Samantha - I understood that the only definitive test for Parkinson's was to
slice open the brain during autopsy. (I don't know any Parkinsonians who
have volunteered for that test so far). Has anyone else heard of Atlanta
being the only place doing definitive diagnosis? Can you give us more
information about what their testing consists of? There are a number of
Parkinson's specialists across the country who are routinely diagnosing
Parkinson's using physical findings alone, or in combination in some cases
with a smell test. The rule of thumb is that, if the Parkinson's meds help,
it's Parkinson's, and if they don't, it's not.
Has your husband's condition improved since he started on the
medications? I'm not a doctor, so I don't want to appear to be practicing
medicine without a license, but that does sound like a lot of medication for
someone diagnosed only two years ago. Could you ask your doctor about
gradually cutting down on some of the doses to see whether his symptoms
improve or worsen?
If a trip to Atlanta is possible for you, it might be well worthwhile
just to have another opinion. I think it's unusual for a relatively young
Parkinsonian to have hallucinations only a couple of years post-diagnosis,
and it seems likely that something in the drug combinations could be
responsible.
If you could tell us a little more about his symptoms prior to diagnosis
versus his symptoms after starting the medications, we might be able to be a
little more helpful. But I think most of us would advise getting a second
opinion. It would ease your mind about the diagnosis, and as I mentioned,
might result in improved treatment. Good luck to both of you. Margie
(Lawrence, Ks.)
