 1 week after drop off. She explained that at first it wasn’t too bothersome, but now it seems to be getting worse and it is difficult to read and concentrate now that classes have started. It occurs when looking at things in close proximity, not so much at a distance.</p>
<p>I recommended that she stop by the health center. She did last fri and saw a lovely RNP who referred her to a local ophthalmologist with an appt scheduled for Fri. With classes in full swing, it is difficult fitting an appointment in as is it expected to take from 1 to 2 hours for the appointment, plus public transportation could add 1.5 - 2 hours depending on when she hits the bus cycle. She has a friend who could take her to the appt, but that would be such an imposition on her to take 3 hours out of her day for this!!</p>
<p>She did experience DV 1 other time almost 2 years ago which lasted only 12 hours. At that time, our family ophthalmologist dismissed it as fatigue. As a result, I suspect that this Dr could easily come to the same conclusion, however, since this episode has continued for over 2 weeks now, I am concerned that there could be additional tests involved. Five years ago when I experienced DV I was immediately sent for an MRI followed by a referral to a neurologist who scheduled a spinal tap. This was all to rule out MS … which was a bit scary since my aunt had succumbed to a long battle with MS only 3 years prior. I was fine and no cause was ever determined for my DV.</p>
<p>I am considering making the 8 hour drive (I am off work until Monday) to get her to the appt and whatever else might be required after that. Even though I suspect that there will be no earth shattering findings, what if there are? What would you do? Sorry for the long post. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Double vision is not normal. 8 hour drive is not too bad, and its not like you will sleep well until you know anyway. Your daughter may need the same work up that you had, and though at school will like the support from home.</p>
<p>I understand why you want to go to the appointment and I am in agreement with greyhaired. If you cannot make this work, is it an option to have her take a taxi (at least one way) and send her with your list of questions and then you can talk to eye doc after the appt. (make sure she properly signs the HIPPA so you have access to her records. If the eye doc suggests a specialist or is suspicious of something serious then for sure make the drive.</p>
<p>I’d have her take a taxi, and wait and see what the ophthamologist has to say. Is she over 18? If not, it might make more sense to be there if you have to sign to agree to more tests.</p>
<p>Have you considered Myasthenia Graves? It can cause double vision. It also can seem to come and go with fatigue (and time of the month). It took me nearly 4 years to get a diagnosis of Myasthenia. It was mostly just intermittant double vision that every Dr I saw for 4 years blew off as fatigue. Finally, I was referred to a pediatric opthamologist who specialized in double vision (I was 36 at the time). Ten minutes into the appointment he had identified the problem and had called my Dr to prescribe medicine for a solution. I was so relieved to finally know what was wrong with me…and to be able to safely drive again. With a history of MS (autoimmune) in your family, certainly ask about this.</p>
<p>And, oh yes…I would drive…but my husband says I am crazy about this kind of thing.</p>
<p>Thank you all for the quick replies. A taxi would be an obvious and simple transportation alternative - not sure why I hadn’t thought of that. I guess because the RPN suggested the bus. Power of suggestion can be strong enough to block other logical thinking. But with the possibility of immediate further testing, I would be upset with myself if I did not go.</p>
<p>MM - I will ask about the possibility of Myasthenia Graves. Sorry it took so long for your diagnosis. Was there a test that was used to confirm his diagnosis?</p>
<p>I would go…if it puts your mind at ease. My son was at the health center yesterday and for a brief moment I wondered if there was something really wrong with him, what I would do. He is 3000 miles away!</p>
<p>I would drive the 450 miles. This could be a big deal (or it could be nothing) but if it is a big deal, having the experienced adult there to deal with any issues would be incredibly important.</p>
<p>I think I would drive there too. Last spring D had shingles and it got in her eyes. Her school’s health services referred her to an opthamologist, and transportation was an issue. She doesn’t have a car and typically uses public transportation, but took a taxi due to her health circumstances. </p>
<p>Plus, you might be better positioned to make sure the various questions get asked and answered adequately.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for me it’s a 24 hour drive to get there!</p>
