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Hi Jim, At 01:51 PM 10/02/2000 -0400, you wrote: <snip> >One interesting thing he said that his observation has been that those >whose main symptom is tremors, the disease seems to be less aggressive. I >do have many symptoms, but the hardest to deal with are tremors and lack of >sleep. I would be interested in hearing what listmembers have to say about >his comment. <snip> About 5 years ago, I would have disagreed with him, because the people I knew with tremors, were in much worse shape than I was. At least, I thought they were!! Now, after my colon rupturing 4 years ago, and my Mitral Valve problem, which I didn't even know I had till I was aged 60, becoming much worse, as is my Osteoarthritis, which I had, but not as badly before diagnosis, I think I now have to agree with him. My PD seems to be more internal than external. Internally we don't give off many visible symptoms till its almost too late. Tremors will make your life miserable ,but tremors alone ,won't kill you. I just came home from getting my 3rd. AFO (ankle, foot, Orthics), it's a plastic, custom made brace, which I have to wear because I drag my right leg (my whole right side is affected by my PD, but not my left, isn't it a blessing I'm a lefty?) I don't fall nearly as badly as I used to, mainly because I'm not tripping over my own feet, so to those of you who are dragging you legs, talk to your Doctor about an AFO. My first one, I had to pay for half the cost of it, but the last two, the insurance has paid 100% of it. As far as lack of sleep is concerned, most of my quilts are finished between 3 and 5 in the mornings. Might just as well take advantage of something you can't change!! IMOHO, if there is ONE universal symptom, its insomnia. just me, Marjorie >When I was diagnosed in May one of the first things I did was subscribe to >this list. The purpose was to educate myself on the disease and learn how >others cope with it. > >The list has more than met my highest expectations. One constant suggestion >to new 'parkies' was to see a Movement Disorder Specialist. Well I took >your advise and last week I had an appointment with a Dr. Timothy Counihan, >in Rochester, NY USA. > >I was very pleased with the results, not because he found any great error >in what my neuro was already telling, but for the most part because he >confirmed what my neuro was telling me: I have a mild to moderate case of >PD. He really can't predict what the future holds for me; the disease >varies too much between individuals. His diagnostic procedure pretty much >matched my neuro's. > >On the other hand my neuro wasn't overjoyed with my decision to quit >Sinemet until I really need it, but Dr. Counihan supported my decision. He >will suggest that my neuro add an agonist(sp?). > >One interesting thing he said that his observation has been that those >whose main symptom is tremors, the disease seems to be less aggressive. I >do have many symptoms, but the hardest to deal with are tremors and lack of >sleep. I would be interested in hearing what listmembers have to say about >his comment. > >I can now go forward with full confidence that my neuro is doing well by >me. But just in case I plan on a yearly visit the good doctor in Rochester;) > >Once again thanks to those on the list who make such an important >contribution to those of us in need of information and support. > >Jim Dolan >58/85/55 > >PS: Now please stop shooting at each other, or there won't be anyone left >to help those in need.