[alex1181]

Hi,
After seeing an neurologist a few weeks ago- he said it maybe early Parkinson’s disease, probably due to a parkin mutation or an unusual essential tremor. But since then my foot has being shaking a lot more often especially when resting , when standing my knee shakes, not my foot i was shaking a day before (thought it was nervous) i met him, but i didn't tell him about it- its happing more often now. I also notice that im a little lame walking as it feels like one leg is bigger than the other (but there not there normal length). i also have some problem walking up hilly ground and upstairs i have not told him any of this since im only noticing it now more often. does it sound more like Parkinson's Disease now. i have stiffness, resting tremors in my hands- he already knows this. Thanks

[Jaye]

Hi, Alex

I apologize on behalf of the community for not responding to you over the last 24 or so hours. Welcome to Neurotalk.

We aren't doctors here and can only tell you what we have gone through or what our friends and associates here have experienced.

Sometimes neurologists are careless with their language, like everyone else. I doubt that he could tell from looking at you which gene(s) are affected by your condition, but that might be a good question for him. Some people with a young onset type of Parkinson's will show essential tremor first, that changes later to a resting tremor, or perhaps have both at once, but there are at least 300 causes for tremor, and it takes a lot of education to know them all. If you can't get your questions answered, see another neurologist until you find one you can work with, preferably a Movement Disorder Specialist.

It seems to me that no one progresses as much or as quickly as you describe, so gee, maybe there is a component of "nervousness," but you still deserve to have answers to your questions or at least be taken seriously. You, in turn, must disclose what you've observed, but you may not have to go into detail if the doctor moves on. (Hard to judge this so early on.)

Now, having said all that, my recommendation would be to go out and see a movie, maybe have a beer and some pizza with friends. Relax. Tomorrow morning start on an exercise program with simple walking, and see your primary physician, or consult one of the "orgs" such as PDF, NPF, MJFF, etc. for what kind of moves to work on. If you do have PD, exercise is your best hope.

Whether or not you have PD, it may be a long struggle to get a diagnosis. For sure it's a long battle if you do have it, so marshall your strength, have courage, eat right, dance as if no one was watching, and let us know how you're doing.

Jaye

[made it up]

Originally Posted by alex1181

Hi,
After seeing an neurologist a few weeks ago- he said it maybe early Parkinson’s disease, probably due to a parkin mutation or an unusual essential tremor. But since then my foot has being shaking a lot more often especially when resting , when standing my knee shakes, not my foot i was shaking a day before (thought it was nervous) i met him, but i didn't tell him about it- its happing more often now. I also notice that im a little lame walking as it feels like one leg is bigger than the other (but there not there normal length). i also have some problem walking up hilly ground and upstairs i have not told him any of this since im only noticing it now more often. does it sound more like Parkinson's Disease now. i have stiffness, resting tremors in my hands- he already knows this. Thanks

Hi Alex,
One way to see if it most likely is PD would be to try some levodopa (brand name Sinemet) and if you find relief from your presenting symptoms it might be more likely the diagnosis is correct.
It doesn't mean you'll need to start on it on a regular basis straight away but if you're more asymptomatic with a dose of Sinemet that it is more likely the neuro got it right.
Please keep us posted.
Lee