Hi everyone-
I was diagnosed with young Parkinsons last year (I am about to turn 38). I find it difficult to try to talk to my wife and family about it, I just don't think they understand WHAT this is. My immediate family is not very supportive (no calls to see how I am feeling), my wife listens to me, but I wonder if she really understands what I have been diagnosed with. She seem's to (at times) but, when I mention that I have trouble concentrating, she thinks I am making up a story.
Recently, I started having very sore knees, well, starting at the middle of my thighs extending down to the beginning of my calves. I am also having problems with my balance at times along with restless nights. I explained this to my neurologist and asked if he could confirm/approve my application for disability/handicap parking, he did, but with a lot of crap to go along with this. He put me through a series of tests, range of motion, walking and handwriting. I was feeling very tired that day and did not feel like going through these tests, but I managed. He told me since my handwriting has not gotten 'smaller' or I don't tremble when I right, he wondered if I was 'faking'. He told me it could be the Requip I am taking, nevertheless, he singed my apllication for 'temporary'
parking. Sometimes I wonder if he has made the right diagnosis for me. I am in the process of second a second opinion (which I should have done initially). Was wondering if anyone else has had these symptoms or am I making them up?
kev
you definetly did the rite thing by getting a second opinion, and a second doc. if he thought you were "faking it" then why did he have you on requip? i'm so lucky to have the nueroligist i have. what state are you in? if your in michigan i could refer you to mine.
as i said since iv'e been put on my cocktail of requip stalevo and symmetrel i haven't fallen or had freezing spells. but i do have dyskinesia pretty bad. but i guess you have to take the good with the bad. it's dam if you do and damed if you don't!
my family doc. and nuero. both helped me with my perment handicap plate and my disability. they are very supportive and i can talk to them about anything. i hope you find the rite doc. and i'm blessed with a husband who listens and go to my doc. visits. does your wife go with you. if she did she would understand better. so hang in there your not alone! write back anytime you need to talk. if you want my email let me know
FRONYA
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kevykev,
Please excuse me for butting in here... but I helped my mom-in-law deal with her Parkisons's until her death in 2000, and I know some of the meds and methods have changed since then, but MAN Alive!!! Get a new doctor! If my doctor accused me of 'faking' I'd probably sue him/her! What a heartless thing to say! Yeah, like you're faking having this disability and you just want a closer parking space for all your fun shopping sprees! We went through a number of inane physicians and neuros until Mom went to University of Michigan and eventually was referred to the greatest neuro back here in Lansing. The experience we had was that most neuros we saw looked at Parkinsons as a hopeless, downhill disease and they had very little appetite or enthusiasm for trying new stuff. They just sort of shuffled her through appointments and said, "See you in three months..." At one of her last bad appointments (with a moron who happened to have an M.D. after his name) he made Dad move out of a chair so he could sit as far from Mom as possible. He never so much as touched her during the appt. and didn't really listen to her. I left that appointment steaming! I may be just projecting my anger at that doctor on to yours, but I would give some serious thought to finding someone with more understanding of the emotional ramifications of the disabilities that accompany this disease. Just my two cents...
~ Jeannie
"As one goes through life one learns if you don't paddle your own canoe you don't move."
-Katherine Hepburn
Please excuse me for butting in here... but I helped my mom-in-law deal with her Parkisons's until her death in 2000, and I know some of the meds and methods have changed since then, but MAN Alive!!!
Get a new doctor! If my doctor accused me of 'faking' I'd probably sue him/her! What a heartless thing to say! Yeah, like you're faking having this disability and you just want a closer parking space for all your fun shopping sprees! We went through a number of inane physicians and neuros until Mom went to University of Michigan and eventually was referred to the greatest neuro back here in Lansing. The experience we had was that most neuros we saw looked at Parkinsons as a hopeless, downhill disease and they had very little appetite or enthusiasm for trying new stuff. They just sort of shuffled her through appointments and said, "See you in three months..." At one of her last bad appointments (with a moron who happened to have an M.D. after his name) he made Dad move out of a chair so he could sit as far from Mom as possible. He never so much as touched her during the appt. and didn't really listen to her. I left that appointment steaming! I may be just projecting my anger at that doctor on to yours, but I would give some serious thought to finding someone with more understanding of the emotional ramifications of the disabilities that accompany this disease. Just my two cents...~ Jeannie
"As one goes through life one learns if you don't paddle your own canoe you don't move."
-Katherine Hepburn
VIEW IMAGEthumbs up too janice143-
you took the words out of my mouth. i was being polite. we are here for ya kevykev. just a click away. good job janice! i do not have a noticable tremor. i think it shows more when i'm stressed out.
let's hear more about doctors and how to find a compasionate
one. even if you hane to shop around. it's your life!
fronya 
Dear Kevykev
Never allow a doctor to speak to you like that!! Its your life!!! Dont stop trying even if it means going to four or five neurologists. I know of many sufering from chronic illnesses and all have told me that they they had been to a range of Drs for opinions.. Find one with whom you are comfortable with. Whatever the medication you have been prescribed, make sure it works for you.
Your wife maybe in denial...I am saying this as I know my mum was with my Dad. Allow her to accompany you on Dr visits.
Good luck and hope that all goes well.