Hello

[els]

Hi everyone!  I am ususally over in the MS forum, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in Sept 2001.  I have always functioned pretty well with it.  However this past summer I became pretty sick all of a sudden and passed out and was unconsious for approx. 30 min. in the middle of my living room floor before my mom found me.  I was hospitalized and it was determined that my blood pressure was extremely low 70's/40's and heart rate was in the 30's.  After a week in the hospital and my heartrate not coming up I received a pacemaker implant but continued to pass out even in the hospital due to low blood pressure.  Due to this, I often have chest pain when I stand up and shortness of breath, my cardiologist believes I may have a Parkinsons type disease by the name of Shy-Dragers.  Has anyone heard of this?  I have looked it up on Google and to say the least it is pretty scary.  I have Orthostatic Hypotension and take several medications for this but still often pass out and have seizures when I stand up as it is not controlled.  I have numbness and tremers in left leg and hand.  Headaches and visual problems and sometimes see things that are not there and difficulty sleeping.  It is hard to tell what is the MS and what is the new disease.  I have dense numbness in my right leg from the MS for several years so I dont feel anything at all there.   Does this sound familiar to anyone? I would appreciate any input.  Thank you!!! ~E~

[Stella_Marie]

I am so sorry to hear of your difficulties.  I am 49 and my current diagnosis is Parkinsion's Plus Syndrome with questionable MSA (p). This is every similar to what you have been reading about.  I began one year ago with a diagnosis of Parkinson's, but the odd presentation of symptoms and rapid progression has lead to a revised diagnosis.  My symptoms include numbness and tingling of the extremities, occular problems (nystagmus and double vision),  tremors that initiated unilaterally but progressed to bilateral involvement, chronic insomnia, internal muscle tremors and contractions, rigidity, freezing and postural instablity.  I also have several autonomic issues, incontinence, body temperature regulations and low BP (however, not nearly as low as yours).  I am also drug resistant to many gold standard Parkinson's medications.  My advice to you is to see a top notch Movement Disorder Specialist ASAP. Autonomic testing can assist in the diagnosis.  Unfortunately, there is no cure only symptomatic relief.  Good luck in your quest for an accurate diagnosis.  Let me know if I can be of any additional help. 

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You might have to grow old, but you never have to grow up....

      "take the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning"

 

                               Peter Pan's directions to Neverland

 

 Dx'd with Parkinson's Disease 12/2004 and Parkinson's Plus in 12/2005. 

                

          

[els]

Stella, Thank you for sharing your diagnosis and symptoms with me.  This has been quite a daunting experiance for me.  I was diagnosed with MS four years ago (at the age of 28) and I feel that it was just recently that I came to a place emotionly that I can deal with it, now this.....sometimes I have to wonder if I am being tested.   I have an appointment with my primary care physician next week and will be sure to get a referral to a Movement Disorder Specialist. Thank You again.

[yekkimo]

Els,Welcome to the parkinson forum .I hope everything works out for you.I agree with Stella you need a neurologist that specializes in movement disorders.Often many of the MS symptoms have similarities with PD symptoms,and both may have low blood pressure associated with them.Hopefully you will not have to deal with PD,and the doctors will get your blood pressure moving up.Stay in touch and let us know how you make out .Thoughts and prayers your way.Ed

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Ed-Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1998.I am also Diabetic,and have major arthritis issues.As long as I can fish life is good.