As normal, I was reading the paper when the person sitting next to me asked how long I had had Parkinson's Disease. Looking at him with what must have been a very puzzled look, I told him I did not have that Disease.
He asked if he could do a could simple tests. After assuring he was a doctor, and it turns out he was a Neurologist, he did a couple simple tests. He then informed me that my tremor I had in my right hand was indicative of Parkinson's Disease. He also informed me that I should go to my doctor right away for a more definitive diagnosis.
My own doctor stated I was too young to have the disease. He was wrong. I found out that many young adults have Parkinson's Disease. Many do not have severe symptoms and continue working throughout their careers. Onto a Neurologist, X-Rays, Electroencephlagrams, MRI's, and more blood tests that I can count.
I was then sent to UCLA Medical center and was told I had Parkinson's Disease with Multiple Systems Atrophy. That is a more severe form of Parkinson's disease that includes tremor, forgetfullness, problems walking, low blood pressure, and more symptoms.
I now use a wheelchair to get around and no longer am able to work.
CARDINAL SIGNS OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE:
Tremor
Rigidity (stiffness)
Bradykinesia (decreased movement)
Postural instability
Generally, some aspect of one or more of these four cardinal signs will be present in each Parkinson's Disease Patient
SECONDARY SIGNS OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Gait Disturbances
Dexterity and coordination difficulties
Freezing (not being able to take the next step)
Speech and swallowing problems
visual Disturbances
Depression
Dementia
Pain and Sensory Discomfort
Sexual Difficculty
Blood Pressure Changes
Dermatolgical Changes
Gastrointestinal and Urinary difficulty
Not every patient has every one of these symptoms. If you are experiencing these, go see your doctor. There are medications that will help. However, Research is our best option to eliminate the disease.
If you would like to help with the research, please write or call:
American Parkinson's Disease Association, Inc.
1250 Hylan Bulevard, Suite 48
Staten Island, NY 10305
1-800-223-2732