Hi Bob,

I have also had an Fdopascan at Mt. Zion which also has 98% accuracy. Between the moderately advanced results of that test and the Parkin mutations I think I can be pretty sure of my diagnosis. About as sure as anyone can be.

It doesn't make anyone elses diagnosis less significant, since these days, it is not the disease that is being treated, but the symptoms. The way my symptoms are treated are no different than someone with idiopathic Parkinson's. Diagnosing tools are as important as treatment. I have been saying this for years, that it is important to develop better diagnostic tools before telling a patient he has a life sentence of Parkinson's Disease.

The current diagnosis format is open for questioning at any time. After 10 years of believing my diagnosis, I went for a DBS screening, the only available facility at the time, and was not even allowed to talk to the neurosurgeon because the neurologist diagnosed me with a pschiatric disorder. It was not until after the above mentioned tests were performed that I was allowed the DBS.

How many patients have also had their original diagnosis questioned, and not been able to afford the above two tests? I was one of the lucky ones.

Love,
Vicky