New to Parkinson's - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

RAPBAP · 06-18-2006, 06:42 PM

Hello--This is quite new to me, I have never given any information to people I dont know personally, but this forum was recommended to me by a close friend. She advised -- since I work full time and really dont have time to seek out support groups that maybe I could find someone out there going through what I am--actually, not me, my husband is the one that was diagnosed with Parkinsons this past November. This threw the both of us for a loop. He is 60--fully retired from one job he had for 30 years and is working at another. (he really doesnt have to work, but he thinks he does--it's a guy thing.) Anyway, for quite sometime, several months, I was noticing him walking just a little funny. He every now and then "missed" a step. (I'm going to try and keep this short) He then started complaining about this shoulder (rt) being painful and stiff. Wasnt too long after that, numbness down the arm and into his hand. He said lately that his handwriting was "chicken scratch" that even he could not read it--and let me tell you what--this is one man who has always had beautiful handwriting. But the kicker of everything was his speech patterns, drooling, and lack of concentration, and the way he always held his arm and hand, like it was broken and was in constant pain. Made an appnt with the Doc--he sent him for an MRI w/o and it came back ok. Then he sent him to a neurologist and bingo--THE diagnosis. He has been on Mirapex, with increased dosage with each appointment. He is good about taking his meds. Has a good attitute and is fighting with just about all he's got. Is trying to stay active. He works full time. Has a big garden out again this year, is taking care of the yard nicely (we have a couple of acres), but when he has no activity in his body, HE FALLS ASLEEP!!! It's not that he dozes and takes a nap, but rather when he sits down, it's like you flip a switch and he's gone. It's not now and again--it's all the time. Is this the Parkinsons?? or Mirapex?? He also has been having trouble with pain in his lower back--nothing wrong with his renals--would this be the disease or meds? The Mirapex seems to be doing so well for his symptoms (the tremors, memory, numbness, shoulder and arm pain--cant say a whole lot for the drooling , but we're working on it)
I'm trying hard to learn about this disease, it's nutty! But then, am thankful it was not a stroke as I had originally thought. Is there anyone out there experiencing the same things? I sure would like to hear. Thanx

MissHelen · 06-18-2006, 07:04 PM

Sorry to hear about all you guys are going through. I've been watching this sight since April. I've been trying to find out about memory problems for a number of years. They finally said that it wasn't dementia and started on the shaking in one hand. First I was mad. Can't think and they worry about shaking. Dr's said they suspect Parkinsons. They're just waiting for the last of the tests. Seems my balance problems could be from Parkinsons. How did they finally diagnose your husband?

I don't know of any support groups, but may be looking too. Did you ask the doctors?

azredhead · 06-24-2006, 11:22 PM

I'm relatively new to Parkinson's too, but the doctors under Ask the Doctor at the National Parkinson's Foundation seem to offer very good advice. Lots of folks there have written in with questions about meds and other topics.
Good luck.

Dania1 · 09-14-2006, 11:11 PM

Dear New--Finally, a moment to write you. My husband is 62 and was diagnosed with PD this past spring. I know exactly what you mean about the sleeping! The minute he gets in front of the tv, starts to read, goes to a movie, or a concert, he konks out - completely. He hates it, but there's no getting past it. I have noticed other things, too -- like a lot of things make him nervous and he tends to hover, and ask a lot of unnecessary questions. It's like the PD has aged him about 25 years in just a few months. Does this ring any bells with you?