Anyone else learned had PD after anxiety, depression, panic attacks?

Posted by doorman @doorman, Mar 19, 2022

So after three long years suffering from anxiety , panic attacks , and depression…..I find out the cause…drumroll……Parkinson’s Disease. Turns out, my symptoms: loss of smell, constipation, tripping over my own feet, lack of arm swinging, and horrible anxiety, all are EARLY SYMPTOMS OF this disease. Who would have thought. Anyone else in the same boat?

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Edward (Ted) Almon | @tedalmon | Dec 2, 2022

I'm no expert yet, having just been diagnosed with PD this year, but I have the tremor dominant form and my symptoms are nothing like yours, except that I did lose my sense of smell years ago. It seems that PD is like cancer in that it may not be a single disorder but several different diseases that share certain characteristics? This would obviously complicate the ongoing search for treatments and a cure. So far I have been advised to only do a daily exercise program, stay on my former med for essential tremor, and delay the seeming only treatment for PD which is Levodopa to forestall its long term side effects. In my case too, I think Deep Brain Stimulation, although the idea of brain surgery is daunting, may relieve my symptoms and get me pretty much back to normal. I don't know, it's a strange disease. Good luck to you.

raebaby | @raebaby | Apr 17, 2022

My husband had all of these symptoms. He started out with REM sleep disorder at the age of 20. He died with Parkinson's at the age of 80. Rytary helped him a lot and medication for hallucinations.

doorman | @doorman | Apr 16, 2022

Thanks for responding! I have had a DatScan of my brain in January, which was suggestive of Parkinson’s. I’m not on any meds for PD because my motor symptoms are simply a thumb and hand tremor. I suppose it’s only a matter of time before I’m on something. It’s been a jarring experience to say the least. Take care.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Apr 15, 2022

Hello @doorman

Yes! I'd be glad to comment. Many of us who have been diagnosed with PD have experienced many of the symptoms you named in your post. These symptoms are often referred to as non-motor symptoms of PD. Here is a link to several more non-motor symptoms that are listed on the Parkinson's Foundation website. Just click on this link for the entire list.

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/non-motor-symptoms-parkinsons. Are any of these other symptoms familiar to you?

I would also like to invite, @bvoelschow, @shar1438, @telios, and @ggopher to join you in this discussion.
You may also find information from an upcoming webinar about Men with Parkinson's. Here is the link to register for this webinar,
http://dpf.convio.net/site/MessageViewer
If you care to share more, @doorman, how long ago were you diagnosed with PD? Are you now taking meds to treat the PD?