When I was first diagnosed, my neurologist did not explain much. That was because for the first 2-3 years the symptoms were relatively minor. The side effects of any meds I tried were worse than the symptoms.

If you depend on your neurologist to educate you on PD you will be sorry. After a few years the changes in symptoms come fast - too fast for your neurologist to keep up with .

I suggest that you get "The Parkinson's Disease Trearment Book", J Eric Ahlskog, Mayo Clinic and start reading it as soon as possible.

Hi sig47,
Welcome but sorry about DX.
To me "under the Parkinson's umbrella" would mean like drs say Parkinsonism or like Parkinson's disease but not pinned down.
I'm impressed with you research. I spent about 2 years ignoring DX, just going to neurologist and taking medis, told few people. pretended it might just go away or be a mistake. At 2 years I took a chronic disease workshop and came out of the closet. LOL.... Now I am researching like mad. The more I research, the more I understand but also the more questions I have.
I needed and did find a doctor I trust. again welcome.

Hello Paul:

I am a newbie too. A few people here shared how you won't get much from your neurologist and that's probably true. I think being proactive and getting a few books to read is really helpful. When my Doctor sent me to a neurologist, he did the tests and said I probably had PD. He scheduled an MRI and told me if it came back ok then PD would be his diagnosis. he said, if that was the case, he wanted me to start on carbidopa/levodopa and come back in 2 months. So, the scan came back clear and I was devastated. The doc did not recommend ONE OTHER THING to do prior to our 2 month checkup. I don't think some docs have a clue how hearing this diagnosis is not exactly like saying you have the flu!! Thankfully, the neurology nurses have been great (after they listened to me bawling for awhile).

I was diagnosed in about OCt 2014 and continue to grapple with the "why me" aspects of this whole thing. So, I may consider seeing some type of counselor that works with folks like me/us.

The good thing is I still have a great sense of humor, although maybe it's not evident here :) . I do the best I can every day, recognizing my limits. Our community education program is great in my community so I started tai chi, yoga and water aerobics last week. Tough, but do-able....

Welcome aboard again and look forward to future interactions,
Marlene

Hey,

My grandfather was recently diagnosed with PD and I am looking for input on what helps make living with PD easier. I would like to be informed as possible and make this transition as smoothly as possible for him. He is 80 years old and was having a horrible time with falling. He is now in a rehab facility but is extremely depressed because he can no longer run the farm he has been for his whole life. I am also concerned that my father will get PD as he is reaching an older age. Any and all information is greatly appreciated! I look forward to your responses.

Thank you!

Paul,

I am adding my own warm welcome to you. I hope you find here what you are coming to find -- caring, information, feelings, reactions, and love, both 'tough' and squishy. We are a diverse group. Collectively, we've heard it all.

Share what you will, what you are comfortable sharing. And take what you will, caveat emptor.

Don't forget that life sometimes deserves a good belly-laugh.

Beekeeper