Newly diagnosed

Diseases & Conditions Parkinson's Disease
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Hi.  I've just been told that I "probably" have Parkinsons.  I am 49, and have worked out all my life.  The Neurologist I am going to suggested trying medication, since if it works he will be more certain of his diagnosis.  My concern is that I am worried that the meds will have side effects that will cost me my job.  I'm a cop.  Currently, all I have is a tremor in one arm, with some weakness.  My wife, a nurse,says there is still a possibility that it is not Parkinsons.  I'm having trouble accepting and handling this since I found out today.  Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.  I am feeling sorry for myself.  Thanks.
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Hi Butch, first I will say parkinsons isnt the end of the world.There are may effective drugs on the market and i believe a cure or good control is close.many neurological disorders are similar to pd.Most can be eliminated with testing including bood mri ems etc.The definitive test is whether or not pd drugs control the symptoms .If they do the neurologist concludes pd.The gold standard for pd is sinemet,if this gives u reasonable control u probably got pd.i do know another cop that has pd and still has his job.I was dx in 98 and still work full time thanks to meds.i wish u the best feel free to email me.Ed

 

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   Hi Butch...Welcome !    I am also new to this site...having only been diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. Earlier this year I was also diagnosed with Crohns disease........three / four years prior to that it was a brain tumour !!!!!!!!  Nope !   I'm not 'showing off '........just getting a bit used to it all I guess. 

   I didn't really get freaked out when told about the p/d   but I sure did when told about the brain tumour. I really stacked on a 'turn or two '........lol :-)    I  was 'sorry for myself'.........scared and frightened of the unknown........angry .........and any other emotion you can think of. I think the only thing I didnt do was......throw things ( too much mess to clear up afterwards !! ) By the time I came to the p/d  dx  I guess it was a matter of 'practice makes perfect'......ha !  ha!

   You are quite entitled to feel sorry for yourself  (  but be prepared to throw that emotion away when the time is right ). Don't hesitate to get emotional about it......if you have need........days will all start to get better. You wake up  in the morning and think."well, I'm still here and thats something "...........something funny happens which gives ones a real laugh.............at the end of a day, look back for something really good  that happened, something you wouldn't have missed for anything.

  Sorry to have rambled on Butch (hope I haven't embarassed you ).........Look forward to hearing any of your news anytime.   Kind Regards,....Vicky ( bit older than you ! )......Australia yeah

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My mom has PD and Sinamet is her drug...try keeping the dosage as low as possible. It's when you get into the higher dosages that you experience more side effects. At least it is for her. I feel for you.

Home is where the heart is

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hi. no, i haven't even heard of that drug. another drug they tried me on was Ultracet.  see i can't do much since i am still under my parents' insurance, plus my mom (main "parent") doesn't care or believes me; she would rather believe the doc than her own child!!! if you know of any way i could try and find comfort, treatment, diagnoses, anything, without my parents (mom) finding out, i'd really appreciate it.
 
AuSsie