Parkinson’s symptoms

Posted by susan62 @susan62, Aug 4, 2018

My internist at the Mayo told me during a recent physical that he feels I may well have Parkinson’s. I was stunned, I did feel before I saw him that I had developed a neurological problem. He has me scheduled to have an EMG and to consult with a neurologist the first of Sept. In the mean time I have an appointment to see another neurologist in Minneapolis on the 14th of this month, mainly because in the last few weeks I have developed a fair amount of pain, numbness and plain muscle aches. It is the pain that I am really having a hard time with. Regular excercise and Ibuprofen, Tylenol’s don’t work.
I have many of the symptoms, basically in my right hand and arm. My hands however do not shake, but my right arm jerks slightly sometimes. Simple tasks like putting on my socks takes significantly more time and is harder. I don’t swing my right arm when I walk, but kinda carry it up. I walk on the balls of my feet rather than heel to toe. People tell me I seem more stooped. It it hard to write and as I do my writing becomes smaller.
I try not to feel depressed, hopeless and sorry for myself. It is hard. I wonder if most of you with Parkinson’s have been able to be helped with your pain? I really would appreciate your input.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Parkinson's Disease Support Group.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Aug 7, 2018

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @susan62 and welcome to Mayo Connect and the Parkinson's (PD) discussion group. I am glad..." + (show)

@hopeful33250

Hello @susan62 and welcome to Mayo Connect and the Parkinson's (PD) discussion group.

I am glad to see that you will be seeing a neurologist. That is the best type of doctor to sort out your various symptoms. I encourage you to learn as much about PD as you can before your appointment. Here are some links to websites that will help you understand the indicators of PD. The Parkinson's Foundation can be found at this link, http://parkinson.org/. Another great website is the Michael J. Fox website, https://www.michaeljfox.org/.

As you look through these websites you will become familiar with the various symptoms (i.e., loss of smell, taste, constipation, soft voice, swallowing problems, sleep problems, etc.) and you might have more to discuss with the neurologist when you see him/her.

I am currently involved in physical therapy with a PT who specializes in PD. (I usually go to PT at least twice a year in order to keep flexibility and reduction of pain). There are specific ways that they help with the numbness, pain and stiffness. It is most helpful. Massages can also be great way to help with the stiffness and pain.

There are many exercise classes now for people with PD. I go to a PD dance class which is done seated but the music is really great! There are about 10 in our class and we have a great time and feel better when we leave. Here is a website where you can view some Dance with PD videos, https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dance+for+PD. Most classes can be done seated until you are comfortable standing. I still sit for the major portion of the class.

I look forward to hearing from you again. Please feel free to ask any questions that concern you. I'm going to invite some other members to join this conversation, @mariemarie and @ggopher. @mariemarie has been involved in a Pedaling for Parkinson's class for a while now. These classes are offered at various YMCA's and are very helpful to many PD patients. Here is a link to information on those classes, http://www.pedalingforparkinsons.org/

Teresa

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@susan62 Hello Susan:

Yes, PD symptoms do ebb and flow. My symptoms will increase with fatigue. Some days are very good and some days are very uncoordinated.

If you are determined to have PD, then the meds and physical therapy will help you tremendously. If I go even a week without intentionally exercising, I really feel the difference and I'm much less coordinated.

Teresa

Lisa Lucier | @lisalucier | Oct 7, 2018

Some of you have talked about your or your loved one's symptoms from Parkinson's. It would be great to hear how you are doing. I'm sure others would benefit from your experiences.

@lsdempsey- wondering how your back pain is these days?

@susan62 - how is the pain you were experiencing at night?

Steve | @lsdempsey | Oct 9, 2018

In reply to @lisalucier "Some of you have talked about your or your loved one's symptoms from Parkinson's. It would be..." + (show)

Well....the PD back pain is the least of my worries. On August 25 I had a major cycling accident. Broke 9 ribs (5 were displaced) concussion (lost consciousness for a few minutes), bruised lung, etc. since the accident I have been "tapped" twice pulling 1.5 liters of blood and fluid from my right chest cavity and then again another 1.2 liters of fluid from same area. I have one rib under scapula which is not healing as well as it should be and may need a plate and screws. So...right now dealing with accident recovery.
Other than that, I am well 😀

Lisa Lucier | @lisalucier | Oct 9, 2018

In reply to @lsdempsey "Well....the PD back pain is the least of my worries. On August 25 I had a..." + (show)

@lsdempsey - I am so sorry to hear about your cycling accident. That is indeed major. Wow.

How have the other ribs been healing, and the bruised lung? Are you still having concussion symptoms?

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 9, 2018

In reply to @lsdempsey "Well....the PD back pain is the least of my worries. On August 25 I had a..." + (show)

@lsdempsey Hello Steve,

What an unfortunate accident! I'm so sorry to hear about it, this really slows you down.

How long were you hospitalized after the accident? When will a decision be made regarding more treatment for the rib?

Steve | @lsdempsey | Oct 10, 2018

In reply to @lisalucier "@lsdempsey - I am so sorry to hear about your cycling accident. That is indeed major...." + (show)

Other ribs are good so far. I'll know about my lung next Tuesday. I think my concussion is ok but not 100 percent sure due to the pain meds make me a little loopy. 😜. Every day is a little better. I have been walking up and down my street and feeling ok but brings on the rib pain. I try and do a little more each day. So far so good.

Steve | @lsdempsey | Oct 10, 2018

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@lsdempsey Hello Steve, What an unfortunate accident! I'm so sorry to hear about it, this really..." + (show)

Hospitalized for just a day - very fortunate. I'll. Know more about the displaced rib in three weeks

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 10, 2018

In reply to @lsdempsey "Hospitalized for just a day - very fortunate. I'll. Know more about the displaced rib in..." + (show)

@lsdempsey
Steve,

Three weeks should make a big difference with your healing.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 4, 2018

In reply to @lsdempsey "Hospitalized for just a day - very fortunate. I'll. Know more about the displaced rib in..." + (show)

@lsdempsey Hello Steve

I hope you are recovering well from your accident. From your previous post, I see that you were going to have a follow up about the displaced rib. I hope your appointment went well and that you are recovering from the concussion and other injuries.

As you feel comfortable doing so, could you update me on how you are doing?

susan62 | @susan62 | Dec 5, 2018

Hi Steve. As Teresa said, I have been wondering how you are doing too. Hope all is going well. Take care!

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