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
