This is m first message to this list, so let me introduce myself. I am a
retired physics professor. I am 70 yrs old. I was diagnosed with
"atypical parkinsonism" by the Parkinson's Institute in Sunnyvale, CA
2.5 yrs ago.
Although I have several less disabling symptoms, the only really
disabling one is that my legs freeze as I try to start walking. I can
walk fine, I can drive a car, I can climb a ladder, I can run, I can ride
a bicycle. Around the house one is not taking off in stride and therefor
I can hardly get around. It seems that one is always starting, getting in
or out of the car, turning, stopping at chairs, sitting down, getting up,
picking up something, carrying something etc.. I am sometimes immobile for
2 or 3 minutes. The more anxious I am to move the more I am frozen, e.g.,
answering the phone when I hear it ring, getting to the bathroom on time,
stopping at a doorway in a public building or a shopping center with a
line of people behind me. These situations have become almost impossible.
I have developed a number of tricks which I would be happy to share if
there is an interest.
Some of the less disabling symptoms that I referred to above are balance
problems (I fall a lot), handwriting has become impossible (I use a
keyboard), I can no longer swirl liquid in a cup. I have no tremor and I
do not respond to any medication that I have tried (5). I tried Sinemet, 600
mg/day for 3 mo. No effect. I am not taking any medication now.
I would be particularly interested in hearing from others who have
symptoms like mine or similar to mine, i.e.,
1) no response to Sinemet
2) the primary symptom is freezing episodes
3) no tremor
---Milo
Milo V. Anderson, Ph.D.
Box 417
Angwin, CA 94508
VOICE 707 965-2508
EMAIL [log in to unmask]
