how much progress does parkinsons make from onset to the 4 yr mark?

[jacki]

My new dr says my parkinsons hasnt move so its not parkinsons now i am really confussed

[AndyC]

Hi jacki

I was diagnosed in Oct 2011, I just have a mild tremor in my right hand, Parkinsons was confirmed after I`d had a DaTScan ( an MRI Scan showed nothing ) Thing is my Nuerosurgeon said that my tremor could possibly remain that way for the next 10 yrs or so without change. Symptoms and progressiveness are different in all of us. Have you had a DaTScan? because the results are very accurate....approx 98% I was told. I am now on Ropinirole ( 8mg a day ) to control the tremor.

Take care

Andy xx

[CJ49]

Parkinsons progession is different for every individual. I agree with the prior post.....get the right tests done to be safe.

[Aussie]

Hi Jack, You may have a slow developing Parkinson. I didn't have any problems

for several years, even now if i take my medication on time, I have no problems, but if I miss, then I know I have PD. I was diagnosed in 2003. They say I have the slow version. Do you yourself think you have PD? Do you take any medicine? If in doubt change your GP or ask for a referral to The nearest Parkinson Specialist.

[hilarypeta]

iIm at the 4 year mark and have had little progression.;tremor in few fingers on right hand; bit of stiffness.fot and wrist; I just keep exercising;;;stretches every day and try to keep healthy. Not on meds as dont see the point. i was always v left handed -bit weaker in the right..Do natural things. I am thinking of trying out mucuna pruriens if it progresses; Get cramps at night solmetimesbut then take salt, banana or tonic water!

[Jupeter]

Count yourself lucky that you appear to have the slow developing type. I was diagnosed in 2000 and there was little significant change until around 2 years ago. Even now, I can function more or less normally with medication. In fact, I am more impacted by osteo-arthritis.

My advice would be to carry on enjoying your life and push the PD into the background.

[PatV]

Your new doctor should go back to school or he should talk to my neuro Dr. Alessandro DiRocco. I did not progress AT ALL until I had a series of injuries . He was very happy about my lack of progression. I agree with above respondents. What do YOU think?

[wifeofparky in reply to PatV]

Hubby first neuro told him to stay active and take his meds and he would be fine. He did not give us any info about what could happen. Even when hubby had DVT's that were causing pulmonary emboli that resulted in fatigue and falls over minimal exertion, he wouldn't see him and only adjusted his meds. After he nearly died from the PE's, we switched neuros and have learned to ask a lot of questions and tell the doc everything, even it you think it is not connected.

[larry33b]

Get a new neuro. Everyone progresses differently. I am in my 12th year and meds hide most symptoms.

[Dennis in reply to larry33b]

do you mind sharing what meds... my neurologist said i am 1 pill from the limit of what i can take...~Dennis

[wifeofparky]

Is he/she a Movement Disorder Specialist? Not all neuros are up on PD and its quirks. One of the Panel Neuros at our Symposium is a Movement Disorder Specialist who practices in a large Neuro group. I watched her taking notes as my husband's MDS answered questions from the audience. She seemed to be learning new things along with the rest of us. If you are on sinemet and it is working, you have PD. There are ParkisonISMS that do not respond to meds like sinemet. I'd ask a lot of questions and if he/she is unable to answer them fully, I'd be doctor shopping.

[Anemone in reply to wifeofparky]

agree totally

[drew410]

A DAT scan will confirm/deny. I was dx'd 13 years ago but was sent for a DAT scan last year because my neuro was not sure I had PD. Post scan - i have - bugger! Joke, i knew I had or at least I was convinced i had PD. You can always do your own research just stay away from the US sites backed by the pill makers. They will frighten you to death.

DAT scan is sometimes referred as a nuclear scan. Don't worry won't blow you up or make you glow in the dark! They inject a dye into your bloodstream and 4 hours approx later once the substance have reached every nook and cranny then they do the scan. The more nooks and crannies you have the longer you have to wait LOL 100% sure re result

[drew410 in reply to drew410]

Sorry forgot to mention. Your doctor does not appear to grasp the fundamentals of PD. Is his name Simpson "dooooooooo". If so, highly recommend you have a second opinion. If i appear flippant it s because I am. Life is too short to be miserable

[goose63058]

You have not progressed so it isn't parkinson's.... wow I wish that were the case for everybody that doesn't progress quickly. There are no tests for this affliction, it is completley diagnose on symptoms alone. my first Dr told me my shaking leg was stress, my neurologist told me I had essential tremors. An ER doctor told me it was probably restless leg syndrom . Then I got A new doctor, i went to him tofollow up pluracy. He took one look at me and SAID " OH YOU'LL GET OVER THE PLURACY , BUT YOU HAVE PARKINSON'S DISEASE" he put me on Mirapex and sent me to a neuro thyat is a movment disorder specialist. He diagnose me with Parkinson's. The tremor the expresionless face the lack of co ordination and the muscle tension. Mirapex gave me 3 1/12 yers of symptom free living.