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Well, After watching and monitoring my symptoms for several months, I finally went to the movement disorder specialist about 3 weeks ago (at Barrows). They ordered nerve conduction and EMG tests - did that today, and an MRI - we do that tomorrow. I was VERY impressed with the exam and the doctor (a doctor on a fellowship working with Mark Stacy). Very thorough. Definitely leaning toward PD, but wants to rule out other stuff. Asked me if I knew I have diminished arm swing on the left. Big surprise to me! I had not noticed and you think I would since it is MY arm! Sent me home with a whole packet of parkinson stuff to study (fitness, meds, what your family should know, etc). The nerve conduction and EMG test was another matter - NOT FUN. I am NOT a wimp (been stitched up without lidocaine after dog bites and lacerations, broke a hand breaking up a dog fight, been through childbirth without drugs, and root canals - with drugs, though), but with all of the electro-shocking my nerves and muscles and poking needles in both my left arm and leg to listen to the muscle contractions, they managed to kick both my left arm and leg into the worst case of tremors I think I have ever had. The young doc working on me went out and got the main doctor to check on it. He confirmed tremors (NO DUH! BTW, tremors sound really weird on a speaker!). He was showing her the frequency of the tremors, discussing the muscle groups firing and a bunch of stuff that I didn't understand. Left hand and leg were so cramped when I left, I took a Benadryl and 2 tylenol as soon as I walked into work. I can go a whole lifetime and not ever have THAT done again. The old researcher in me came out and thought "I wonder what the comparison would be between left and right". Pushed that thought right out!! Husband said, "I've had that done and didn't think it was too bad." Just wanted to body slam him! I have another appt with the MDS at Barrows in May to go over medication options, available clinical trials, etc. I can't wait to see where all this will lead! Fran Peck Email: [log in to unmask] _______________________________________________________ Send a cool gift with your E-Card http://www.bluemountain.com/giftcenter/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn