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Looking Back - What Were Your Early Warning Signs of Parkinson's?
Parkinson's Disease | Last Active: Sep 25 3:54pm | Replies (101)Comment receiving replies
Well, what prompted me to tell my doctor was the increase in frequency and severity of my "episodes" (yelling, punching, kicking, etc).
The first time I ever jumped completely out of bed (to a standing position, fully away by that point), I thought "huh, that was odd." But, I didn't think it meant anything was seriously wrong. Figured I was just a restless sleeper. In those days, I was only gently punching, kicking, or vocalizing 1 night every couple months, so it didn't strike me as odd at all.
Fast forward a few years and the episodes had increased in frequency to 15+ nights per month (I started keeping a journal). The severity had increased too, with me shouting at full-volume some nights, punching so hard I damaged my rotator cuff, etc. Then, I had 1 more episode of jumping completely out of bed. It all was making my girlfriend's life hell.
THAT was when I finally told my primary care doc about it and when I learned the term REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. Then, Dr. Google filled me in on the wonderful prospect of it developing into PD, MSA, or Lewy Body Dementia.
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I understand Dr Google, when what it says hits to close to home it feels like an actual punch in the gut. I have vivid dreams with recall, but not sure I do too much moving etc. My last sleep study didn’t show it, but if you don’t have an episode during the study, I’m guessing it can’t dx it, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have it. I’m 20 years older than you, so when I see folks in their 50s (some even 40s) being dxed with PD or MSA, it aches my heart. I will pray that your RSD does not progress to anything else. And, again, they are working on these things, it’s just a matter of if they can make the connection that will prevent, reverse and cure these horrible diseases.