I’m certain that I have PD despite not being diagnosed yet.Backstory:2003, Summer: Started to experience bizarre tingling/crawling sensations all over my body, constantly… it was beyond irritating.I went to a neurologist and had a nerve test done that involved electricity jolts sent to my arms and feet.I forget the name of this.The test couldn’t find anything.In the beginning of 2004 I noticed tremors.I became quite concerned after this and sought out another neurologist.I had a cat scan and an EEG… they couldn’t find anything.After prescribing me some anti-anxiety drugs and other useless forms of treatment, my neurologist finally told me to contact Dr. Stephen Reich, an expert on movement disorders here in Maryland.He has an office here at UMD, where I work. I’ve been waiting to see him since late last year.My appointment is on May 6th,.I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to see this guy.First and foremost I just want him to give me the diagnosis.I’ve already been stigmatized at the office where I work… everybody sees what’s happening to me, specifically the oddness in my movement.I’ve become this walking freak of an oddity now.It’s not specifically restricted to a campus environment/the more educated eye, either.Just the other day I got this expression of pity from a grocery store cashier.I get instantly defensive and aggravated with all of these reactions.I always hated being stared at, or any kind of bad attention in general, and now I’ve got more than I can handle.I hate going out in public.On top of all of this, I’m an artist – and not to toot my own horn or anything, but quite talented… what’s going to become of me and my work?I’ve been working on campus for 5 years and I feel the rash urge to just leave it all and be a full time student or pursue what I really want to… but I’m dealing with something physically hellish and quite unusual for someone my age… and I really need health insurance right now, which this job provides me.The benefits here are wonderful… a few classes a semester are even paid for if you’re full time.The problem is that I’ve been here too long to really advance at the pace I want to.
I’m sure this bad fortune stems from designer drug abuse at a younger age, throughout a couple of years. It’s nobody’s fault but my own, but it’s nonetheless a terrible thing to deal with.
I’m taking lots of alternative therapies.B12, co-q-10, Tyrosine, etc.I also do cardio 2-4 times a week.These help but I hate thinking about how much worse this is going to get. If I didn't have my creative talent I would have probably killed myself last year.
Bloo, So sorry to hear all you're going through at such a young age.You seem very mature and seem to handle the stress of not knowing for sure very well.Even though you are fairly sure you have Parkinson's, it may not be!!!!And if it is,we have the capacity to handle whatever life tosses our way....I don't ususally read this section (I'm one of the folks in the depression category, and I deal with a son with bipolar, so that's where I usually read)but for some reason your post caught my attention.I hope someone with some experience and knowledge with Parkinsons answers you soon.Take care and post again......it helps!
Bloo,i hope everything works out for you.Looks like you will have a better idea May 6.I was dx with Pd in 98,and although i"m much older then you it is not the end of the world.Half the battle is to maintain a positive attitude,stay active and never give an inch to Pd.If you find yourself getting depressed get in contact with your neuro immediately.Above all don't assume you have any disease;let the experts evaluate.Stay well,and again wish you the best. EdEd
Just remember the diagnosis for PD is clinical. You may want to go for the scan that looks to see your dopamine levels in the brain.
There are so many Parkinson related illnesses. Try to carry out some research on all of these related illnesses.
Seek the opinions of other neurologists as well. My Dad went to about five until he was correctly diagnosed. His dosage of Sinemet has been cut down and he is on a new drug that is helping.
Thanks for the posts. I should have originally typed out that whatever I have, it's most likely PD-related... but it doesn't seem to be the same thing as PD itself. For one I'm not getting that stiffness in my limbs... it's more of a loss of motor control, and my joints crack VERY easily, and there are a lot of very small muscle twitches constantly, especially in my legs. It's something that is present on every part of my body... it's not restricted to one or a few areas. The balance issue is there, but I do my best to control it. When the tremors were present, the second neurologist I saw thought it could be essential tremor, which can run in the family. I know nothing about this in my family history but that background is shrouded.
I noticed something odd not too long ago... when I am on Straterra, the effects seem to subside in a way. Does this sound familiar to anyone? The effects are also a lot more noticeable after it wears off... I'm not sure if I should have to discontinue this, but in light searching I haven't found any negative interactions between such an illness and Straterra. In fact I think it's one of the best things to happen to me since I've been stricken with this. It definitely helps.
I'll look up on related illness later in the week. Thanks again for the support.
hi bloo, i read what you wrote and it all seems so unfair what your going thru i was 28 when i started having problems. im 30 now and i train reg to it's the only thing i know to help my fight the pd mentally and physically theres noone my age i know who can feel what i felt at the time when i found out. you mentioned twitches i still get them but my nurse said that cud be down to the training. anyway all the best and i hope you can call on us if you need to talk but remember untill you have your meeting with the dr dnt sway towards anythin yet stay positive.