Aa
Please Help-Don't know where to turn
I am hoping that you may be able to provide some help regarding my situation.
I lost my mum to Parkinson's Disease in 2000 and am extremely worried that I am experiencing similar symptoms.
I started experiencing shaky hands in 1997 and put this down to stress. I would often get muscle twitches and feel incredibly weak on my feet, almost as though I was going to wobble over. Since then I have experienced a worsening of symptoms. In Dec 2003 I started to experience sudden and extremely painful electric shock like foot cramps/spasms which came on throughout the day. It is like someone is gripping my toes and foot tightly. I have this same experience in my arms and hands too. Sometimes I find my hands too weak and shaky to hold the pen and write. I also have episodes of a tremor like sensation in my face and my voice seems to falter when talking.
I have experienced numerous other distressing symptoms such as extreme constipation and problems with urination which are really affecting me.My toes sometimes move of their own accord.
I have had nerve conduction(slight carpal tunnel in right hand)and slight muscular atrophy near my right elbow. I have also had a head MRI which came back entirely normal. I have seen 2 neurologists who think this is a psychological problem, but with the number of distressing things going on and the history I am not willing to accept this.
Does it sound like I have a genuine problem as I have been off work 3 month now and am starting to get very depressed and frustrated with my condition.
Thank you for your advice in advance.
I lost my mum to Parkinson's Disease in 2000 and am extremely worried that I am experiencing similar symptoms.
I started experiencing shaky hands in 1997 and put this down to stress. I would often get muscle twitches and feel incredibly weak on my feet, almost as though I was going to wobble over. Since then I have experienced a worsening of symptoms. In Dec 2003 I started to experience sudden and extremely painful electric shock like foot cramps/spasms which came on throughout the day. It is like someone is gripping my toes and foot tightly. I have this same experience in my arms and hands too. Sometimes I find my hands too weak and shaky to hold the pen and write. I also have episodes of a tremor like sensation in my face and my voice seems to falter when talking.
I have experienced numerous other distressing symptoms such as extreme constipation and problems with urination which are really affecting me.My toes sometimes move of their own accord.
I have had nerve conduction(slight carpal tunnel in right hand)and slight muscular atrophy near my right elbow. I have also had a head MRI which came back entirely normal. I have seen 2 neurologists who think this is a psychological problem, but with the number of distressing things going on and the history I am not willing to accept this.
Does it sound like I have a genuine problem as I have been off work 3 month now and am starting to get very depressed and frustrated with my condition.
Thank you for your advice in advance.
Hi ontherecord,
I just posted a message and it hasn't appeared so I will try again :( Wanted to say good luck for your appointment with your neurologist and I hope you get some answers. Let me know how you get on.
Regarding the Effexor, it took a good month and a half for it to start having any sort of effect on me. I'm sure you will see the effects very soon. When I was on the 75mg it had no effect on me, infact for the first 3 weeks or so I felt even worse than before. I only saw the effects after being on the 150mg after 2/3 weeks or more.
I am cosidering asking for the dosage of my valium to be increased due to the level of muscle tension I am experiencing. I am not too keen on using benzodiazepams in the long term but at the moment I have nothing else to relieve the awful tension. Am only taking one 5mg per day.
I am still waiting for the date for my Datscan, I am so very scared about it.
I will send you the details of those two professor's I have the details for hopefully later today. In the meantime let me know how you get on with your neuro.
Good luck & Write me back soon.
Vicky
I just posted a message and it hasn't appeared so I will try again :( Wanted to say good luck for your appointment with your neurologist and I hope you get some answers. Let me know how you get on.
Regarding the Effexor, it took a good month and a half for it to start having any sort of effect on me. I'm sure you will see the effects very soon. When I was on the 75mg it had no effect on me, infact for the first 3 weeks or so I felt even worse than before. I only saw the effects after being on the 150mg after 2/3 weeks or more.
I am cosidering asking for the dosage of my valium to be increased due to the level of muscle tension I am experiencing. I am not too keen on using benzodiazepams in the long term but at the moment I have nothing else to relieve the awful tension. Am only taking one 5mg per day.
I am still waiting for the date for my Datscan, I am so very scared about it.
I will send you the details of those two professor's I have the details for hopefully later today. In the meantime let me know how you get on with your neuro.
Good luck & Write me back soon.
