FAQ/Help |
Calendar |
Search |
Today's Posts |
09-21-2007, 08:33 PM | #1 | |||
|
||||
Member
|
I was wondering if anyone would share with me when they noticed and what their early signs of PD were.
MS has been ruled out for me, but I know that there is something wrong with me neurologically. They tell you to listen to your body and that is what I am doing. In 2003 I had a major surgery and shortly after is when my symptoms began. I have tremors, myoclonic jerks, insomnia, bladder control problems, memory lapse(not able to remember words, events, etc), depression, run into walls and objects(both in light and darkness), cramps in my legs and feet, staring for long periods of time without blinking, and my biggest problems is fatigue. EXTREME FATIGUE! Now I know this symptoms can be a combination of different things, and I am being treated for depression(Cymbalta), NES(Lamictal), Fibromyalgia(Lyrica) and severe migraines w/auras(verapamil and Migra-Ease). However w/these medications, I still have the above symptoms. I have seen a neurologist that specialized in MS. He ruled out MS today. We have been looking at MS for about two years, but he said the test in the last two years (MRI scans, Lumbar Puncture, VEP and blood test) rule out MS. Do you think he would/should have picked up on PD if I present these above symptoms?(even if he does specialize in MS) All your comments/advice and suggestions are greatly appreciated and I would like to thank you in advance. M
__________________
"Cool, never goes out of style" - The King, Elvis Presley Chronic Fatigue Syndrome '97, Chronic Sinusitis '97, Chronic Pain '04-present, Degenerative Disc Disease '86, Depression '88, Fibromyalgia '00, RLS+PLMD '04, Severe IBS '05 Non-Epileptic Seizure Disorder '08 |
|||
Reply With Quote |
09-21-2007, 08:47 PM | #2 | |||
|
||||
In Remembrance
|
That is a heap of drugs you are taking. They have never been checked to see what even two of them combined will do. Do you get enough benefit to justify taking all those or was it desperation?
The big clue is the timing vis-a-vis your surgery. That is not a coincidence. It might be worth considering the possibility of a problem with the anesthesia.
__________________
Born in 1953, 1st symptoms and misdiagnosed as essential tremor in 1992. Dx with PD in 2000. Currently (2011) taking 200/50 Sinemet CR 8 times a day + 10/100 Sinemet 3 times a day. Functional 90% of waking day but fragile. Failure at exercise but still trying. Constantly experimenting. Beta blocker and ACE inhibitor at present. Currently (01/2013) taking ldopa/carbadopa 200/50 CR six times a day + 10/100 form 3 times daily. Functional 90% of day. Update 04/2013: L/C 200/50 8x; Beta Blocker; ACE Inhib; Ginger; Turmeric; Creatine; Magnesium; Potassium. Doing well. |
|||
Reply With Quote |
09-21-2007, 08:47 PM | #3 | |||
|
||||
In Remembrance
|
it sounds like you have some type of neurotoxic poisoning -
do you drink diet cola's? what do you eat? I know this may sound too simplistic -but diet is the most logical place to start, have you had an MRI? you may be toxic - do you know what you blood pH is? I am not an MD, but please see a nutrtionist... you may need B-12 and magnesium and calcium -what are all the meds are you taking? cymbalta See also Warning section. Nausea, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, increased sweating, blurred vision, or yawning may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.g., nervousness, unusual high energy/excitement, rare thoughts of suicide), shakiness (tremor), decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, difficulty urinating, change in the amount of urine, weight loss. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: stomach pain, bloody/black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, easy bruising/bleeding, muscle weakness/cramps, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, seizures, unusual tiredness, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat. This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome. The risk increases when this medication is used with certain other drugs such as "triptans" used to treat migraine headaches (e.g., sumatriptan, eletriptan), certain antidepressants including SSRIs (e.g., citalopram, paroxetine) and other SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine), lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, or a certain drug to treat obesity (sibutramine). See also Drug Interactions section. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you take any of these medications. Serotonin syndrome may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of any of these medications. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop some of the following symptoms: hallucinations, restlessness, loss of coordination, fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, unexplained fever, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitchy muscles. