I am so thankful for finding this wonderful forum and the informative articles on Parkinson's Disease.
I have a few questions about my father. He is 62 years old, he looks and acts about 48, he is an avid runner and keeps himself in pristine physical health. Lately however I have noticed symptoms that he would not tell me about until I asked.
They are the following:
1. He was writing out his checks and he stops midsentence for a second then starts again and the writing gets small and trails off.
2. He has had a stiffness in his neck and shoulder for about 7 months, he says it's just a stiff neck from sleeping.
3. He finally told me that for the past 3 months when he brushes his teeth his right hand goes numb and his pinky involuntarliy sticks out.
4. His tendon in his right foot gets very stiff when running/jogging.
Does this sound like PD? Absolutely no tremors which is a good sign, but I am worried that he may need to get to a dr. which is no easy feat, he'll fight me all the way.
Beth, your father is fortunate to have you looking out for him. Please keep a journal of the symptoms and date you first noticed them. I use a simple Excel chart on my computer. Good luck, and be patient as answers do not come quickly, or when we expect them.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful reply and the suggestion. I will definitely start keeping a log, a wonderful idea for when I can get him to go to the doctor.
Beth,Symptoms vary greatly amoung those with PD,and a number of diseases share similar symptoms with PD.A diagnosis by a neurologist is what your father needs,and the sooner the better.If he has PD the sooner he gets treated the greater chance he has of slowing progression of PD,and many other neurological disorders.He needs to think of his loved ones also,and get to the doc.Enough said.I am also 62 so this is no kid wagging a finger,lol.I wish you,and your dad the best.Welcome to Healing Well,and let us know how it goes .Ed-Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1998.As long as I can fish life is good.Keep a great attitude.It benefits all.
support Healing Well thru the sponsors and with donations.The light is always on stay well,and listen to your neurologist.
Ed, Thank you for the suggestions, I called his doctor for a referral yesterday but they never got back to me-I will call them on Monday.And I will keep you updated. I have another question: how is one diagnosed? I heard there is no "test" for Parkinson's? Is that true?
Beth,Dx is generally done by eliminating diseases that have similar symptoms which can be tested for,and the gold standard for positive DX is whether or not PD meds such as sinemet,requip or mirapex relieve symptoms.Only an autopsy will give final proof in both PD and Alzheimers,and we aren't ready for that.I would recommend that your Dad see a movement specialist.They are neurologists which specialize in PD,and other movement. disorders.Best to you both .Ed
Ed-Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1998.As long as I can fish life is good.Keep a great attitude.It benefits all.
support Healing Well thru the sponsors and with donations.The light is always on stay well,and listen to your neurologist.