So where exactly am I? Not where I expected to be. I am in a place of surprise, shock, uncertainty, fear, sadness and exhaustion -- while still trying to be the "glass half-full" girl I pride myself on.
In October, a month before my 54th birthday, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. A definite detour in my life's path. Just starting my 10th year of teaching, working out 5 days a week, traveling often with my husband of 26 years -- I had been working hard to counteract what I thought were signs of aging & menopause. In the months since then, my symptoms have continued to progress, more rapidly than any of us expected. The medication and physical therapy has had minimal impact.
Each visit with my neurologist has brought an increase or other change in prescribed medication. He has admitted (and this is supported through all of my research) that treatment is a bit of a guess-and-check process. You keep trying things, as each patient has a different path of symptoms, and a different reaction to treatments. As time has gone on, though, I have had a strong feeling that there is more going on -- and I brought my suspicions to him. I wish he could have told me I was wrong.
I am being referred to Swedish Medical Center for additional evaluation. We think I may have developed Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). This is not good news. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare degenerative condition (historically called Shy Drager Syndrome). In MSA, more widespread neurological damage occurs than in the case of Parkinson’s. When compared with Parkinson's Disease, Multiple System Atrophy affects more areas that control important autonomic functions such as heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, urination, digestion, body temperature, eye movements and sweating. MSA does not usually respond as well to anti-Parkinson's medicines, if it responds at all. Parkinson's Disease responds well to these medications, which helps doctors to make that diagnosis. MSA progresses more quickly--patients have an average survival rate of 7-9 years, while Parkinson's Disease does not necessarily affect the longevity of the patient.
I am a fan of knowledge -- the more you know, the more choices you have. I have done due diligence in my research. Now I need to wait for the medical world to share what more they may be able to tell me. I have a wonderful group of people supporting and helping me -- my physical, occupational and speech therapists, my personal trainer (Rodney Soto), dear friends, and my family. I am up for the challenge -- refuse to take it lying down.
This blog will be my way of documenting a journey I hadn't planned and have no map for. Fasten your seat belts.
I was diagnosed in November 2007 with Parkinson's Disease. I have left side tremors, balance and gait issues and some non-motor symptoms: quiet voice, some cognitive decline, small handwriting. I am currently on Sinemet for tremors and Cymbalta for neuropathy related to diabetes and previous chemotherapy. It was on my 25th anniversary of surviving breast cancer that I got the PD diagnosis. I am 69, retired, single woman sharing a house with my sister. I like to read, quilt, and crochet. I have been reading up on PD. Until I read too much and it scares me. Then I put it away until I calm down and can research it some more. I need advice and some direction. I searched further, visited Parkinson’s websites, blogs. I find info about someone having the same symptoms. I was really determined. Fortunately for me, I stumbled on a testimony of someone who had Parkinson’s for several years and was cured through Herbal medication. I read awesome stories of people whose condition were worse. I was not a fan of Herbal Medication, because I once believed that they have not researched it enough. But due to numerous testimonies I was more than willing to try it…. I contacted Dr. Fabien, and I purchased the medicine and used just the way doctor instructed. Its a thing of joy to come back and make my review.. It became a miracle for me within 7 months. The herbal medication worked without any trace of side effects on I’m…. totally free. I have been cured for Parkinson’s. I was a shocking experience with the medicine. I never knew I will be free for Parkinson’s disease. Email dr.fabiencontantin@gmail.com or www.kunimeherbs.com
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