Dear Readers,
I want to yell out GOOD NEWS, but I can't yet as it is not confirmed. I might have ET (Essential Tremors) instead of PD. Ah ha - that's what I said when the specialist was talking to me.
On Wednesday I had an appointment in Milwaukee with a neurologist who specializes in Movement Disorders (Parkinsons, Essential Tremor, MS, etc.) She had thoroughly reviewed my records before I arrived, and did the standard things each time you see a doctor - check reflexes, watch me imitate her hand movements, and take a walk. She also thoroughly quizzed me about the side effects of the Parkinson's drugs I had been taking - symptoms before and after drugs, results, etc. She spent a full hour with me in her office just talking.
It is her opinion that I have Essential Tremors rather than Parkinson's. But, she wants me to have a DaTscan at her hospital in Milwaukee. It will involve being there all day - drinking a special cocktail (do you want to come along?), inject another cocktail in a vein, etc. That test will be the determining factor and will produce an image something like this:
I wonder if I'll be radioactive and glow in the dark. Woohoo!
I'm still in somewhat of a daze over this. I'm not celebrating yet, but surely will when the final word is in. I am thinking, however, that no wonder I was having so many side effects with the PD drugs. Their purpose, I believe, is to replace the dopamine in your brain. Well, if I don't have PD, but was getting PD drugs with extra dopamine, it doesn't take a scientist to figure out I was getting way to much dopamine. No wonder I felt like I was totally drugged all the time - I was.
Well, enough of that - the doctor did prescribe the proper med for ET, and told me to take 1/2 tablet at night to start with. It does make me light headed for sure - one step down from dizzy. Maybe that will lessen in time.
Anyway dear readers, that's where we are at today! My appointment for the DaTscan is May 1st - HAPPY MAY DAY!
It still isn't spring here even though the calendar says it is. It's cold, rainy, and damp. I'm trying to think S P R I N G !
Thanks for "hanging in there with me" on this journey - we'll see where we go.
Until next time,
Mary
Yay that is good news Mary. I hope the test turns out and the new medication helps you to feel better.
ReplyDeleteI really hope they can sort it out and help you, Mary. Fingers and wings (you know whose) crossed for you. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteWe shall all pray for the best news!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Mary, I am praying that this is true and things will be better for you!
ReplyDeleteHUGS!!!
We sure are going to pray for the best news on May 1!
ReplyDeleteI hope you finally found the right doctor to help you start feeling better. Sorry that you have to go through that test, but now you'll know once and for all. I will be sending lots of positive thoughts your way, and I wish you all the best Mary!
ReplyDeleteJulie
I am jumping for joy! I am I am I am! I believe you do have ET!!!
ReplyDeleteHoping that you are feeling better and that this is the right path!
ReplyDeleteDearest Mary I have my fingers crossed for you and Jessie has her paws crossed. Would answer so many questions if it was ET and not PD xxx's with so much love your you
ReplyDeleteSweetie, I am SO excited for you! I'll be keeping my fingers and toes crossed until you hear the final word!
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping the meds work and all the news is GOOD! *hugs*
Whoa! this is great news but I hope those PD drugs didn't do any damage. I'd start thinking about malpractice if they did. I relly hope that you have the ET and that you respond to treatment and are, in fact, feeling better already.
ReplyDeleteI'm baaaaak and still jumping for joy for you.
ReplyDeleteWow Wow Wow what news you had for us!!!!! It sounds like wonderful news!!! It sounds kind of scary too!!! Gees I hope the PD drugs didn't do long term damage!!!!!!!! WE all want the best for you dear friend!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better soon and that this time the doctor got it right.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love,
Piper and Sushi