Vicky
Hi ontherecord, sorry for the delay in posting this message. What day is your appointment with your neuro? I really hope you get some answers.I'm still waiting for the date for my Datscan-I know it is definately worth paying for-but I am so very scared about it.
I too started on 75mg of Effexor and then went back to say it wasnt having the slighest effect (I was like waiting constantly for it to work) infact I was told it would probably make my anxiety and depression even worse for the first two weeks. I've been on the 150mg for over a month now and I'm definately feeling less anxious and a little more positive in outlook-though I am quite worried by this as what happens when I come of the Effexor-do I end up struggling to get through the day and worrying and stressing constantly like before with nothing to pick me up so to speak? I hope that I can stay on this dosage for a little while longer as it seems to be the only thing helping me through the days.
I am contemplating asking for an increase in doage of the valium as when my muscles ar really badly tense it's awful-but again it's a two edged sword as I don't want to have dependency on benzodiazepams.
I'll send you those details of the Professor's in the US later today hopefully. In the meantime take care and good luck for your neurology appointment, let me know how you get on and I hope the effexor starts working for you very soon-I must add it did take a long while (maybe a month and a half) for me to feel any effect.
Write me back soon.
:)
Vicky
I too started on 75mg of Effexor and then went back to say it wasnt having the slighest effect (I was like waiting constantly for it to work) infact I was told it would probably make my anxiety and depression even worse for the first two weeks. I've been on the 150mg for over a month now and I'm definately feeling less anxious and a little more positive in outlook-though I am quite worried by this as what happens when I come of the Effexor-do I end up struggling to get through the day and worrying and stressing constantly like before with nothing to pick me up so to speak? I hope that I can stay on this dosage for a little while longer as it seems to be the only thing helping me through the days.
I am contemplating asking for an increase in doage of the valium as when my muscles ar really badly tense it's awful-but again it's a two edged sword as I don't want to have dependency on benzodiazepams.
I'll send you those details of the Professor's in the US later today hopefully. In the meantime take care and good luck for your neurology appointment, let me know how you get on and I hope the effexor starts working for you very soon-I must add it did take a long while (maybe a month and a half) for me to feel any effect.
Write me back soon.
:)
Vicky
Without seeing you and examining you I can not determine what exactly is occurring. However, the history you have provided does not suggest Parkinson's disease. The MRI of the brain helps to exclude structural lesions, inflammation, and stroke within the brain. Perhaps other non-neurologic diseases should be excluded, such as connective tissue diseases, and other inflammatroy condtions. If you are not happy with the opinions you have received thus far, I would recommend having another opinion at an academic center. Good luck.
vicky,
Just curious how everything went yesterday at your appointment with the professor of neurology...if you could post an update, that would be great. I hope it cleared some things up for you.
Just curious how everything went yesterday at your appointment with the professor of neurology...if you could post an update, that would be great. I hope it cleared some things up for you.
If you have bacteria in your teeth and gums the waste they dump into your body is posion and can cause all kinds of problems.You can have them and you wont know it.It takes a good dentist to find these bacteria and kill them off because most dentist dont know how to find them or what there doing to peoples health.The doctors dont know anything about teeth because they are not trained to take care of teeth.Type in dental bacteria death on google search and learn more about this..........Terry
Vicky, you make some very interesting points. Your story is a lot like the stories of many other people who post on this forum, searching with futility for answers from their own doctors, only to be met with resistance. I guess there's not much difference between the US and the UK in that respect. Here, generally speaking, we have to go through a general practitioner too, and they are usually (though not always) reluctant to give oftentimes necessary referrals to their patients. All it takes though, in my experience, is a little arm twisting. My neurologist is an ok guy and I see him this week. This time I am sure he will be more responsive. If he's not, then I'll figure out where to go from there. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, but if my concerns are dismissed, then I'm off elsewhere. I appreciate your offer to put me in contact with neurologists here, but I have all sorts of resources I can use to find out which experts I need to see. There are quite a few academic health centers where I live.
Speaking of which, I'm on Effexor too (which the neurologist prescribed). I started out at 75 mg about a month ago and increased the dosage (myself) to 150 mg a few days ago. I'm still waiting for it to work:-( It's supposed to work for depression AND anxiety, but alas, I'm neither happy or relieved. Which brings me to the next point you mentioned. It makes perfect sense that deficiencies in serotonin and dopaminergic activity go hand in hand. Many depressed individuals who regularly use alcohol (which increases dopamine levels) often benefit from SSRI's (like Prozac, Paxil, etc.) Effexor inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. It is good that it is working for your pain.
