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Possible Parkinson’s Disease Misdiagnosis?
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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Exercise that keeps us in reasonably optimal form in balance, strength, flexibility and heart health is critical to keep off PD; even elite athletes in non-contact sports invite PD more if not active. Of course it would vary from person to person and therefore YOUR "optimal" is what You know-and-want.
Do I want an optimally physically healthy body?
Well everything we do in life costs Time, a fixed asset. I am therefore satisfied with a less-than-optimal body because I want to spend my life on matters I find worth pursuing. In my 80s, I have my choices different than when I was a different person -- in my preferences. You get the idea! Bon voyage!
@sjde53 Thank you for the information. I will definitely talk to neurologist on September 1 to do one of those test!
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1 ReactionNot at the moment ..
thanks!!😊
Hello @amawdee
I see this is your first post on Mayo Clinic Connect. Would you like to share something about PD or do you have any questions?
@hopeful33250
@theirishfolk
I do understand your concerns. My PD symptoms are somewhat similar in that I have no tremors; however, I do have balance and gait problems when I am fatigued, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Keeping active is important and should help lessen symptoms and keep you mobile.
I am also involved in an exercise center devoted exclusively to Parkinson's patients, and I always see people far more advanced in this disease, and it makes me wonder when my symptoms may worsen.
I suppose it is important to be grateful for the place where we are and to enjoy life to the fullest. You mention taking a boxing class. Are you involved in any other exercise programs?
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1 Reaction@hopeful33250 Hello! and thank you for your response to the links to further information. It is a situaton where I keep waiting for PD to "happen". I have no tremors. My gait is an 8 on a sale from 1 - 10. I do have an issue with balance, but will be 79 this week. But none of the "internal" symptoms I have read about have occurred. Not on medication. No real problems with fine motor tasks, buttons etc . .
So, I really don't even have much in the way of Parkinsonisms. Please don't think I diminish those with significant issues with PD: I am in a boxing class with men and women who are significantly advanced in their sympoms. I see the loads they carry, I guess I just wonder when my turn is.
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3 ReactionsHello @theirishfolk,
Welcome! I see that this is your first post in the PD support group. You are asking good questions about a PD diagnosis. Here is some information from the Mayo Clinic website about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of PD: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055
The Davis Phinney Foundation website is a great place to find information related to Parkinson's. I did a search and found some information about the DAT Scan. Here is the link: https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/blog/datscan/. Not all medical facilities offer this type of test, and many of us are diagnosed by observation and tests to rule out other neurological issues.
You mentioned that you have mild symptoms. Could you share what those symptoms are? Are you currently taking PD medications, and if so, have they helped?
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1 Reaction@sjde53 I had mild symptoms on diagnosis five years aga (I am 79), but did have the DaT scan, twice actually,and both times showed up positive for PD. Yet,again, no symptoms of note. Anyone know how reliable this DaT scan is?
Perhaps a more correct term would be Parkinsonism, which is what I was diagnosed with 2 years ago at the Mayo Clinic. I also do not have noticeable tremors, but the Sinemet I take controls the shaking I used to feel inside my left arm. I do get dizzy and have slow movements when I am very tired. I have the type of symptoms that are not always noticeable to other people, but that I am very much aware of.
A good resource to read more about Parkinsonism is from My Parkinsons Team: https://www.myparkinsonsteam.com/resources/parkinsonism-vs-parkinsons-whats-the-difference
I hope this will open for you and that you may find it helpful.
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