Experiment

[kaypeeoh]

I never smoked--never!--but was trying the patch to see whether it might help cognitive function. I tried the stop-smoking patch but quit because the odor/taste was irritating. But I tried it again and there was no odor. The ingredient list includes ethanol, camphor and spice. Any of those might be aromatic.

For years I had olfactory hallucinations, that is I smelled things that were not real. Since the patch didn't cause an odor/taste the last time I tried it, I imagine what I had smelled initially was olfactory hallucination. I had a DAT scan that showed low dopamine but never had any signs; No movement problems, no balance problems, so I don't think I have PD.

I was diagnosed with MS years ago. My only symptom was the fake odors. MRI showed leakage at the BBB. The DAT scan showed low dopamine but isn't it possible I'm leaking dopamine at the BBB rather than not producing enough?

[wifeofparky]

This is a question for your neurologist. Has anyone suggested you have PD as well as MS? Were you ever prescribed carbadopa/levodopa?Wish I could help you but this is a question for a Medical Specialist.

[kaypeeoh in reply to wifeofparky]

I was diagnosed with MS and took Tysabri medication for two years. Then was diagnosed with Parkinson's because of left arm tremor. I took carbadopa/levodopa for two years. Now I take Rytary, a long-acting version of carbi/lovo.

Speaking of doctors, earlier today I glanced at the TV and saw Dr Bortan, the neurologist I see. She was on a national news show talking about Essential Tremor. I have an appointment to see her next month.

[Bolt_Upright]

You were diagnosed with MS 5 years ago? When were you diagnosed with PD?

If you don't mind, what symptoms are you experiencing?

[kaypeeoh in reply to Bolt_Upright]

5 years ago I had a bout of vertigo. That lead to an MRI which showed peri-ventricular lesions in the BBB. That's where the MS diagnosis came. After taking medication for two years someone noticed I had an arm tremor. So they decided maybe I had MS and PD together and started me on Sinemet.

For six months I took both medications but on my own ultimately quit the MS medication. But I continued the Sinemet. Eventually I ended up in Connecticut with Dr Bortan. She traded the Sinemet for Rytary. I've been on Rytary for a year or so.

After the vertigo attack I was in the hospital taking IV steroids for a week and never had another sign of dizziness. My balance is still as good as the average old guy. I was sent to a movement specialist for treatment of the PD. But after a few months they said I don't need to come back. I never had stiffness or slowness or bouts of 'freezing' in place.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to kaypeeoh]

Wow. Maybe you don't have either? But you were having trouble with those brain twisters, right?

I sure hope you were misdiagnosed and are just fine. That would be sweet. Good luck.