I like Xanax, but am thinking of discontinuing it due to long-term concerns in the near future. I can't get straight answers though from neurologists on this one, whether it causes brain atrophy or not. Since it works on the same parts of the brain as alcohol does and has virtually the same effect, and long-term alcohol use causes brain shrinkage, common sense would tell me that benzodiazepines in the long-term aren't a good idea.
As for the $1600 out of pocket expense, I guess that's the cost of peace of mind. It's the only way to definitively rule out or confirm your concerns, and, as such, a warranted expense in my opinion. I hope it turns out negative.
By the way, you may as well shoot me the names of those docs here in the US; it would be a good resource to have, since I'm not too far away from NJ; send me an email at ***@****. Talk to you later.
Speaking of which, I'm on Effexor too (which the neurologist prescribed). I started out at 75 mg about a month ago and increased the dosage (myself) to 150 mg a few days ago. I'm still waiting for it to work:-( It's supposed to work for depression AND anxiety, but alas, I'm neither happy or relieved. Which brings me to the next point you mentioned. It makes perfect sense that deficiencies in serotonin and dopaminergic activity go hand in hand. Many depressed individuals who regularly use alcohol (which increases dopamine levels) often benefit from SSRI's (like Prozac, Paxil, etc.) Effexor inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. It is good that it is working for your pain.
I like Xanax, but am thinking of discontinuing it due to long-term concerns in the near future. I can't get straight answers though from neurologists on this one, whether it causes brain atrophy or not. Since it works on the same parts of the brain as alcohol does and has virtually the same effect, and long-term alcohol use causes brain shrinkage, common sense would tell me that benzodiazepines in the long-term aren't a good idea.
As for the $1600 out of pocket expense, I guess that's the cost of peace of mind. It's the only way to definitively rule out or confirm your concerns, and, as such, a warranted expense in my opinion. I hope it turns out negative.
By the way, you may as well shoot me the names of those docs here in the US; it would be a good resource to have, since I'm not too far away from NJ; send me an email at ***@****. Talk to you later.
Hi ontherecord (please let me have your forename-I do feel silly calling you by your username!)
Yes the Datscan is really quite comprehensive, I havent got a date for the test yet but it is going to be self funded and quite expensive-around
Yes the Datscan is really quite comprehensive, I havent got a date for the test yet but it is going to be self funded and quite expensive-around
Vicky,
Here's a good link that you may have already seen:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/~nr1pp/test/diagnosis19.html
I searched DATSCAN on Yahoo and found lots of excellent information. This test seems VERY useful to confirm or rule out PD at ANY stage, even in the early stages. This test seems to me like it will confirm or deny the diagnosis with a very, very high degree of accuracy and specificity. Excellent, I must say. Whatever the test may show, your current neurologist will know exactly how to proceed based on the information it provides. If your neurologist says that the radiation is not dangerous, then I would certainly believe him. Even so, this test can single-handedly hopefully put your mind at ease with regard to PD, which, as you said, is your biggest fear.
I am glad that your current doctor is taking a proactive approach and listening to, and addressing your symptoms and concerns. I see my own neurologist next week and I hope he hears me out; last time I went in there with a 3-page memorandum (as compared to your 4) that the guy didn't even read. Would have benefit us both if he read it; after all, I tried to be detailed and thorough as possible. In any event, back to you.
Benzodiazepines (like valium) are potent anxiety reducing medications, and I use a mild dose of Xanax (generically called alprazolam). Good stuff I must say, although its effects should last more than 30 minutes. Do not unilaterally increase your dosage, but if you find that you need more, talk to the prescribing doctor. I'll tell you a little something about this class of drugs. The biggest fear doctors have is psychological and physical dependence. I'm 26 (to your 23) and I have some news for them: my biggest fear (and I've only used it for about a year, a very mild dose too) is that in time, over a period of many years (say, 10 or more), benzodiazepines can cause shrinkage of the brain, called brain atrophy. As we get older, our brains shrink, which leads to cognitive impairment, but long-term and moderate use of these medications accelerates the process. Brain shrinkage is associated with a variety of dementing disorders, including Alzheimer's. I was reading some literature that said people are presenting with Alzheimer's disease earlier and earlier these days; used to be 65 and older almost exlusively; now we have people in their 40's and 50's presenting with it. My guess is that the increased prevalence is associated with 2 things: first, millions of people take Valium and Xanax and other benzodiazepines for 10, 20 or more years, and second, cell phone radiation has a tremendously deleterious effect on the brain, in the long-run, and can precipitate both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Essentially, try not to get hooked on the valium (as good as it is:-). Also, try not to use a cell phone too much either. I would be curious to know what your neurologist thinks about these matters, since the literature is equivocal on both matters. In any event, better safe than sorry.