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/cymbalta.htm side effects http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/cymbalta_ad.htm lyrica Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, unsteadiness, fatigue, swollen arms/legs, increased appetite, weight gain, nausea, dry mouth or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: change in amount of urine, difficulty speaking, loss of coordination, mental/mood changes, muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially if your are tired or have a fever), stomach/abdominal pain, uncontrolled movements (e.g., tremor, twitching), unusual tiredness, vision changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: unusual bleeding/bruising, slow or irregular heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lyrica.htm side effects http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lyrica_ad.htm lamictal The following side effects are associated with Lamictal Oral: Common side effects: Double Vision Severe Blurred Vision Severe Problems with Eyesight Severe Uncoordinated Severe Rash Severe Disorder of the Digestive System Less Severe Drowsiness Less Severe Dizzy Less Severe Head Pain Less Severe Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe Throwing Up Less Severe Infrequent side effects: Depression Severe Lower Seizure Threshold Severe Toxic Effect on Brain or Spinal Cord Function Severe Involuntary Eye Movement Severe Easily Angered or Annoyed Severe Confused Severe Mood Changes Severe Anxious Severe Change in Mental State Severe Rare side effects: Multiple Organ Failure Severe Erythema Multiforme Severe Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Severe Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe Fever Severe Voluntary Movement Difficulty Severe Small Reddish-Purplish Pin-Point Sized Spots on the Skin Severe Giant Hives Severe Allergic Reaction caused by a Drug Severe Reaction due to an Allergy Severe Anemia Severe Decreased Blood Platelets Severe Deficiency of Granulocytes a Type of White Blood Cell Severe Decreased White Blood Cells Severe Increased Eosinophils in the Blood Severe Blood Disorder Severe Inflammation of the Nose Less Severe Conditions of Excess Stomach Acid Secretion Less Severe Abnormal Trouble Sleeping Less Severe Involuntary Quivering Less Severe Difficulty Speaking Less Severe Feeling Weak Less Severe http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lamotrigine.htm side effects http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lamotrigine_ad.htm if you feel something is very wrong go to the ER -some medications may need to be titrated down -do not go off any of these cold turkey with out a MD's advise.
__________________
with much love, lou_lou . . by . , on Flickr pd documentary - part 2 and 3 . . Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and the wrong. Sometime in your life you will have been all of these. Last edited by lou_lou; 09-21-2007 at 09:33 PM. |
|||
Reply With Quote |
09-21-2007, 08:58 PM | #4 | |||
|
||||
Member
|
sounds like your answer is tied to your surgery. I too would be worried about drug interactions.
I would suggest you see an endocrinologist to eliminate something glandular as a possibility. Anesthesia is hard on your endocrine system. It's senseless to try and diagnose PD by yourself. There are so many symptom permutations, it would only confuse you. Go to "Find a Doctor" at www.parkinson.org and find a MDS, (Movement Disorder Specialist) near you, and get a consult. IF it were me I'd see the endocrinologist first though. Charlie Last edited by chasmo; 09-21-2007 at 09:05 PM. Reason: added more priceless pearls of wisdom!!.....LOL |
|||
Reply With Quote |
09-22-2007, 12:35 AM | #5 | |||
|
||||
Member
|
I wouldn't go so far as to say that it is senseless to try and diagnose PD by yourself, but it is a difficult situation. Idiopathic (meaning there is no known cause) PD is a diagnosis of exclusion. I've been struggling with this for nearly a year, and only in the last few weeks have the doctors started using the word "Parkinson's." I have been tested for just about everything. The tests have me in near perfect health, yet I feel awful. It's frustrating to be told that everything is fine when it took just about all I had just to get myself to the doctor's office. The problem is the diagnosis by exclusion--which is basically saying that if it isn't anything else, then maybe it's PD. It can be very frustrating and time-consuming. Be patient if you're thinking it's PD.
A few other thoughts:
You have my best wishes. Please feel welcome to post again as you work toward feeling better. There are some very kind and helpful folks who are members of this forum. |
|||
Reply With Quote |
09-22-2007, 01:19 AM | #6 | |||
|
||||
Member
|
The concern for my medications is well validated. However, I did see my neurologist on Friday and he looked at all the medications to make sure they didn't interact or that I wasn't on very high doses that may cause some of my symptoms.
