-----Original Message-----
From: Bonnie Cunningham, R.N. <[log in to unmask]>
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, August 11, 1998 4:14 PM
Subject: (PD) Re: Hi Comiserating



Thanks Bonnie I needed that. It helped .

                        Russell.

>how long we have been showing signs Of PD>>
>Very often, the symptoms of Parkinson's are not recognized early on, or
>they are attributed to other ailments or on the aging process itself.
>Sometimes, it's not until a cluster of symptoms occur, or until the obvious
>tremor appears that a person with Parkison's will seek diagnosis.
>
><<<Another.What are the symptoms.>>>>
>The Cardinal symptoms include Tremor, Rigidity (stiffness), Bradykinesia
>(slow movement) and Postural Instability (being unsteady, or falling).
>Additional symptoms include gait disturbances, speech and swallowing
>difficulties, depression, dementia and episodes of freezing. There can be a
>wide variety of additional symptoms such as dermatological (skin)changes,
>blood pressure changes, sexual difficulty pain and dexterity difficulties.
>
><<<<How far back do we go without the feeling [ Ha ] is this a
>legitimate Symptom, Or was something else causing it?>>>>
>As stated above, people often do not seek treatment early on. Some people
>have been misdiagnosed and some people have been told their symptoms are
>all psychological!
>
>With all the health problems and difficulties you've encountered, it is a
>shame you were not diagnosed in a more timely manner.  I'm wondering if
>some of your symptoms were overlooked or attributed to the acute illnesses
>you were battling.
>
>It sounds as though you have a wonderful fighting spirit! I think a true
>"lady" would be more than glad to have you!! With all that you've endured,
>and with what I imagine is a gleam in your eye, who could resist?
>
>It's okay to be angry for a period of time, but try keep it positively
>directed. Staying angry enough to fight the challenges that Parkinson's
>brings can be positive.
>
>Take care!
>
>Bonnie Cunningham, R.N.
>NPF
>
>
>Date: Mon, 10 Aug 1998 16:44:10 -0500
>From: R Hoover <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: Hi Comiserating
>
>
>-Since being accepted for the PD listserve have mostly just lurked around.
>Now I guess I have some questions too.
>   First one is about how long we have been showing signs Of PD
>    Another.What are the symptoms.
>        How far back do we go without the feeling [ Ha ] is this a
>legitimate Symptom, Or was something else causing it?
>    I was officially Diagnosed with PD about 3 years ago.
>    One DR. said NO all you have is intentional tremors. A neurologist
agree
>with me that I did indeed have it.
>    In 1990 I had 4 bypasses put  in.In 1991 I had a heart attack I have
>added Eczema , Raynauds Decease, had colon cancer removed and lost my wife
>to kidney cancer. I shake I tell people that I must be a Quaker. I think I
>am losing my mind, my balance is poor, with some of these things going back
>10 years ago or possibly 15 years . I have come to the opinion that it
takes
>much longer for someone to finally believe we have some things.
>    I am on 25/100 sin. 3 times a day. 1/2mg Mirapex 3 times a day. Plus my
>blood pressure medicine.
>    If this this PD is going to destroy me It is going to have to fight
like
>H*** ..
>    Oh yes I am 73 years old . do you think that any lady would have me ?
>Angry ? You better believe it !!
>