<p>I would probably not drive the 8 hours right away, let her handle this. This is not going to be the only time she’s going to have to deal with a medical issue while living away from her parents, so I think you should let her at least handle this visit alone. It’s fine to discuss with her ahead of time what kinds of questions she should ask and to get a full report later and definitely send money for a taxi. She should be able to call one to pick her up at her dorm and schedule one again to pick her up after the appointment. </p>
<p>Like you said, it could end up being any number of things at this point. If she’s really sick or she has to have surgery, you should definitely go, but there’s no reason why an intelligent young woman should not be able to handle a doctor’s visit without parental hand holding. If you’re concerned about not getting the full story, have her request a HIPAA release form from her doctor, authorizing you to have access to her records/call and ask questions of the doctor.</p>
<p>Be sure to have her medical records from the local doctor sent to the doctor she is seeing prior to the appointment. Call them to let them know the records are on the way and ask if they would suggest you be there. Also be sure they have the insurance information, etc that they need to help move things along.</p>
<p>You know, the thought just occurred to me - you might want to check the “In loco parentis”…Do you live near a college? thread for anyone who might be in the vicinity.</p>
<p>Although a taxi is a reasonable alternative, in this instance I would go to the college community and accompany my kid to the appointment.</p>
<p>The issue here, in my opinion, is that the very first medical problem she is having to handle alone is a complex one. Most kids have the good fortune to deal with simpler things first, like an ear infection or a stomach virus, and they build up some skills in dealing with doctors before they have to deal with anything complicated. Your daughter was not so lucky.</p>
<p>@Marian – It doesn’t sound like the OP knows how complicated this is yet. It could be nothing more than fatigue. It could require further testing. It could not. She’s going in for a consultation and nothing more at this point.</p>
<p>My kids have done this several times, both when filling out medical forms and when the doctor has asked a question about their medical history that they couldn’t answer.</p>
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<p>You’re right, but to me, this still feels like “Advanced Medical Self-Care for Majors,” and this is a kid who has not yet passed “Doctor’s Appointment 101.”</p>
<p>As far as I know, there is not a straight forward test for Myasthenia. A blood test can be done to test for certain antibodies. It is not always accurate (I don’t know why). The Opthomologist gave me a shot of Tensilon (I think) which immediatly cleared up the double vision and the slight droop in my eye lid. It was amazing! It doesn’t last long, but it is a good indicator of Myasthenia. Most of the Drs I saw kind of blew off my concerns as not a problem…I was just tired…I was dealing with 3 little kids… I really wish they had listened to me earlier. </p>
<p>I tell my kids and family that if you have to have an auto-immune disease, this is a great one to have. yes, I have had complications and other problems. But, it is not MS or Lupus or some of the other fatal ones. It can be controlled without lasting damage.</p>
<p>I would still drive! Let me know how things turn out for your D. You can PM me if you need more info!</p>
<p>Not to be a backseat driver on your trip, but I think she should be seeing a neurologist. I would make an appointment with one now, even before seeing the opthalmologist, because it may take a while to get in. And, if the opthalmologist says “fatigue” I would definitely keep the appointment with the opthalmologist. Hugs and we’re thinking of you!</p>
<p>Physician here. I do not recommend driving 8 hours when you are worried about your D. You are more likely to make stress related bad driving decisions. Much nicer to be available by phone and have her take the taxi. Perhaps her school has ideas on transportation for students- she should ask. You can plan the trip if something is found. Do help her get her medical records sent. Remember with the privacy laws she will have to make the request but you can help with how to do it.</p>
<p>This is not a life threatening issue. It may turn out to be nothing, if it is something you can make the trip. You are safer staying at home and worrying on the couch instead of being on the road. Make your travel plans based on the physician’ findings.</p>
<p>OP, I would definitely make the drive to be with her. When my oldest was at college that was a plane ride away, she fell down the stairs and hurt her back. She assured us she was ok and we believed her. She spent the entire semester in pain doing the minimum, but not wanting to worry us and miss out at school. What could have been fixed with an antibiotic at the time, ended up being a hospitalization by the time she came home that summer and resulted in missing the entire next year. I learned the hard way, and probably there is nothing really wrong with your daughter, but if I were in your shoes, I would go up and drive her to the appointment.</p>