I have been on Cymbalta for over 3 years, it really hadn't bothered that I know of. The Lyrica is need for Fibro or I would never be out of bed due to chronic pain. Lamictal I need for seizures caused by the migraines. Verapamil (which is an old blood pressure medicine) helps control my migraines, and the Migra-Eaze is an over the counter supplement to help with migraines. I should mention that in addition to these above meds, I also take a multivitamin, B-6, B-12, Complex B, Vit. D, Vit. E, Ginko Biloboa, and Fish Oil (EHA, which I understand to be the purest form of Fish Oil). My B-12 level is over 1000, but if I stop taking the B-12, it immediately starts to crash. Before taking B-12, my levels were only around 167. I don't want it to get that low. Regarding the anesthia, I have had 4 surgeries that required anesthia. It didn't bother me and the symptoms didn't start until my last surgery, which was the most major one of all four. Do you think it still could be due to the anesthia even though I had it before w/o any problems? I definitely don't want to self diagnose which is why I came to this forum. You all are really great in giving your ideas/suggestions/thoughts. I definitely will schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist to see what they think. Once again a sincere thanks for information regarding my symptoms/problem. I would like to hear more from anyone else that has ideas/suggestions/thoughts, as well hearing from those who already commented. What do you think of my supplements and now that I explained my medicine regimine more clearly, do you think it could still be a problem? Thank you in advance. M
__________________
"Cool, never goes out of style" - The King, Elvis Presley Chronic Fatigue Syndrome '97, Chronic Sinusitis '97, Chronic Pain '04-present, Degenerative Disc Disease '86, Depression '88, Fibromyalgia '00, RLS+PLMD '04, Severe IBS '05 Non-Epileptic Seizure Disorder '08 |
|||
Reply With Quote |
09-22-2007, 01:48 AM | #7 | ||
|
|||
Member
|
tremor, arm swing and slowness of movement.
However PD is a ***** to dx, the neuro (by now a PD specialist), needed 8 months, an MRI scan, and a DAT scan (injection of a radioactive isotope flown in from Holland !!), to say for sure so IMHO self dx is a "no no". The neuro who first "pre dx'ed" me at age 40 was not a PD specialist, he referred me to a PD specialist, so in my experience, I would expect your "MS Neuro" to pick up the possibility of PD and refer you if he thought PD was a possibility. Neil. |
||
Reply With Quote |
09-22-2007, 01:50 AM | #8 | |||
|
||||
Member
|
Did the neurologist evaluate the prescription medications AND the non-prescription substances? It is well known that Ginko Biloba can cause headaches. I tried it a few years ago and had to stop. It caused the worst headaches of my life. A lot of the substances on your list can have side effects. And then there is the possibility of interactions, and the likelihood of drug interaction problems increases with every additional drug or substance.
A while back, I stopped all medications. I did it with my doctor. It was helpful because it established a baseline for my condition. Then we started adding medications methodically and only one at a time. It was kinda painful as the PD symptoms came out in full force. It was also very enlightening. I was on antidepressants for ten years before I started to have insomnia. My doctor said that over time, our reactions to medications can change, and that is probably what happened to me. I was taking antidepressants for so long because of diagnosed migraines. It turns out that I had sleep apnea and that was the cause of the headaches. Since I've been sleeping with a CPAP machine to keep me breathing and thus properly oxygenate my blood, the headaches are no more. It turns out, I didn't have migraines and didn't need the antidepressants--though, I'll have to admit, they did help. Did you say how long ago your last surgery was? |
|||
Reply With Quote |
09-22-2007, 02:49 AM | #9 | ||
|
|||
Member
|
I thought I was dying as the palpations were so strong.I am a fit and reasonable well person for my age.Herbal medication has to be approched with caution.Just because they are natural it does not mean they are harmless.Never take a Vit B in isolation unless you have proper advice or are sure of what you are doing..You need the full spectrum of B Vit
|
||
Reply With Quote |
09-22-2007, 03:01 AM | #10 | ||
|
|||
Member
|
Have you been tested for Wilsons disease?I am not a doctor and I only know what I read but this is a very overlooked condition .I suppose because it crosses boundaries.
|
||
Reply With Quote |
Reply |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Signs/Symptoms of a Stroke | Stroke |