My story continues … like so many others have experienced, there is many a difference in opinion depending on who you see. I saw yet another GP in my surgery, and he listened and believed me when I said the Neurologist had not done the a fraction of the checks he said he had done.
Though and behold he referred me to a movement consultant in Walton Centre in Liverpool. I have had my first appointnent and spent a lot longer than the eight minutes the first neuroligist grudgingly gave me! He arranged for me to leave a bit of blood for the pet vampires to taste and referred me for MRI of brain, which took place yesterday. He has said he will see me in spring, but to write if I need to tell him anything in the meantime. So no definitive diagnosis yet as I may be early PD but symptoms havent worsened as much as he would expect. But he confirmed a tremor and lack of expression on my face. So the investigation is on again.
Sorry for the essay!
Rose
Hi Rose - the difference with movement disorder specialists I’ve found is that they have the experience to know what they are doing & recognise subtle signs and symptoms even when not 100% sure what the problem is. And some doctors, including non-specialist neurologists, do not have the knowledge or courtesy to listen or examine patients adequately or, like the one we saw initially, are plainly out of date.
Take care & I’m pleased you are now being taken seriously.
Hi Mountainair, yes I understand what you mean, the neurologist was specialised in migraines.
So pleased I pushed for another referral out of the district. The movement disorder consultant was the only person other than my daughter to notice loss of expression on my face, Such a relief that someone listened.
Looking to see what happens next year, but am starting a diary as I forget frequency of my symptoms, etc.
Hi Roro
It’s such a relief when you eventually find a consultant that takes you seriously.
I too am on my second consultant after three years
and just the fact that he faced me and not his computer made me feel as though I could trust him more.
He said he would send me to a special physio and that happened today and I go back next week
So I’m now a lot more confident already that his diagnosis is likely to be correct
both appointments were over an hour .
Whereas like you my first consultant gave me ten minutes on each of his four appointments with six months between them.
Good luck going forward
Tommy X 
We dont ask much, to be listened to and acknowledged. After all we know what is happening in our bodies - even if we dont know why!
Onwards and upwards with a bit of a shake here and there 
Hi all
Newbie here at the age of 57. My left hand had a tremor, I went to my GP who diagnosed a trapped nerve in my elbow and told me I had to live with it. Various friends told me to return and ask for physio which I did. I was then taken a little more seriously and referred to a neurologist. One MRI and DAT scan later, there is no vascular deterioration and the dopamine test results are ‘vague’ so she has referred for a second opinion (that was the 10th December). Am on pramipexole 2 x 0.088mg, originally only one a day but upped after 2 weeks. Tremor is a little less, but still there. It has been a difficult thing to hear, but I’m glad that there are people who understand that I can communicate with.
Hi @Ali1,
A warm welcome to the forum.
You’ll definitely receive the right support here on the forum from people who know what you’re going through. Just to clarify, have you officially been diagnosed? I only ask because I want to ensure that I’m offering you the right help and support.
Please let me know.
Best wishes,
Reah
Yes, I have early Parkinsonism symptoms.
I want to chat with people who are a similar age to me or have had it diagnosed in their late 50s as I want to know if I should be thinking about living life to the full now or I will still be able to do things once I retire.
Kind regards
Alison
Ask your go to referee you to another neurologist for a second opinion.
Hi @Ali1,
That’s completely understandable. If you’d like more information on the different types of support available to you, along with some useful links that I’m sure will be helpful to you, please visit our ‘newly diagnosed’ section here - https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/newly-diagnosed-parkinsons.
We also have a great team of advisers via our helpline if you feel you need to speak to someone. Feel free to give us a call on 0808 800 0303 from Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm, Saturday: 10am-2pm, or you can email [email protected].
Do take care,
Reah
Any updates on how any of you have got on?
It took just over 2 years for me to get my diagnosis.
I am under a rheumatologist but the ones I saw told me all different things including fibromyalgia.
It wasn’t until I saw a completely new one that she noticed my resting tremor etc
So she did full mot: heart scan breathing tests eye tests( problems with that) and referral to neurologist. In her letter to neurologist she did say she thought either essential tremor or early onset of Parkinson’s.
when I saw neurologist in June this year he did walking test and could see resting tremor. Straight diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
medication Ropinirole started low dose then upped every week until on 10 mg a day. I saw neurologist on Thursday and upped now to 12mg a day which I have found better than 10mg.
He could not get scans done as 1) he said he could clearly see it was Parkinson’s 2) I am claustrophobic so can’t go in the machines.
I was also put in contact with Parkinson’s nurse who then has put me in contact with continence nurse neuro rehab physio speech and language therapist.
Lots of appointments.
I am lucky our area is fairly good apart from the GP surgery and I fight to see the same GP that know my history of illnesses
So if you want another referral for second opinion go for it.