Dear Maggie,
     Welcome to the list!  My name is Katie, and I sign my emails as Katie
from El Campo because there are several Kates, Katherines, etc. on the list.
I'm writing to you because your symptoms sound exactly like mine.
     I began stumbling a couple of years ago and then last year I began to
fall.  Then I was diagnosed with PD in January.  My symptoms have changed a
lot since last December.  In December, I could reach down to trim my
toenails, smooth my heels, put on my socks and shoes, etc.  By March, I
couldn't.  I have constant tremor in my right hand and arm and sometimes my
left arm.  It is hard for me to straighten my arms and legs -- hard to
squat, to get up from a chair, to get in and out of the car.  About April of
this year, I began having pain in my right forearm.  I thought it was just
muscle pain from all the tremors.  Then the pain spread to both forearms.  I
go to a PD specialist in Houston -- he thinks it may be dystonia -- he says
time will tell.  Now within the last month, my left hand has gone partially
numb, so I will return to the doctor.
     I began taking Mirapex in February, but it caused me to have excessive
leg swelling, so my doc switched me to Requip.  The swelling is better, and
I have seen a big improvement in my movement most of the time.  There are
days when my tremor and gait worsen -- I really don't know why.  I do know
from reading Dr. Lieberman's comments that anxiety plays a large part in
making PD symptoms worse -- but that is probably true with most illnesses.
     I live in a rural area, also, and sometimes wonder about what may
happen while I am home alone -- which is most of the time.  I am on
disability retirement, and my husband works long days to make up for my loss
of income.  Our sons are grown and live in their own homes.
     I'm sorry about such a long message.  I guess I really want to let you
know how I cope.  I have a strong faith in God.  I truly believe that
whatever happens to me, happens because of His plan.  If I should choke or
fall while I am alone, it will be OK, because I won't really be alone.  He
is always with us.  My choking, falling, dying, whatever, is part of His
plan for me in His universe.  Of course, I will take care of myself.  I just
don't choose to add worry or anxiety to my life.  I savor each and every
moment that He has seen fit for me to have.  PD has made me reevaluate my
priorities.  I try my best to find time for my family -- before PD it was my
career.
      Hang in there.  There are thousands of us out here who understand and
care.
     Sincerely,    Katie from El Campo

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