When my SOM symptoms began:  2005
 
When diagnosed:  April 2007
 
Type of doctor:  Neuro-ophthalmologist
 
SOM eye - Right or Left:  right
 
My symptoms:  At first, I felt that I couldn't make my eye be still to focus on what I was trying to do, read, make eye contact, etc.  I have a very definite horizontal side-to-side motion, totally uncontrollable although I can 'pause' it by looking slightly to the side, for example at the 11 o'clock position.  I also have twitching, shimmers, seeing flashes when there weren't any :), nausea, headaches, etc.
 
Symptom triggers, if any:  stress, fatigue, flashing lights, sunshine through the blinds on a window, lightning, driving in the rain (light through the raindrops on my windshield makes me NUTS), fast moving images on tv etc.
 
Wear glasses? What type/kind:  yes since I was 7, I am very nearsighted
 
Is SOM eye weaker or stronger than "good" eye?:  vision-wise about the same, although doc says my focusing muscles are only working at 80-85%
 
Treatments for SOM: Prescription meds: Yes or No:  have RX for Propranolol, will begin soon
Med name, dosage, how long, results 1. 
Med name, dosage, how long, results 2. 
Med name, dosage, how long, results 3. 
Med name, dosage, how long, results 4.
 
Herbs. Legal only. List all:  n/a
Herbs. How much, how long, results: 
Herbs. Where obtained:

Accupuncture.  Type:  n/a (no way! lol)
Accupuncture. How long, results:

Massage.  Type: n/a
Massage.  How long, results:

Chiropractic. Method/type:  general chiropractic care
Chiropractic. How long, results:  20 visits (all my insurance would pay for), helped with the headaches, neck pain, no real effect on SOM
  
 
Surgery.  Type:  n/a
Surgery.  Results:
  
 
Other conditions I have:
Symptoms. How long. 1.  Sleep apnea.  Probably years, CPAP at night for about 2 years.
Symptoms. How long. 2.  Hypothyroidism, thyroidectomy in 1988, meds.
Symptoms. How long. 3.  Hypertension.  Meds for about a year.
Symptoms. How long. 4.
Symptoms. How long. 5.
Symptoms. How long. 6.
  
Possible connection(s) to SOM:  Sleep apnea has a definite effect, not sleeping well causes more frequent SOM symptoms.  Hypothyroidism affects how tired I feel, which also seems to be connected to my SOM.
  
Current SOM status:  Active.  I do have days where I have no symptoms, very episodic generally.  Seems to get better and worse, perhaps dependent on my stress/fatigue level?  

  
Current age:  40
Gender:  female
  
Additional thoughts:  At times, I think I'm crazy lol.  If I've gone without symptoms for a while, when an episode occurs I get very emotional, depressed, very teary and upset.  I suppose I am still adjusting to my diagnosis.  On bad days, I do not drive, have constant headaches, nausea, dizziness.  I can feel the motion of my eye even with it closed.  I cannot drive in rain, and if I am standing at a window when lightning flashes, it causes an oscillation that totally disorients me.  I haven't fallen...yet, have had some close calls.  Sudden bright flashes of light have that same effect, for example, if a reflection of light catches me just right.  I had to quit my job as a medical transcriptionist, due to the constant focus on the computer screen for long periods of time.  I live in a rural area and have no access to appropriate care with a neuro-ophthalmologist.  Makes it hard. 
  
How I found this support group:  Internet search for SOM information.
  
Have you shared this group/site with your doctor/doctors?:   No, but if I had a regular doc, I would.