Donna, I'm also glad your diagnosis came quickly, In my case my diagnoses
came 2-1/2 years ago. I'm a 64 year old male and some the PD symptoms
started 9 years ago which I attributed to aging. These were balance, slowing
down both jogging and walking, some cramping and twisting of my right foot
In 1998 I had a back fusion which I had difficulty recovering from. I had
difficulty getting out of the sitting position, small cramped hand writing,
and some confusion.
The back surgeon was the one recommended I see a neurologist. I was
started on Mirapex which was effective for about 3 months. I continued to
get worse, by last spring I was in a wheelchair. I didn't even have the
strength to use a walker. I was finally hospitalized in June last year
after an episode when I couldn't move any of my extremities. My primary
care doctor brought in another neurologist who immediately started me on
Sinemet. I now have my life back enough to function fairly well. I was
somewhat bitter that I effectively lost a year of my life due to ineffective
treatment. Other PD symptoms including tremors, sleeplessness, fatigue etc.
are still present but I'm learning to live with them. The posts on this
forum are a big help. Regards, Ed
----- Original Message -----
From: "Donna Hastings" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 8:57 PM
Subject: Re: introduction
Thanks Will, yes I agree that my doctor knowing that I had PD right away was
really quite something. I am glad he knew what it was and I didnt have to go
through a lot of second guessing.
And yes, Nebraska is where I'm from....I know, not everyone likes those
"Huskers".... just joking myself....I live in a small town of Columbus {25
000}, work in a factory, divorced and have 3 grown children and 1 grandchild
I love my computer. My kids say I'm addicted to it. But recently have been
getting out more with other people and away from it.
Thanks for the welcome....
Donna Hastings
-------Original Message-------
From: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network
Date: Thursday, February 21, 2002 09:45:59 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: introduction
Donna,
Welcome aboard.
Your introduction is unusual in that your diagnosis, which I presume is
correct, came so quickly. For many of us, the diagnosis took years. Your
doctor is apparently a good diagnostician even if not the best on the long
treatment.
>From your internet access provider's name, guess you are a Nebraskan..
Welcome anyway.
[joking, of course]
Will Johnnston
A.P.D.A. DelMarVA Chapter Pres.
4049 Oakland School Road
Salisbury MD 21804 USA 410-543-0110
----- Original Message -----
From: "Donna Hastings" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 9:48 PM
Subject: introduction
Hi all,
My name is Donna, 50 yrs old and I was diagnosed with PD 7 yrs ago.
My first signs were, having a hard time with writing and sometimes
tripping over my own feet.
The first doctor I went to referred me to a specialist and he told me I had
PD. It was hard to accept at first but with help from my kids I have been
able to adjust. Over these 7 yrs I have started shaking quite a bit and at
present am having trouble getting the right medicines to control them.
About a year ago I switched doctors because I didn't like the one I was
seeing and this one, in my opinion, still hasn't gotten things right.
But hopefully soon.
I don't have a lot of the other problems that come along with PD yet
but am afraid they will come some day, I'm sure.
I enjoy already reading everyones emails and will enjoy reading more.
And of course will make comments when I feel like I have something
to connect with the problem or situation. As you notice, sometimes
I have a hard time with putting things into words the correct way.
Donna
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