Finally, it sounds like you are on the right path in getting a definitive diagnosis, and I am very happy that you have found a neurologist is properly addressing your concerns.
When is your DATSCAN scheduled? Also, what dose of Effexor are you on, and how is it working?
Here's a good link that you may have already seen:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/~nr1pp/test/diagnosis19.html
I searched DATSCAN on Yahoo and found lots of excellent information. This test seems VERY useful to confirm or rule out PD at ANY stage, even in the early stages. This test seems to me like it will confirm or deny the diagnosis with a very, very high degree of accuracy and specificity. Excellent, I must say. Whatever the test may show, your current neurologist will know exactly how to proceed based on the information it provides. If your neurologist says that the radiation is not dangerous, then I would certainly believe him. Even so, this test can single-handedly hopefully put your mind at ease with regard to PD, which, as you said, is your biggest fear.
I am glad that your current doctor is taking a proactive approach and listening to, and addressing your symptoms and concerns. I see my own neurologist next week and I hope he hears me out; last time I went in there with a 3-page memorandum (as compared to your 4) that the guy didn't even read. Would have benefit us both if he read it; after all, I tried to be detailed and thorough as possible. In any event, back to you.
Benzodiazepines (like valium) are potent anxiety reducing medications, and I use a mild dose of Xanax (generically called alprazolam). Good stuff I must say, although its effects should last more than 30 minutes. Do not unilaterally increase your dosage, but if you find that you need more, talk to the prescribing doctor. I'll tell you a little something about this class of drugs. The biggest fear doctors have is psychological and physical dependence. I'm 26 (to your 23) and I have some news for them: my biggest fear (and I've only used it for about a year, a very mild dose too) is that in time, over a period of many years (say, 10 or more), benzodiazepines can cause shrinkage of the brain, called brain atrophy. As we get older, our brains shrink, which leads to cognitive impairment, but long-term and moderate use of these medications accelerates the process. Brain shrinkage is associated with a variety of dementing disorders, including Alzheimer's. I was reading some literature that said people are presenting with Alzheimer's disease earlier and earlier these days; used to be 65 and older almost exlusively; now we have people in their 40's and 50's presenting with it. My guess is that the increased prevalence is associated with 2 things: first, millions of people take Valium and Xanax and other benzodiazepines for 10, 20 or more years, and second, cell phone radiation has a tremendously deleterious effect on the brain, in the long-run, and can precipitate both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Essentially, try not to get hooked on the valium (as good as it is:-). Also, try not to use a cell phone too much either. I would be curious to know what your neurologist thinks about these matters, since the literature is equivocal on both matters. In any event, better safe than sorry.
Finally, it sounds like you are on the right path in getting a definitive diagnosis, and I am very happy that you have found a neurologist is properly addressing your concerns.
When is your DATSCAN scheduled? Also, what dose of Effexor are you on, and how is it working?
Thank you so much for your message ontherecord.
My meeting with the Professor of Neurology went well..I am relieved I have finally found someone who takes my concerns very seriously as I have felt like the last two neuro's I saw have 'swept me under the carpet' so to speak..does it sound silly to say it feels wonderful to have someone who is pursuing things for me rather than being told it's 'all anxiety'? & constantly feeling like I'm hitting a brick wall being passed from pillar to post. Ohh I really wish I had seen this professor in the first place.
You are true, the NHS in this country are very lax-they would rather send you away with a prescription for medicine for a condition you don't have than actually run tests to prove what you do have.
Anyhow, I discussed my concern over P.D and had prepared a four page list of symptoms and dates going back 7 year's with a list of other relevant info such as medication/supplements I take, to present to the professor.
Though my physical investigation was quite normal (it always has been)he recognised there WAS definately some problems with my muscles and was concerned about the other very distressing symptoms in particular the tremor, inability to go to the toilet on occasions and shock like pain & accompanying stiffness.
I am being referred by the professor to have a Datscan in the UK, this is a relatively new scan having only been introduced in Europe within the last through years-it involves radiation but is the only definitive test which can show conclusive 'yes' or 'no' for PD.
