Dear Maggie,
Welcome to the list! My name is Katie, and I sign my emails as Katie
from El Campo because there are several Kates, Katherines, etc. on the list.
I'm writing to you because your symptoms sound exactly like mine.
I began stumbling a couple of years ago and then last year I began to
fall. Then I was diagnosed with PD in January. My symptoms have changed a
lot since last December. In December, I could reach down to trim my
toenails, smooth my heels, put on my socks and shoes, etc. By March, I
couldn't. I have constant tremor in my right hand and arm and sometimes my
left arm. It is hard for me to straighten my arms and legs -- hard to
squat, to get up from a chair, to get in and out of the car. About April of
this year, I began having pain in my right forearm. I thought it was just
muscle pain from all the tremors. Then the pain spread to both forearms. I
go to a PD specialist in Houston -- he thinks it may be dystonia -- he says
time will tell. Now within the last month, my left hand has gone partially
numb, so I will return to the doctor.
I began taking Mirapex in February, but it caused me to have excessive
leg swelling, so my doc switched me to Requip. The swelling is better, and
I have seen a big improvement in my movement most of the time. There are
days when my tremor and gait worsen -- I really don't know why. I do know
from reading Dr. Lieberman's comments that anxiety plays a large part in
making PD symptoms worse -- but that is probably true with most illnesses.
I live in a rural area, also, and sometimes wonder about what may
happen while I am home alone -- which is most of the time. I am on
disability retirement, and my husband works long days to make up for my loss
of income. Our sons are grown and live in their own homes.
I'm sorry about such a long message. I guess I really want to let you
know how I cope. I have a strong faith in God. I truly believe that
whatever happens to me, happens because of His plan. If I should choke or
fall while I am alone, it will be OK, because I won't really be alone. He
is always with us. My choking, falling, dying, whatever, is part of His
plan for me in His universe. Of course, I will take care of myself. I just
don't choose to add worry or anxiety to my life. I savor each and every
moment that He has seen fit for me to have. PD has made me reevaluate my
priorities. I try my best to find time for my family -- before PD it was my
career.
Hang in there. There are thousands of us out here who understand and
care.
Sincerely, Katie from El Campo
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