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If it is different in each person, how does a doctor diagnose PD? There aren't any "absolutes", so how do they know everything they say is Parkinson's really is the same thing??? ----- Original Message ----- From: Leo Fuhr <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2000 8:21 PM Subject: Re: symptoms of PD > Grace, I've had PD diagnosis since Nov 1997 and one point I have heard > again and again is this disease is different in each pwp(person with > parkinson's). The letter writer in the paper may be describing a > particular pwp's progression. Your husband's Parkinson's will be unique to > him and may or may not effect his mind/thinking. > > Joining this group of pwp, caregivers, friends and medical professionals(a > few) is a good way to discuss and learn from others' discussions about the > disease, it's treatments, effects, progression, etc. Is there a local > support group that you and your husband can contact? Ask Frank's > neurologist or call one of the national organizations like NPF, > 800-327-4545 or APDA 800-223-2732 for free information and points of > contact for support groups in your area. > > Jeanette Fuhr 47(age diagnosed)49(age now) > <[log in to unmask]> > > ---------- > From: Grace Hurlbut <[log in to unmask]> > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: symptoms of PD > Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2000 3:57 PM > > Hello, My name is Grace and my husband, Frank, who is 70 years old, was > diagnosed with Parkinson's in July. He probably had it for 3 or 4 years > before it was diagnosed. I'm worried about our future. Today in the > Chicago Tribune, my husband found this letter. > "The decision of Michael J. Fox to leave the successful sitcom Spin > City brings joy to many who are afflicted with Parkinson's Disease. My > family has witnessed this awful disease firsthand. It starts slowly, > invading the body with muscle pain and mild tremors. Then it steadily > takes away one's ability to walk, sleep, think and eat. Michael J. Fox > must know this. That's why he's planning to spend a good deal of his time > raising money for research. For, without the research, there will be no > cure. > It's too late for Pope John Paul, Rev. Billy Graham, Mohammed Ali and > my mother. Let's hope it's not too late for Mr. Fox. May his compassion > and courage be an example to others." > The description of Parkinson's that was used in this letter is what is > scaring me. Does Parkinson's take away one's ability to walk, sleep, think > and eat. I know I'm especially worried about taking a person's ability to > think away. How much does Parkinson's affect the mind?