I’ve been sitting on this since we came back from an appt today/ yesterday it’s late I couldn’t sleep.
My partner was supposed to be seen 6 months from his last appt, but we asked to be seen by the Parkinson’s doctor after 4 months. Symptoms have increased over this period of time. Tremors are really bad we were told he has less of a swing in one arm than last time. He has numbness on one side his leg arm and face and a resting tremor. He stumbles doesn’t like going downstairs fear of falling. I even said I felt scared. We were told at the last appt it was an essential tremor today the doctor said it doesn’t all fit into this anymore. He is being sent for a datscan in approx a month he said., but he still isn’t sure it is Parkinson’s. I feel like I am sure but I’m no expert but I live with him see him all the time. I am scared for the future, this is me being very vulnerable and honest.
Hi
The resting tremor is one of the symptoms of Parkinsonism as is the loss of arm swing but the numbness you mention is not. That sounds as if it may be a nerve or brain problem. I am sure that having the DatScan will assist in getting the proper treatment.
Take care
Doug
Thank you for your reply Doug. That’s what the consultant said, and he’s deteriorated a lot in 4 months. It’s all down now to the datscan now I think.
We’re sorry to hear about all this Loulou25 - please keep us posted with updates. But in the meantime if you need support you can always call our helpline. You can reach them on 0808 800 0303 and are always there to help.
Hi Loulou25,
Douglas is correct, the numbness is not normally a symptom, and it does sound as if he may have a pinched nerve however the numbness down the side sounds like he may have had a stroke.
Please get him to a hospital.
Hello Loulou25
I have just read your post and your fear and distress is clear, as you said this is you being honest. Unfortunately I don’t have much time at the moment to write much but I wanted to try and reassure you even if just a little. There is not a definitive test to diagnose Parkinson’s. That depends on clinical observations and often various scans for confirmation. This can make the period before formal diagnosis very difficult. It can be frustrating and worrying. The medication is very good and if your partner is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, chances are his symptoms will improve once on medication. It is worth mentioning that the medication can take a while to sort out what best suits him which may seem like a bit trial and error at first, but once it’s right hopefully things won’t seem so bad. Don’t be thinking too far ahead, concentrate on getting the present sorted for now but just so you know, many of us with Parkinson’s live full and productive lives for many years and it’s not all one big black hole where the only way is down that it might seem to you just now.
Best wishes.
Tot
Hello Loulou
I just wondered how you were feeling a few days on from your partner’s diagnosis. I know it is very early days and that the shock may not have completely gone for either of you, but I hope things don’t seem quite as bleak as they did when writing your first post. We’ve all been where you are in one way or another and all have come out the other side having found a way to live with Parkinson’s. So will you and your partner. I can’t tell you when or how because it is happening to you but it will happen; until then just hang on in there and do the best you can - that’s all you can do and it will be enough.
Tot
The consultant has now added on an MRI scan I’m not sure what he’s thinking but he is crossing every T and dotting every i so that’s a positive thing. A waiting game now for the appt.
You should have a better idea of what is going on following the MRI
Take care.
Doug