I am particularly worried about the radiation involved with the scan but if it's the only definitive test then I guess I have no choice-I really can't go on like this. A muscle biopsy is another possibility for me.
Until the scan I have to continue trying to stay as positive as I can-though it looks like my job is in jeopardy and everything v.stressful. Well at least I have the low dose valium....it's quite worrying actually, have only been on it two months (5mg once a day) and now I only feel the effects of it for about 30 minutes rather than 4 hours when initially started taking it!:( Deary me....guess it helps to have a sense of humour when it feels like the World and it's friend are against you!
Please write me back and in particular I would like to have your thoughts on the radiation..the professor said it is not high risk so I am trusting him.
Look forward to receiving your response.
Regards,
Vicky
My meeting with the Professor of Neurology went well..I am relieved I have finally found someone who takes my concerns very seriously as I have felt like the last two neuro's I saw have 'swept me under the carpet' so to speak..does it sound silly to say it feels wonderful to have someone who is pursuing things for me rather than being told it's 'all anxiety'? & constantly feeling like I'm hitting a brick wall being passed from pillar to post. Ohh I really wish I had seen this professor in the first place.
You are true, the NHS in this country are very lax-they would rather send you away with a prescription for medicine for a condition you don't have than actually run tests to prove what you do have.
Anyhow, I discussed my concern over P.D and had prepared a four page list of symptoms and dates going back 7 year's with a list of other relevant info such as medication/supplements I take, to present to the professor.
Though my physical investigation was quite normal (it always has been)he recognised there WAS definately some problems with my muscles and was concerned about the other very distressing symptoms in particular the tremor, inability to go to the toilet on occasions and shock like pain & accompanying stiffness.
I am being referred by the professor to have a Datscan in the UK, this is a relatively new scan having only been introduced in Europe within the last through years-it involves radiation but is the only definitive test which can show conclusive 'yes' or 'no' for PD.
I am particularly worried about the radiation involved with the scan but if it's the only definitive test then I guess I have no choice-I really can't go on like this. A muscle biopsy is another possibility for me.
Until the scan I have to continue trying to stay as positive as I can-though it looks like my job is in jeopardy and everything v.stressful. Well at least I have the low dose valium....it's quite worrying actually, have only been on it two months (5mg once a day) and now I only feel the effects of it for about 30 minutes rather than 4 hours when initially started taking it!:( Deary me....guess it helps to have a sense of humour when it feels like the World and it's friend are against you!
Please write me back and in particular I would like to have your thoughts on the radiation..the professor said it is not high risk so I am trusting him.
Look forward to receiving your response.
Regards,
Vicky
*few not through
*fear
Two neuros have said the problem is psychological. So ask to see a psychologist. If they do not think the problem is psychological then this adds weight to your argument. If they do then they might be able to help. Either way you can't lose.
It is really hard to post a question, was hoping someone can help.I am a 26 year old female. Last year in July I started getting dizzy (lightheaded)-no other symptoms. After about two weeks and it didn't go away, I went to see my doctor. She did a ekg which was abnormal but I got an echo done, that show my heart is fine. Then she sent me for lab work which was all normal besides a low potass. Then a MRI which show 1-2 spots, so I went to a neurologist i guess to rule out MS. My neuro exam was normal and he didn't seem concerned about it, actually he acted like my doctor was crazy for sending me. But to easy my mind he sent me for a visual evoked test which was normal. Thru all this I had major anxiety about the possible of MS. My family doc, neurologist, and the radiologist didn't seem to think it was MS. My doc said it is stress/anxiety because I am planning my wedding and the neurologist thinks it was low blood sugar. In sept. I was fine but now in Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, March I am still dizzy (dizzy more then i am not). I noticed that if I am home and not tired I am not dizzy but at work I am dizzy all the time. and I have been having weird symptoms ----right hand tinglings sometimes, left foot hurts and tinglings alot, lately at night it is bad, and my tonque feels like i burned everyday. I don't know if I am creating symptoms in my head or are these real symptoms. And if they are really what can it be. Is is MS or anxiety. I am scared to go back to the doctor because i had such anxiety the last time i had to go for test.
Vicky,
First, I forgot to mention my condolences for the loss of your mother above.
Second, I entirely understand your frustration having been told by two neurologists that it's all psychological when you are clearly feeling tangible physical symptoms. My own neurologist attributed my own complaint to psychological manifestations, though I am not entirely convinced either.
