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Parkinson’s Disease Misdiagnosis

Posted by paulbkk1979 @paulbkk1979, May 8 7:31am

I am 74 years old and I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019 at the age of 69 years old and I still do not have any symptoms of the disease, no constipation, tremors, pain, I do feel dizzy often and fatigued and blurred vision at times but I am sure that the blurred vision is not due to a disease like Parkinson’s disease. I have no tremors at all, I do not have any problems with my bowel movements.
My neurologist said it could be a disease that is similar to Parkinson’s disease. What could that disease possibly be to mimic the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? I think he was lying to me about the diagnosis and the disease. Or else he made a mistake in his diagnosis and he sounded like he was trying to come up with something that sounded logical, which it didn’t make sense to me.

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | Jun 7 9:09am

It sounds like you need a second opinion. Maybe you might get some information that helps you. I hope you find some answers.

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mamasmeeve | @mamasmeeve | Jun 8 8:39am

My good friend was diagnosed with PD but had no tremors, still driving, participating in social activities. Sinemet didn’t seem to make a difference with occasional focus issues. He’s 80. Finally got in with Mayo Dr. who said if anything he has a nickel’s worth of Parkinson’s. They are doing other Neuro tests. Do get a second opinion from very experienced neurologist with movement disorder testing and scans.

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jun 8 9:55am
In reply to @mamasmeeve "My good friend was diagnosed with PD but had no tremors, still driving, participating in social..." + (show)
@mamasmeeve

My good friend was diagnosed with PD but had no tremors, still driving, participating in social activities. Sinemet didn’t seem to make a difference with occasional focus issues. He’s 80. Finally got in with Mayo Dr. who said if anything he has a nickel’s worth of Parkinson’s. They are doing other Neuro tests. Do get a second opinion from very experienced neurologist with movement disorder testing and scans.

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Hello @mamasmeeve,

That is an interesting term, "nickel’s worth of Parkinson’s." Do you know if this was this meant to describe a mild case of PD?

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dlc1953 | @dlc1953 | Jul 11 9:06am

My husband was diagnosed with PD about 6 years ago. To look at him, you would never know it. He’s doesn’t have the typical tremors associated with PD. His pain is mostly muscular. PD is very difficult to diagnose. We were told, it takes a good 7 or so years to really diagnose. He is diligent with PD exercises. He has joined a Boxing group just for PD and exercise program. The program is strictly for PD. It seems exercise is one of the most important thing that you can do to keep your PD under control. Also there are other Movement Disorders out there. They are realizing that everything that may look like PD may not be PD. I would suggest finding a really good Neurologist or movement disorder doctor. I would seek out a teaching hospital with a good reputation versus a local hospital/dr. Good luck.

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seniormed | @seniormed | Oct 16 2:30pm

If you have access to a university or tertiary care clinic with a neurology
Department there is a new PD skin biopsy with genetic test sent out to a referral lab.
It is more accurate than a clinical
diagnosis and the new technology
may be helpful.

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | Oct 24 8:53pm
In reply to @doorman "Basing a Parkinson’s diagnosis on blurry vision and dizziness is medical malpractice! Are you sure you..." + (show)
@doorman

Basing a Parkinson’s diagnosis on blurry vision and dizziness is medical malpractice! Are you sure you had a neurologist? The MOST IMPORTANT type of doctor to see is a MOVEMENT DISORDER SPECIALIST. Yes, Parkinson’s can cause eye problems (I had double vision two years before I was diagnosed.). Tremor is absent in a minor number of people . It is not necessary for a diagnosis. Parkinson’s can cause a whole host of seemingly unrelated problems…..e.g. lack of arm swing, constipation, foot dragging-tripping, tremor on one side, sebborheic dermatitis, anxiety and depression, maybe a fall or two, and on and on and on. My family doctor finally sent me to get a DATSCAN. It clearly showed evidence of dopamine loss on one side of the sustantia nigra . This , however, can only rule out essential tremor. It could be a “Parkinsonian” type of problem..e.g. Parkinson’s, Multiple System Atrophy, or Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Get a better doctor, get referred to a Movement Disorder Specialist, and get back to this site. Good luck!

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Agree.

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | Oct 24 9:05pm
In reply to @paulbkk1979 "Hi Teresa thank you for your reply and yes I have taken medication for the disease,..." + (show)
@paulbkk1979

Hi Teresa thank you for your reply and yes I have taken medication for the disease, carbidopa levodopa and it did not alleviate my symptoms of occasional dizziness, blurred vision, or frequent urination. My neurologist did say that it might be an illness that is similar to Parkinson’s disease, but he has not done any tests to determine whether it is related to the disease. I have had brain MRI’s done twice and I have no abnormalities showing on the scans of the brain. I am seeing my neurologist again in June, do you have any recommendations for any questions that I should ask him?
I read that constipation is one of the most ubiquitous symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is that accurate or not? I have absolutely no problem with constipation thankfully. I hope you are doing well Teresa and having a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.
Paul

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Several symptoms are related to Parkinson's.Yes it varies for each person. My experience with my husband was first.Loss of smell, constipation, vivid nightmares and not getting REM sleep, sleep apnea, falling and difficulty with his posture. He was not able to write his name. He did not have the classic symptom of jerking of his left arm and hand . My brother has Parkinson's as well as my father. My father is deceased and my brother is in hospice. He is 67 yo. This terrible disease has been heartbreaking and sometimes bitter sweet. Movement Disorder's are hard to manage. Continue to take care of yourself as best you can .

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