subj: new mwmber
date: 96-04-03
from: [log in to unmask] (Rosemary Russell)
My name is Rosemary Russell & I am a new member. I was diagnosed with PD
about 2 yrs. ago at age 46, but had symptoms for 3 years before. My
situation seems to be unique in that I seem to have little in common with
others in my support group--most are quite older & have caregivers. I am a
divorced single mother of three sons--two are grown & one still at home, a
senior in high school. I had just completed graduate school when I was
diagnosed, & had planned on a career. Now I don't know if I will be able to
have one or not. My worst symptom (according to my neurologist) is tremor of
the right arm. To me, my most disabling feature is fatigue/weakness. I used
to be very energetic & active--showed horses in jumping competition, active
in community, dated, etc... Now everything's an effort, and I don't do much.
I take a water therapy class four times a week and it has helped me a
lot--but not the fatigue. I take a very low dose of sinemet and parlodel 3
times a day, eldepryl twice a day, 2000iu. of vitamin E, effexor (37mg.
twice a day), and estrogen. My neurologist wants me to have a thalamotomy
this year. I am going to Emory in Atlanta in May for a 2nd opinion on the
surgery. My questions are: Does anyone know of anything that will help
the fatigue/weakness?
Has anyone had a thalamotomy, & what were the results?
What do others my age (& single) do about their future? I feel like
I have no real future because everything has changed. I have wonderful
family & friends, but they don't really understand what it is like--and I
don't expect them to. Anyone with similar probs. can write me at my e-mail
address:
[log in to unmask]
Rosemary Russell
