Copper IUD- could this cause Parkinson Plus/Parkinson

[Pamhill]

I am a 37 y/o female with a lot of symptoms that suggest PSP- convergence insufficiency, gastroparesis, rigid back. I have been to several neurologists and they are now suggesting I see a movement disorders specialist because of rigidity, dysphagia, slow gait, and some other Parkinson type behaviors- scuffing ground when walking, tremors, etc. I also have a really hard time reading and constant word finding. I was reading and learned that some of these Parkinson plus symptoms could be due to exposure to metals. I had a copper IUD for 9 years to prevent pregnancy, and wondering if that level was enough to cause a Parkinson plus disorder.

[Boman]

Seeing a movement disorder consultant may be a good idea. Having the professional PSP/CBD guides (available through the PSPA) with you may be very helpful. Mainly if you or other clinicians suspect an atypical Parkinson plus presentation.

The lack of a diagnosis can be very difficult, as I know from my own experience. But crucially, finding help with managing symptoms is not something you can delay. While some consultants have told me my “condition” is CBD like and on the CBS spectrum, others have been somewhat dismissive. In the end, I accepted the CBD/PSP like conclusion and moved on, focussing on my wellbeing and managing symptoms. The PSPA support has been essential in this.

Exposure to metals has been mentioned (and to complicate the picture I also had untreated Lyme disease which may have been a factor) but there’s a lot of speculation and misinformation.

In many ways, having conflicting diagnoses or uncertainty around it, can cause emotional distress. For yourself but also those who got through this with you. What has been key to me was acceptance, including accepting the real possibility I will never have a conclusive diagnosis (I was told this by a consultant who emphatically stated a CBD like neurodegenerative illness) ...

Happy to go into more detail but hopefully this brief message is useful and I wish you the very best.

[Hidden]

Hi Pam... l totally agree with Boman. This site does provide lots of information... searching old post may be helpful for you. Check out Related Post... also you can read past post by the individuals answering your post by tapping on to the circle next to Reply to Pamhill (mine is my dog & Boman's looks like a sunrise). l find Boman's info very helpful. Sending hugs of encouragement... Granni B

[Bedroomeyes]

My Mother (died 1998 CBD) had copper poisoning in her 50s. Was treated, improved, but later developed CBD. I believe there are genetic/mitochondrial issues involved with the CBD PSP.

[Pamhill in reply to Bedroomeyes]

This resonates with me. Especially about the mitochondrial connection- the powerhouses of our energy producing cells! Were they able to pinpoint the cause of the copper poisoning, and how was that tested?

Best regards

Pam

[plieepal in reply to Pamhill]

Hello Pam,

That is rather interesting to know, mom's PT has been recommending some functional medicines that may help to boost her mitochondria performance, we are currently trying NAD+ in particular; however, some researches found that this may deplete Vitamin B so also supplementing B-complex while taking it.

Given her condition and the rapid progress, we are on a higher dosage. We bought ours from Amazon, something you could give a try.

When doctors were diagnosing, questions they asked include whether she was seriously ill or injured when young, or exposed to heavy metal/chemicals in her youth, some asked where she lived, particularly if she lived on farm or countryside.

Hope this helps you in some ways.