Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Hi Sue (an assumption on of your name on my part),

Welcome to our friendly, and thought provoking group of fellow PWP's. OOPS, you haven't had your 2nd opinion yet! My Bad!

Was your first DX (disgnosis) by a PCP, a general Neurologist, or by a MDS (Movement Disorder Specialist)? A MDS is, hopefully, who you will be seeing for the 2nd opinion!

I was only 31 yo, 1976, when ole man parkie made himself visible to me and the rest of my world. That was way back in the last century, LOL!!! I'm what is referred to as a YOPD (Young Onset PD). I've been fighting a good fight against PD for a very long time now. so I don't want you to be giving up on yourself! A word of advice: Keep hanging aaround our group, Just sayin': just in case the PD is confirmed. Should it be, then you're already in one of the most PD informative groups on the web! Caring, compassion, empathy, you name it ... we've got it, and ya know what? It's all right here waiting for you! We have all been where you are today. Unsure what lies ahead, feeling alome, frustrated, angry, etc. You
re going to be going through a whole bunch of emotions in the comimg months if the dx is confirmed. We are here to help you keep that "road" as smooth as possible! We'll be here should you stumble to help you back up. Ask any question about PD that you can possibly think of. If we don't have an answer for you, we'll sure as heck help you find the answer!

Welcome abouard, hold on ttight, and I promise you, someone will always be available to hold on tightly to you when your road gets bumpy!

Jim Evridge "AKA:SILVERFOXX_FIGHTING_BACK"

PS: PD is a life altering/changing illness, NOT a life ending illness!

Hi Sue, Sorry to hear about your diagnoses. I went to Mayo Clinic for second opionion.. Both my Dr. and Mayo Clinic's Dr. Had me walk up and down the hall. Not to high tech, but they where spot on. I was dianagnosed in early 2009. But now I know the sypmtoms it was years before that. Good luck with you Second Opinion. Brian

It is an awful shock to get the diagnosis, and there are probably a thousand questions and some panic in your mind now. But you know Sue, you are going to be allright. Yes you are. There are many happy experiences ahead, waiting for you. Meds control the symptoms. Anytime you want comfort, we are here for support.

Hi Sue, Welcome to DS for PWP. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I have found in my journey of being a PWP - Jim coined it correctly: "PD is a life altering/changing illness, NOT a life ending illness!."

Unlike other progressive diseases, PD is a disease that gives you time and choices.

I have learned through my experience with coping with PD that I am capable of understanding things that originally seemed incomprehensible. That is, learning about and trying to understand how the brain works.and what I can do to help it work.

God bless and let us know how you do with everything!!!!

Hi Sue, a tremour in my right hand was my first sign, and I ignored it for quite some time before I sought help. If you've been diagnosed, then my guess that it's almost a certainty you have it.... a second opinion may not make much differance... as you say that your Neuro saw more than he was prepared to say.

I totally agree with Silverfox's PS; PD is a life altering/changing illness.. etc....

Yours Sincerely Dirky ?;O))x

Research, research and second opinions! I hope and pray your dx is wrong. But if it's true, we are here to help you. Try not to be scared. PD is not the worst disease.

Hi Sue, and welcome to our group. You picked a really good place to come to. There are a lot of super people here that are always here for you with caring and understanding.
I do want to say that I agree with silverfox about seeing a Movement Disorders Specialist. The general neuro just doesn't have the extended special training that an MDS has. I have had PD now for 15 years. The first 8 were with a regular neuro. Then I heard about the MDS and started looking around and am so glad i did. What a difference in the care I am getting. We drive an hour and a half to get there but it is worth every mile.
I hope that you do not have this disease but if it turns out you do, remember we are all here for you. The road is a bumpy one, but this group can help to smooth out some of those bumps.

Sue the best of luck to you with your second opinion ... If it does turn out to be PD then you may want to consider seeing a movement disorder specialist... I'm sure you are apprehensive right now and a little scared... please know this place is a wonderful place to come for support and to just plain vent if you like... Lot's of great people here... Once you get on the right combo of meds you will find they help a lot... Good luck to you my thoughts and prayers are with you...
paula