But, it is a very good sign that your MRI was normal. A normal MRI helps to exclude a variety of serious neurological conditions. Combined with a normal neurological examination, I think most neurologists could rule out virtually anything serious. Given your age, my guess is that they think PD is very unlikely, even though there may be a genetic factor in about 3 out of 10 cases. I think what your neurologist said about the danger of radiation exposure from the PET scan is just plain nonsense, since people undergo that scan every day all over the world without incident. Maybe he or she just didn't believe it was warranted. Which brings me to my next point. I don't know much about the healthcare system in the UK, besides that there is a National Healthcare System with universal coverage and usually long waits for appointments and even longer waits for diagnostic tests. I also know, from what I read in one book written by a neurosurgeon who had spent a semester abroad studying/practicing his trade in the UK, that the doctors there do not treat matters as urgently as they do here in the U.S., where they start running tests as soon as you walk in the door. I don't know whether going to Belgium to have that test done is the proper course of action, but this is something you should definitely discuss with the professor of neurology whom you are seeing tomorrow.
Finally, try to get as much information as you can tomorrow. From my understanding, there is actually Parkinson's Disease, and Parkinsonism -- people who exhibit symptoms but do not definitively have the disease. I have read that sometimes they can confirm or deny a diagnosis of PD bases on a person's response to ANTIPARKINSONISM drugs (like Levodopa, for example). Discuss this tomorrow as a possibility. Also, the PET scan is a pretty useful diagnostic tool that is usually abnormal (shows areas of decreased brain activity) in people with certain neurological disorders, such as PD.
As well, I don't think the venlafaxine (Effexor) is contributing to your symptoms, but it just might be, depending on your dosage. If you are taking a dose above 225mg daily, it may or may not be a factor, since this particular medication is given in doses as low as 75mg and as high as 375mg or higher, and the higher the dose, the higher the potential for side effects, some knows, others unknown.
I wish I could be of more help to you, but my knowledge of PD is somewhat limited. I do hope your symptoms get better and I hope that your appointment tomorrow can shed some light on your situation. Keep us updated, and until then, try to take comfort in the fact that your neurological exam and your MRI was normal, which is a very good sign in general.
First, I forgot to mention my condolences for the loss of your mother above.
Second, I entirely understand your frustration having been told by two neurologists that it's all psychological when you are clearly feeling tangible physical symptoms. My own neurologist attributed my own complaint to psychological manifestations, though I am not entirely convinced either.
But, it is a very good sign that your MRI was normal. A normal MRI helps to exclude a variety of serious neurological conditions. Combined with a normal neurological examination, I think most neurologists could rule out virtually anything serious. Given your age, my guess is that they think PD is very unlikely, even though there may be a genetic factor in about 3 out of 10 cases. I think what your neurologist said about the danger of radiation exposure from the PET scan is just plain nonsense, since people undergo that scan every day all over the world without incident. Maybe he or she just didn't believe it was warranted. Which brings me to my next point. I don't know much about the healthcare system in the UK, besides that there is a National Healthcare System with universal coverage and usually long waits for appointments and even longer waits for diagnostic tests. I also know, from what I read in one book written by a neurosurgeon who had spent a semester abroad studying/practicing his trade in the UK, that the doctors there do not treat matters as urgently as they do here in the U.S., where they start running tests as soon as you walk in the door. I don't know whether going to Belgium to have that test done is the proper course of action, but this is something you should definitely discuss with the professor of neurology whom you are seeing tomorrow.
Finally, try to get as much information as you can tomorrow. From my understanding, there is actually Parkinson's Disease, and Parkinsonism -- people who exhibit symptoms but do not definitively have the disease. I have read that sometimes they can confirm or deny a diagnosis of PD bases on a person's response to ANTIPARKINSONISM drugs (like Levodopa, for example). Discuss this tomorrow as a possibility. Also, the PET scan is a pretty useful diagnostic tool that is usually abnormal (shows areas of decreased brain activity) in people with certain neurological disorders, such as PD.
As well, I don't think the venlafaxine (Effexor) is contributing to your symptoms, but it just might be, depending on your dosage. If you are taking a dose above 225mg daily, it may or may not be a factor, since this particular medication is given in doses as low as 75mg and as high as 375mg or higher, and the higher the dose, the higher the potential for side effects, some knows, others unknown.
