Question on symptoms - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

inspectormoe · 11-24-2008, 03:48 PM

The last 6+ mos. or so I have been experiencing little to no right arm swing, lousy small writing and trembling in the right arm. Lately the trembling has subsided quit a bit but the arm swing is still non-existant. Does this disease come and go in the early stages? I feel more in my mind there is a pinched nerve but the doc says that wouldn't account for the arm swing issue. Any thoughts?

sunshine221 · 11-27-2008, 07:36 AM

Much of what you are writing are typical symptoms of PD. My case started with lack of arm swing but I was also diagnosed with Cervical stenosis (basically a constriction in the spinal cord). You should probably see a neurologist who will probably send you for MRI(s) to rule out causes other than PD and/or give you a trial of requip, mirapax or sinemet to see if you symptoms improve. I don't check here all the time but I'll try to look for updates from you. Good luck -it's incredibly scarey to basically know there is no "cure" only symptom management. In my case it's been 4 years and I really haven't gotten worse, just frustrating that while many things (like the small handwriting) got better after surgery, I know that I'll never walk properly again.

I just turned 50 so its especially frustrating - just when I have an empty nest, etc.
Sunshine

inspectormoe · 11-27-2008, 10:04 AM

Sunshine, thanks for the reply. I TOTALLY understand about hitting 50 and how things change, it did for me. I'm 60 now (when did that sneak up?

) planning to do a lot of things.

I saw a neurologist yesterday and he told me he doesn't think it's PD or else it's one he's never seen before! I thought my symptoms were classic but he thinks I might have a blood clot or benign tumor so I'm getting scheduled for a MRI. That threw me for a diagnosis! I didn't have the tremors for him to see so maybe that was a deciding factor. Filling out the medical history form for the doctor should have gotten his attention as it (writing) looks terrible/small. So we'll see where it goes. At the moment we're waiting for insurance authorization for the MRI.

I'm glad to hear your symptoms seem to be holding status quo; is it due to meds you are taking? I read the progression of PD and it is scary like you said, especially when we, like you, are empty nester's wanting to travel or pursue hobbies. Seems getting older isn't friendly

Thanks!

sunshine221 · 11-30-2008, 08:59 AM

Good luck with the MRI, give a post here with the results.

I'm taking very low doses of Requip -1mg/3x per day and Azilect .5mg/1x per day - both are below "guidelines" - the Requip appeared to make a difference immediately but the Azilect is more "subtle" so I don't really know. I hardly miss a dose so I don't knw for sure if its making a difference in the long term. I've thought about stopping them and see what happens - my next specialist appointment is in April and I plan to ask him if we "can experiement"

Sunshine

inspectormoe · 11-30-2008, 09:48 AM

Hi Sunshine, I'm glad to hear the low doses of medications are helping with your symptoms. I can sure agree with your desire to experiment as why take additional meds if just one would help. I sure hope the specialist you see in April agrees to try different therapies.

Once I get the MRI clearance, then the appt. for the scan and then the follow-up appt., I'll post here with the results. I'm not anticipating any findings from the scan but I guess it has to be ruled out. I seem to get pain in the shoulders, do you? They have looked at impingement but don't think that's the cause nor do they feel it would keep the arm from swinging. Drives me nuts!

Good Luck and Happy Holidays!