Waiting

Diseases & Conditions Parkinson's Disease
1
For a few months now I have been showing signs of PD such as pain, weakness and tremors in both hands and legs, shortness of breath and lethargy. I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon by my GP and he ordered blood tests, an emg and a full body bone scan which all showed up negative. He referred me to a neurologist who then ordered an MRI on my spine. I had the MRI last night and will not be able to see the neuro until early November. The question my wife and I have at this stage is how do you deal with the waiting and not knowing what the outcome will be. We are expecting the dx to be PD and am sort of ready for it. What can we do to make the waiting easier.

Drslib. (aged 36)

Post Edited (Drslib) : 10/5/2005 10:13:00 PM (GMT-6)

2

Drslib,

 Welcome to Healing Well.We are an active support group for many illness,including PD.You have done the right thing to help ease the waiting by asking others with PD about the waiting game.i was Dx in 98 with PD,by a GP,and remember the forever wait.In fact i went into total denial and waited until 2001 before seeing a neurologist.I have almost come to accept the fact that I have PD,but on occasion denial still creeps in.The only advice I can give you is that accept your human instincts it is natural to be apprenhensive,and acceptance of any disease takes time so go easy on yourself,and if you have the sightest doubt get a second opinion.Wishing you the best ,and remember the light is always on for you here.Ed

Ed

3

I think waiting in the land of the unknown is very hard to do.  My Mom was just diagnost with PD a couple months ago.  She also had to wait approx. 6 weeks to see her neurologist.  I am not going to pretend to know how hard it is.........but I know seeing my Mom wait was very scary to her.  She tried to focus on the positive and focus on knowing there were things to help her with her symptoms seemed to help.  Once she was diagnost she was able to deal with it a lot better.  I also think that hanging out on this board and asking a lot of question and talking to other with PD will help you also.  Good Luck to you and keep us posted.

 

Kristine

4
Drslib,
Welcome! I find it interesting that the neuro ordered an MRI of your spine ... and not your head. My MRI for PD was of my head to determine whether there was a brain tumor or other abnormality. Also an EMG (little probes on head, right?) to determine whether I'd had a stroke. Also lotsa blood tests. Since tremor is my primary symptom, the neuro did several tremor-related blood tests - meaning tests for things that can cause tremor. It almost sounds like your ortho and neuro think it's spine-related.
 
I had a bit of a wait myself during the diagnosis process. My preference was to not get anxious about it until I had a more definitive diagnosis - but that's also probably unrealistic for most.
 
If you are anxious, I agree that I would encourage you to ask your questions and state your concerns either via a Message Board, such as this or in PD chat rooms talking to others with PD.
 
Glad you found us!
lizzy4451

Life is a dance. Don't sit it out. --- H. Jackson Brown