I wish I could be of more help to you, but my knowledge of PD is somewhat limited. I do hope your symptoms get better and I hope that your appointment tomorrow can shed some light on your situation. Keep us updated, and until then, try to take comfort in the fact that your neurological exam and your MRI was normal, which is a very good sign in general.
Thank you ontherecord, I have had a look at those sites and they are helpful.
My main worries are that things are getting worse as time goes on and the two neurologists I have seen told me it's all psychological which is getting me even more upset as these symptoms are ruining my quality of life at 23yrs old-I only Graduated from university last June so I was very happy until I these distressing symptoms mainifested after years of other symptoms which I'd put to the back of my mind.
I am going to see a Professor of Neurology tomorrow at Sheffield in the UK and really hope he can take my fears seriously-I will metion the two scans-PET and SPECT. I have asked the last neuro I was under if I could have a PET scan and he said no due to the level of radiation exposure.
I have been a passenger in a non serious car accident when younger and am on medication at the moment but only since January- Voltarol or Diclafenac and Venlafaxine for my depression caused by the symptoms.
The stiffness in my muscles is causing real distress at the moment in particular my back and neck-along with the tremors and problems with going to the toilet.
Please could you give me your feedback on the above that I mention and maybe some advice for my consulation tomorrow. Also there is a site www.euro-meds.com/surgery/scan/pet_scan.htm this mentions being able to have a scan at a clinic in Belgium without a referral from our NHS M.D, what would you advise regarding this?
Thanks for your help, it's much appreciated, I have felt so alone over this black hole of a medical issue.
Kindest Regards,
Vicky
My main worries are that things are getting worse as time goes on and the two neurologists I have seen told me it's all psychological which is getting me even more upset as these symptoms are ruining my quality of life at 23yrs old-I only Graduated from university last June so I was very happy until I these distressing symptoms mainifested after years of other symptoms which I'd put to the back of my mind.
I am going to see a Professor of Neurology tomorrow at Sheffield in the UK and really hope he can take my fears seriously-I will metion the two scans-PET and SPECT. I have asked the last neuro I was under if I could have a PET scan and he said no due to the level of radiation exposure.
I have been a passenger in a non serious car accident when younger and am on medication at the moment but only since January- Voltarol or Diclafenac and Venlafaxine for my depression caused by the symptoms.
The stiffness in my muscles is causing real distress at the moment in particular my back and neck-along with the tremors and problems with going to the toilet.
Please could you give me your feedback on the above that I mention and maybe some advice for my consulation tomorrow. Also there is a site www.euro-meds.com/surgery/scan/pet_scan.htm this mentions being able to have a scan at a clinic in Belgium without a referral from our NHS M.D, what would you advise regarding this?
Thanks for your help, it's much appreciated, I have felt so alone over this black hole of a medical issue.
Kindest Regards,
Vicky
By the way I am 23 years of age and started experiencing the symptoms in June 1997. My greatest feat is early onset PD.
I look forward to receiving advice.
Many Thanks,
Vicky
I look forward to receiving advice.
Many Thanks,
Vicky
Vicky,
Check out this webpage: http://www.stjohn.org/diagnosis.htm
It pretty much gives the primary symptoms of Parkinson's and then explains how a diagnosis is usually made. Although it mentions that the MRI's, lab tests and the like are unremarkable in people with PD, it does state that certain tests can in fact confirm the diagnosis -- PET and SPECT; it says that these tests may not be covered by insurance and that only specialty centers may have them available, but if it is true that these tests can confirm or rule out PD, it may be appropriate for you to inquire further. Also visit neurologychannel.com and wrongdiagnosis.com; the second website tells you what conditions could be causing symptoms similar to PD.
By chance, have you ever sustained a moderate/severe head injury or are on any medications?
Check out this webpage: http://www.stjohn.org/diagnosis.htm
It pretty much gives the primary symptoms of Parkinson's and then explains how a diagnosis is usually made. Although it mentions that the MRI's, lab tests and the like are unremarkable in people with PD, it does state that certain tests can in fact confirm the diagnosis -- PET and SPECT; it says that these tests may not be covered by insurance and that only specialty centers may have them available, but if it is true that these tests can confirm or rule out PD, it may be appropriate for you to inquire further. Also visit neurologychannel.com and wrongdiagnosis.com; the second website tells you what conditions could be causing symptoms similar to PD.
By chance, have you ever sustained a moderate/severe head injury or are on any medications?
You are reading content posted in the Neurology Forum
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease
