Hello. My name is Kathy Matthews. I am 52 years of
age, and was officially diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1996, although I
had been having considerable problems long before that. I was also
misdiagnosed with a seizure disorder (who knows? maybe I have that too), and was
on antiepilepticsantiepleptics for a considerable period of time----none of
which did much to help me, and all of which I became toxic to. So after
going to several neurologists over several years, and getting the run around at
UCLA, I finally ended up with a neurologist who listened to me more than anyone
else and came up with the diagnosis of PD.
I was an active, competitive runner, and completed 20
marathons. Plus I was an active cyclist and participated in many
long-distance cycling events. It became more and more difficult for me to
participate in those sports, and in fact it became difficult to function at
all. I had to retire from my job as a case manager for developmentally
disabled adults because it was just too stressful and exacerbated my
symptoms. I have been on sinemet since 1996.
I suffer from depression as a result of PD, and try to go into
a denial mode whenever possible--except lately I've not been able to do that
very well because I have been feeling worse. I also have a terrible time
sleeping at night. I understand that these are common problems with people
who have PD, and would like to know what has helped some of them. I am
currently taking Zoloft for my depression, 75 mg., but feel it will have to be
increased. I have had some people tell me that the Zoloft also helps with
anxiety.