The diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson's on that blustery, cloudy, and damp February day immediately changed my life. For about a year before that unforgettable day, I had wondered what was wrong with me. At first I was totally oblivious there was something wrong. From time to time people commented on the shaking of my left hand. I had not noticed that nor did I think much of it when people pointed it out. I am left-handed, it is my dominant side. There was no reason to even think about it. I had always walked fast, taking long steps. Some people at times had to half run to keep up with me. Now I was the one walking behind others. Again, someone else pointed this out to me. I had not taken notice of it and thought, "I'm walking as fast as I can. So what is the problem?"
I did nothing, and did not go to the doctor until my left arm started hurting so bad I just wanted someone to cut if off (figuratively speaking, of course). Perhaps because it was wintertime when I first went to the doctor, he felt I might have an arthritic spur in my neck.
The doctors also suspected carpal tunnel syndrome or a pinched nerve. A Parkinson's disease diagnosis for a 34-year-old woman was not immediately considered. Finally, my physician referred me to a neurologist. You read above how that went. As excellent a neurologist as he is, he felt that I should have his diagnosis confirmed by a specialist in Parkinson's disease. I have been fortunate with all my doctors. The specialist is excellent and also has that "compassionate professionalism" I referred to earlier.
The specialist was realistic, but upbeat. There was not then, and is not now a contradiction in those traits. He told me of research occurring in the Parkinson's field. He is involved in research, seeing patients, teaching, writing, and giving lectures. He told me new treatments are constantly being developed.
I learned I could be in control of my disease by exercising, taking my medicine at the same time every day, and the list goes on. I recently saw my specialist on TV saying there is always something that can be done to help Parkinson's patients. He noted he has never turned away anyone with Parkinson's -- even those who are in the advanced stages. If I had to get this disease, I must say from the start, I had two excellent doctors on board.
I was feeling good when I left the specialist's office. It was unrealistic of course for me to take him with me wherever I could. But I needed that because I was not yet as strong as I thought. I could have taken his words with me. However, that was not the case. On the way home all the tears, frustration, anger, and disbelief took over. Upon arriving home I took all the literature I had been given about Parkinson's disease and threw it in the trash.
From the moment of my diagnosis, Parkinson's has affected every area of my life. I will share some of it with you here in future blogs.
Next week: How Parkinson's disease affected my job while I was still for the most part asymptomatic.