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Hi, Everyone, My name is Claudia and on 9/25/97 I was diagnosed with PD. It was of course a tremendous shock. I'm still somewhat reeling from it. But I'm determined to fight back with everything I have. I'm just barely 53. My neuro-surgeon says I have "Type B" PD. He says he believes it was triggered by a traumatic incident last December when I lost a granddaughter. He says I would likely have acquired PD later in life but this just brought it on more quickly. I'm taking so many pills I fear I will begin to rattle as I walk. I'm taking Amantadine, Parlodel, Ergyloid Mesylate, Zoloft, Paxil, B-Complex, Evening Primrose Oil, Caffeine tablets, and Klonipin. I live in southern California near Loma Linda University Medical Center. My doctor trained under Dr. Iacono who is doing a lot with pallidotomy surgery. I have a referral to see Dr. Iacono tomorrow. My symptoms are pretty well controlled now except for insomnia, night sweats and crushing fatigue and some stiffness. But I can write again and that was a big one. I look forward to getting to know many of you and am anxious to partake of the knowledge I know you all have to offer. My biggest fears are the unknown. I don't know how this will end up and what my life will be like. My dr. says I have a more aggressive form of PD and that my disease will peak in 5-8 years. That seems very soon to me. Does that coincide with what the rest of you have experienced? I am able to work part of most days. I haven't yet made a decision as to whether or not to retire early. Any comments from those of you more experienced. Do you think it might slow the progression of PD? I'm a realist and really want to know what to expect down the road. Any info anyone who has experienced it would be very much appreciated. Sorry to go on so long, but there are so many questions I have. Thanks for any input. Claudia e-mail address: [log in to unmask]