Aloha!

My 56 year old husband was diagnosed with PD last week by his neurologist based on some symptoms he was experiencing. This was after being given a clear bill of health by the same neurologist about a month before (he had an MRI and saw a cardiologist as well).

My question is this.....a diagnosis of PD is a huge deal...I read where there is about a 20% percentage of misdiagnosis with this and since we only have one neurologist here where we live (small island) and he doesn't specialize in Parkinson's or Body Movement disorders ...shouldn't we try to get a 2nd opinion on this?

Or would you consider that a waste of money in terms of our no doubt having to pay to fly to another island and someone outside our network of insurance coverage who specializes in Body Movement disorders.

I'm so confused and scared....husband doesn't really care, thinks that if the neurologist says he has it, he does. I should say that my husband is a 35 year marathon runner, exercises religiously every day, has never smoked or drank and is not depressed by this diagnosis. I am however.

I have no one to talk with here about this, so I'm reaching out to others here who have gone thru this for advice.

I appreciate any response that you can give me. Mahalo.

I would go to a movement specialist for a second opinion. If it were me I wouldn't mention the diagnosis. Thats up to you though. Fingers crossed.

I recommend that you have anevaluation with a movement disorder specialist. Early intervention can mitigate the disease significantly.. Check the Pedaling for Parkinsons thread.

Best of luck.

By all means, see another neuro for a second. I have often wished that I had. Too often we are dealing with a life changing diagnosis delivered by a seemingly uncaring "professional" and are thrown into a drug maelstrom from which we never emerge.

I also suggest that you consider an endocrinologist as well. There is a lot of overlap in symptoms between the two.

absolutely need a 2nd opinion with the best MDS you can find so your're pretty sure. having a chronic progressive disease can change every major decision you make - where you'll live, your finances, family planning, etc,. and if your're the care giver you need to know so you can stay up on all the current research, conventional and non conventional, it's a job. but you said doctor didn't prescribe any drugs so you don't have the need to get a 2nd immediately.

i was diagnosed at 48, very athletic, played soccer 2-3 times a week and ran. everyone was shocked that i got the diagnosis, very mild symptoms. so athletes get pd. got 2nd diagnosis, paid out of pocket, cost about $250.
you need to also consider if you want your husband's pd on his medical records right away, there are potential financial consequences especially with disability, life insurance, etc. that's why i paid for my 2nd diagnosis out of pocket.

here's another resource

http://parkinsonshawaii.org/support-groups/

Soccertese

How does PD affect life insurance? I know that being diagnosed with PD qualifies the PD patient for disability since it is a progressive neurological disease from which one cannot recover. Although for many people disability benefits are almost always declined the first time around, but almost always get approved on the second application if medical records are included.

I believe an official diagnosis of any sort of long term/chronic condition could influence ins premiums and possible policy coverage.

I don't think there is any automatic approval for disability (SSDI) because of a PD dx on it's own.. it depends on the severity of the symptoms and if you cannot participate in any gainful employment.

my mistake, was thinking of private LONG TERM DISABILITY insurance.

I wish I had purchased a long term disability insurance. The one provided by my employer covers only 2 years of disability. After the 2 years are over, the lawyers of the LTDI will always help the disabled person get SSDI.