Hello
I am not officially diagnosed however I think I have lots of symptoms and have spoken to a neurologist twice in the last year or so over the phone.
I am 50. I have been having some bladder issues. Can only describe it as a confused bladder where you have to go more times than is really necessary.
In addition, latest symptom is that I wake up with very tight calves/ to the point where I have to even consciously walk on the balls of my feet to ‘wake’ them up. It quickly gets better throughout the day.
Before I get sent off to a Urinologist for lots of lengthy investigations, is this all part of Parkinsons? Have already had an ultrasound and urine test- all of which showed nothing and were ‘normal’.
For the calves- not truly sure if it is the calves or the achilles heel- do I just see an Osteopath and do exercises every morning or something like that? Again, is this a standard Parkinson symptom?
I asked the GP if the bladder issue could be related to Parkinsons and he asked the questions:- ‘have you got a tremor/ have you got a mask like face/ have you got a shuffle/ has your handwriting changed?
My mum has had Parkinsons for 18 years since 2003 so I am super aware of what can happen later down the line (I feel I know ‘too much’) if you see what I mean. However, I am just trying to deal with what I am presented with at the current time.
Have any of you joined Research groups? I would be happy to get involved.
Have any of you looked at the link between estrogen and Parkinsons? These symptoms are so close to the menopause that I feel in my case at least, there must be a link. Is HRT a good or bad thing to take with Parkinsons these days?!
Who knows? : ) So many questions. Just appreciate any hints and tips from anyone if the above resonates with you. I also have a 5 year old and a soon-to-be 4 year old so added incentive for finding a way to kick Parkinsons into the ground!!! : ) Thank you