Saw Neurologist. He more or less said i had to think about Parkingson's but would not say it was. Wants to do some tests.
I asked how to deal with the spasm in hand/thumb and he said rather sharply "there is no spasm, you are very floppy". But there is and it's very painful. The thumb twitches & tremors all day and by evening its really quite painful. There IS a tightening of the muscles I can feel it!
Distressed there's no CERTAINTY though he did seem 'grave' and even said sorry.
But gave me no solution to twitches/trembling and pain in hand. Rather dismissive. Like he was only interested in the dectective work not the present problem.
Very depressed. what do I tell my friends "It MIGHT be parkingson's, don't know" or "strong possibility but don't know" or " too early to say"
No further forward really am I?
Girlirish
You can tell your friends the truth, the doctor is not sure and is still trying to determine what is causing your problem. You might want to share with those close to you his comment about Parkinsons so they can offer emotional support. Research and learn about Parkinsons and other illnessis that can cause tremors. The internet can provide a great deal of information. Learning about PD can make you more knowledgeable and provide you information for asking questions and discussing your health with your doctor. This also allows you to be a active partner with the doctor in resolving/treating your health issues. Inquire to see if there is a doctor in your area who is a Parkinsons speaialist. (We have one in our area) Don't hestiate to seek a second opionion and/or find a doctor you feel more comfortable with. (A comment said to me "You're not paying a doctor for his personality but his expertise, but it is great if you find both attributes in your doctor) I was diagnosed with pd in 2001 and I am now 55 and I remember how devastated, (blown away) I felt when the doctor told me I had PD.
Emotional support is very important, if you have any questions that I possibly help with reply to this post.
thanks so much.
One question at the moment 1) Does the shaking include spasm-like behaviour of muscles in PD?
I think I will think about a PD Specialist. I'm in London UK so neurologist is NHS but I hear he is good.
GirlIrish
One question at the moment 1) Does the shaking include spasm-like behaviour of muscles in PD?
I think I will think about a PD Specialist. I'm in London UK so neurologist is NHS but I hear he is good.
GirlIrish
Girlish
I am not sure. Symptoms can vary greatly in Parkinsons patients. I have tremors in my left hand when meds are low are when I get overly excited or greatly stressed. Search the internet; I would type in Parkinsons, tremors, spasms and see what web addresses have information on this subject.
Blessings to you
I am not sure. Symptoms can vary greatly in Parkinsons patients. I have tremors in my left hand when meds are low are when I get overly excited or greatly stressed. Search the internet; I would type in Parkinsons, tremors, spasms and see what web addresses have information on this subject.
Blessings to you
Optimumliving,
Welcome to Healing well.We are a rapidly growing support forum for both PD victims ,and caregivers.Glad you found us.The light is always on here .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.
Welcome to Healing well.We are a rapidly growing support forum for both PD victims ,and caregivers.Glad you found us.The light is always on here .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.
Girlish.
It is extremely difficult to diagnose parkinson's ,and a Dx is usually arrived at by testing and eliminating other possibilites.The ultimate test is if the PD meds work it probably is PD.As optimumliving suggested get a second opinion.I think I saw about 6 neuros before I accepted that I did probably have PD.My tremors vary from mild to extreme often a direct result of my stress level.My symptoms did start in the thumb of my left hand,but this was also associated with walking and balance problems.I've never met anyone with identical symptoms.It truly is a designer disease.Designed differently for each with it.The worse part is the not knowing.There are many effective drugs on the market for PD,and progress is being made to control PD .I wish you the best.Don't worry it kicks up the stress.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.
It is extremely difficult to diagnose parkinson's ,and a Dx is usually arrived at by testing and eliminating other possibilites.The ultimate test is if the PD meds work it probably is PD.As optimumliving suggested get a second opinion.I think I saw about 6 neuros before I accepted that I did probably have PD.My tremors vary from mild to extreme often a direct result of my stress level.My symptoms did start in the thumb of my left hand,but this was also associated with walking and balance problems.I've never met anyone with identical symptoms.It truly is a designer disease.Designed differently for each with it.The worse part is the not knowing.There are many effective drugs on the market for PD,and progress is being made to control PD .I wish you the best.Don't worry it kicks up the stress.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.
