Hi Rick,
In the current issue of our local Kansas City PD newsletter, one of the ND's
from the PD Center addressed the question of "Atypical Parkinsonism." In his
opening statement he says:
"Parkinsonism is a group of signs and symptoms which includes tremor,
stiffness, and balance difficulty. Although Parkinson's Disease is the most
common cause of parkinsonism, it is but one of the many causes...."
During the 14 years I have had PD, I have never heard that "true" PD
progresses rapidly, and I question that assertion. To the contrary, the
progress of PD seems to vary substantially in different individuals. Guitar
playing (in a folk group) was one of the things I gave up too in the years
preceding my diagnosis.
I hope that your condition responds to the PD medication, which is the main
indication available that you are dealing w/ PD, and would at least end the
uncertainty of the diagnosis. In any event as many list members will vouch it
is advisable to see a ND who specializes in movement disorders.
Regards,
Barb
Barbara Blake-Krebs (57, dx 1984) [log in to unmask]
Merriam, KS, USA (ltr after F is cap "i")
>>
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 10:42:13 -0800
From: Rick Hermann <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Hello to the list
I've been reading now for several weeks while I have been trying to get a
diagnosis from my neuruologist, who has been calling my condition
parkinsonism--right hand resting tremor and rigidity/slowness of movement,
weird feeling of having to consciously move my legs to maintain a normal
gait, poor balance (no falls), problems with complex mental stuff, like
project planning at work, intermittent depression (although on 40mg Paxil).
Yesterday the neuro started me on Sinemet 50/200 to see what the response
would be; I my first dose this morning, but so far nothing noticeable.
I guess I'm in my being scared mode today.My symptoms have been coming on
for about 3 years now, very slow progression, so neuro is not saying
"Parkinson's Disease" but Parkinsonism. Parkinson's disease, he says,
progresses rapidly and becomes bilateral quickly. Also says that only1/200
of people with parkinsonism have true Parkinson's Disease, and that
parkinsonism can have a number of causes and is mimicked by other
neurodegenerative diseases. So I'm confused today too.
And concerned about whether the meds will help. I've let go of what seems
to me like a lot over the last 3 years--guitar playing, my ability to smell
things, handwriting... And I know that many have let go of a lot more. But
I grieve this loss and am desperate to hang on to the many things I still
have that bring joy.
Being at work semifunctional is very isolating. I'd like to join in with
this cybergroup, get and hopefully give support. Am I in the right place,
even with a somewhat inconclusive diagnosis?
>>
