Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease

Pepper

Pepper

SF VIP
Location
NYC
Just wanted to let you all know that I am facing yet another health challenge. Was put on Rytary. Am not taking to it well. Have appointment for a second opinion, but since it's with the Parkinson's Institute it is not until September. May find a crappier place for a second opinion so I can get it faster.

I am extremely depressed, which I understand makes it worse.

Hence the unbearable shaking.
 

Pepper said:
Just wanted to let you all know that I am facing yet another health challenge. Was put on Rytary. Am not taking to it well. Have appointment for a second opinion, but since it's with the Parkinson's Institute it is not until September. May find a crappier place for a second opinion so I can get it faster.

I am extremely depressed, which I understand makes it worse.

Hence the unbearable shaking.
Click to expand...
This is a definite Diagnosis is it ?.. who diagnosed you ? I ask because my father had PD but he didn't have body shaking, and neither did anyone else at the beginning of their diagnosis, only a slight tremor in a finger or in ther jaw...

Also there's many other first signs..like body stiffness etc, which I don't remember you mentioning before..
 
Last edited:
Pepper said:
Just wanted to let you all know that I am facing yet another health challenge. Was put on Rytary. Am not taking to it well. Have appointment for a second opinion, but since it's with the Parkinson's Institute it is not until September. May find a crappier place for a second opinion so I can get it faster.

I am extremely depressed, which I understand makes it worse.

Hence the unbearable shaking.
Click to expand...
I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this diagnosis!! It's truly can be quite the burden.
I will try to keep you in prayer, I'm not sure what else to say.
But I'm encouraged that you have chosen to let us all know about it. That's incredibly brave!

(I accidently hit the laughing emoji... I hope that your alert thingy didn't cause added grief, I do apologize for that).
 

Pepper said:
Just wanted to let you all know that I am facing yet another health challenge. Was put on Rytary. Am not taking to it well. Have appointment for a second opinion, but since it's with the Parkinson's Institute it is not until September. May find a crappier place for a second opinion so I can get it faster.

I am extremely depressed, which I understand makes it worse.

Hence the unbearable shaking.
Click to expand...
Oh no. Our hearts are with you Pepper. 🙏
 
hollydolly said:
This is a definite Diagnosis is it ?.. who diagnosed you ? I ask because my father had PD but he didn't have body shaking, and neither did anyone else at the beginning of their diagnosis, only a slight tremor in a finger or in ther jaw...

Also there's many other first signs..like body stiffness etc, which I don't remember you mentioning before..
Click to expand...
Body stiffness. Lately, when I am sitting, supposedly relaxed, I realize I not not relaxed at all, but totally tense. I thought it was just me being neurotic, but now I understand this tension is not mental, but physical stiffness.

My neurologist made the diagnosis. Am definitely getting second opinion. Can't rush it as I have so many doctor appointments scheduled for June. Want to stay calm in the meantime, that's always a battle for me.
 
Pepper said:
Body stiffness. Lately, when I am sitting, supposedly relaxed, I realize I not not relaxed at all, but totally tense. I thought it was just me being neurotic, but now I understand this tension is not mental, but physical stiffness.

My neurologist made the diagnosis. Am definitely getting second opinion. Can't rush it as I have so many doctor appointments scheduled for June. Want to stay calm in the meantime, that's always a battle for me.
Click to expand...
this is really important that you try your very best to stay calm, don't exacerbate your symptoms any more than you can help..... but it really is important that you don't put off a second opinion, because if it IS Parkinsons, you may miss a crucial part of an early diagnosis which could help in your journey

I hope it's not PD.. I really do... but remember everyone has your back if it is... 🤗
 
Pepper said:
Body stiffness. Lately, when I am sitting, supposedly relaxed, I realize I not not relaxed at all, but totally tense. I thought it was just me being neurotic, but now I understand this tension is not mental, but physical stiffness.

My neurologist made the diagnosis. Am definitely getting second opinion. Can't rush it as I have so many doctor appointments scheduled for June. Want to stay calm in the meantime, that's always a battle for me.
Click to expand...
Glad you're going for a second opinion, Pepper. My father was only 56 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and he lived with it almost 20 years, and actually, it was a pre-existing heart condition that took him, rather than Parkinson's.

His condition began with a slight tremor in the forefinger of one hand and progressed very slowly over months. Over time, other symptoms such as stiffness in the legs and gradual changes in speech came about, but all this took a long time. Sometimes months went by, even years, and he stayed about the same. There were good medications even back then (late 1970's to mid 1990's) - so there must be many more effective treatments these days.

Please know I'm not minimizing your condition; only trying to offer encouragement.
 
Pepper said:
Just wanted to let you all know that I am facing yet another health challenge.
Click to expand...
I'm sorry to hear this. I have a close friend my age, who was in better physical condition than I who got that diagnosis about 6 months ago. They are retarding it with medications at present. I think it's a lottery type condition. I remember when I was a child that a lot of older people had it. I don't think we see it as often now because of treatments. I hope you find that to be true.
 
Pepper said:
Just wanted to let you all know that I am facing yet another health challenge. Was put on Rytary. Am not taking to it well. Have appointment for a second opinion, but since it's with the Parkinson's Institute it is not until September. May find a crappier place for a second opinion so I can get it faster.

I am extremely depressed, which I understand makes it worse.

Hence the unbearable shaking.
Click to expand...
I am sorry to hear this and understand how devastating the 'news' must feel. I hope that you do seek a 2nd opinion. There are many forms of medications that help; your doctor may have to try a few to find what works for you. I will keep you in my prayers.
 
I'm so sorry you have to go through all this stuff. For what ever my influence may be in the universe, I wish you the absolute best. What I can offer is what an absolute inspiration you have been to me, and undoubtedly others. Thank you from the very core of my heart. May peace and contentment be with you.
 
Sending you positive thoughts and mental hugs. One positive note is that you have a loving son and loving grandson close to you to give you real hugs. Hugs can go a long way in getting through rough moments. I don't know much but I do know that you have an inner strength to get you through the ups and downs that you will be facing.
 
Hugs for you, Pepper. For the second opinion, try to see a Motion Disorders Neurologist. Fortunately you’re in NYC and will have lots of resources. My husband has PD. Medicine does help. Exercise too. Best of all, you have your lovely family to support you.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top