Post Edited (yekkimo) : 6/20/2006 4:49:53 PM (GMT-6)
Dear Girlirish
An inconclusive diagnosis is frustrating I know - but there is no test to diagnose PD, it is usually based on clinical signs, so your neuro cannot be sure at present
Everyone has different symptoms/signs of the illness - no 2 people are the same - but
as well as the 3 classic signs of PD- tremor. slowness, stiffnenss /rigiidity you might notice other subtle changes .........in your hand writing (it gets smaller & more cramped), a lack of arm swing when you walk (with a tendency to carry your arm bent slightly across your body), facial expresssions are often reducued..................these were the clinching signs in my diagnosis.
It is frightening & difficult not knowing what you are dealing with.
I dont know how old you are - I previously thought of PD as a condition associated with old age, so was convinced I couldnt possibly have that as I was only in my early 40s & so was in denial for several years. Finally I had to give in to medication & my symptoms improved greatly. (The final diagnosis)
Even if eventually you do have PD try & be positive - see it as the opening of a new door. Yes my life has changed - but for the better in a number of ways - I even got married last year!!
It helps to talk- support is vital in these early days. I now run a local branch of the PD Society- you may find their website useful.
............................................. Remember you are not alone 
My hub was dx with pd four years ago. The first symtoms were a slight occasional slurring of speech and lack of coordination in left hand, ie dropped toothbrush or hairbrush. The onset was subtle. We went to heart dx thinking he may be having a stroke and the heart dx sent us to neurologist who diagnosed the pd. We have just started with our 4th neurologist so far we are very pleased. I am particularly pleased in that he involves me in everything...not so of previous dxs. He totally supports the caregiver which makes me feel like my job is appreciated by someone.
I can definitely tell u that stress management is critical for the caregiver and the pd patient. Hub and I lost our home in hurricane katrina. we had to live in a two room trailer in our driveway for 9 1/2 months. The pd symptoms have increased dramatically over the last year. He has minimum use of left side, left hand has spasms and "grabbing" and he can't let go, cannot understand speech a lot of times. New dx thinks he may be candidate for a procedure that stimulates dopamine in the brain. we are looking into that now. it is not a cure but has helped some pd patients. as for me, i am worn out most of the tiem. the responsibility of rebuilding our home and taking care of the day to day trailer problems...just overwhelming at times. hub is totally dependent and will not let me out of his sight. i do go to individual counseling once a week...it is my only outing and he calls my cell the whole time.
Hello Girlirish
Sorry your visit to the neuro didnt go so well. As others have said, try not to get stressed. I know its easier said than done but honestly, a few months down the line , even if you get a positive diag of PD you will feel better. Its all the waiting and wondering that gets you down. You said in another post that you can sometimes control your shake by thinking about it. Thats good....it took me a couple of years to do that, you know, to stop the tremor by using your mind. My hands are shaking whilst I am sending this because I am feeling for you ...thats what anxiety does for you...it exaggerates the symptons. So try not to worry...I know you will but you know what I mean.
God Bless, will say one for you tonight....that usually helps me
Billy
Thats so sweet Billy and mayfly. Thank you. Today is better. I'm getting round to the idea even if it is PD right now I have a lot to do in life so must concentrate on that.
Chasing rainbows never work. Just take each day as it comes eh?
Girlirish
Chasing rainbows never work. Just take each day as it comes eh?
Girlirish
Is there still a pd chat planned for tonight?
Have some new questions...
Does the way you position your hand effect tremors. If I lay hand palm down tremors stop, if sideways down tremors more likely.
Does PD effect sensation in hands. I have tingling & some numbness and pins & needles.
Still struggling...trying to find other reasons for all this. I fell three times over the last three years and hurt my wrist badly (broke elbow) and am thinking maybe I damaged nerves...but then...why tremors now, three years later!
Am HATING this. My priest asked me if I'd like a blessing this morning. I said NO!
X
Girlish,Your neurologist needs to complete tests before He/She can give you a diagnosis.Several neurological diseases share similar symptoms with PD.This was the hardest part of this disease,not knowing.Let your G.P. and neuro know that the stress is really bothering you.They can help you.Trying to analyze your tremors is futile as they vary greatly amoung all with tremors,and some with pD 30% give or take don't even have tremors.I have tremors,and occassionally experience pins and needles.I believe this is due to irritation of the nerves,and muscles which are in a constant firing mode.I would encourage you to check out the american and national parkinson sites for PD symptoms and general info.The most important thing I've found is maintaining a positive attitude.We have no control over what happens so might as well take the trip with a smile.God bless,and I wish you the best.We are here for you so stay in touch. 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.
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.
Post Edited (yekkimo) : 6/25/2006 6:23:54 PM (GMT-6)