Unkind : I don't seem to have much in the... - Cure Parkinson's

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Unkind

kaypeeoh profile image
15 Replies

I don't seem to have much in the way of symptoms. I took motion classes but they said you're fine, come back when you have a problem. I took acupuncture sessions til they said come back when you have a problem.

MY problem is the neurologist wants to take my license. I failed a driving test that didn't involve me driving. I know why I failed; The diagnosis put me in depression. For years I was in a perpetual fog. But I've been fighting back. Looking back on the test, there was a series of line drawings. I couldn't say, "beaver". So stupid, it was a beaver. I knew all about how they live in underwater warrens and create ponds by cutting down trees with their teeth and were nearly wiped out as a species because so many wanted their hide for hats.

Another part of the test was a children's maze puzzle. I needed to solve it in under a minute. I did those puzzles often as a kid. I found it best to solve the puzzle in my head before drawing the solution. Less messy that way. I was about to draw it when the nurse grumbled at me for taking too long.

I considered buying a red light therapy machine. It produces light that brain mitochondria can react to. Mitochondrial dysfunction is what causes Parkinson's Disease. I feel like I'm fine and don't need to spend the $900. Even though they rebate 80% if not satisfied.

I retook the non-driving driving test. She said I passed but still doesn't want me driving. I guess it's because she thinks eventually I might cause an accident. It's not a big deal. I have a motorcycle to get around with. The only one who could be injured in an accident is me.

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kaypeeoh
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15 Replies
kaypeeoh profile image
kaypeeoh

Smile when you say that, Pardner...

😆

park_bear profile image
park_bear in reply to kaypeeoh

I do not agree with painting gender or any other demographic with a broad brush. As it happens both my PCP and my dentist are women. They're both highly skilled and very enjoyable to work with. Yes even my dentist - gratitude that she keeps me chomping on nuts and berries.

Juliegrace profile image
Juliegrace

You are wrong that you may be the only person injured while riding a motorcycle. What about someone who swerves to avoid you? You have repeatedly contradicted yourself when posting information here. You have no symptoms you say, but you have then stated you have multiple symptoms. It is time to accept your limitations and to quit blaming others.

Joynb profile image
Joynb

You are having a difficult time. From my 10 year experience of PD, I suggest the following:

1. Go back to an exercise class where the instructors know something about PD. You need the exercise to help maintain function. When you have an obvious problem it is too late.

2. Go to an OT who specialises in driving assessments and get their opinion. You may need to accept the result of off road tests. Slower thinking and reactions may not matter in ordinary driving, but are crucial in an emergency when other drivers cause sudden problems. Better to stop driving too soon than too late.

3. With heaps of respect for your predicament, your writing does sound a little depressed. See someone about this. Depression is a symptom of PD, and also a result of the constant losses involved in this condition. Depression makes everything seem worse and impairs judgement.

Best wishes to you on your PD journey!

At first I thought I would just ignore this post but its irritated me and extremely offensive to women. And no, complimenting my hat (!) will not make up for the misogyny.

Lamadre profile image
Lamadre

The misogyny expressed in this post is offensive and unacceptable. Same comment to Gymsack.

gaga1958 profile image
gaga1958

wondering if you could be a “home visit vet” or clients could come to see you? Yesterday I check my pet in because she has a urinary infection, she’s fed them frequently so I know she did. Going by her records and her symptoms they knew she did too but still they put me through $230 worth of testing to get the stupid antibiotic pills. So, what I’m saying is, many people would love to pay for a home vet for the day in/day out issues, that would not gouge us, just to get a pill. And you say you love working and it gives your life meaning….so work.

kaypeeoh profile image
kaypeeoh in reply to gaga1958

Thanks for the note. There were reasons why I needed to retire but I couldn't appreciate them at the time. Luna, a young adult Labrador was run over by the owner and brought in as a midnight emergency. I diagnosed one fractured hip but missed the other one. In retrospect the dog had a stress fracture. Stress fractures don't show up on radiographs for a week or so.

When she was brought in for suture removal ten day later I saw how badly she was walking and realized I had missed something. I recommended referral to an orthopedic specialist. Problem is this was Wyoming the nearest one is a 4-hour drive to Utah.

The clients went to a near-by competitor clinic and fresh radiographs showed the other fracture. So the competitor gets to be the hero and I get sued. But the judge was a client and knew me well and said there was no malpractice. I had suggested referral to a specialist and they chose not to go. Not my fault that the competitor charged three times what I charged for the same surgery.

I stand by what I said earlier. They are the experts and see the same problems over and over. So they know what to do. The doc assumed I should quit driving because typically patients with PD should stop driving. So when she referred me to someone to do the driving test her experiences told her I shouldn't driving and the referral nurse pre-supposed the same and agreed by rushing me through the exam.

I've been out of practice nearly 4 years. The medical world changes so fast I doubt I could do a good job now. Even without PD I'm at an age where burn-out is common. It happens to doctors, nurses, dentists, etc. I'll go back the doctor and ask for another non-driving driving test.

I read a book 40 years ago titled Passages. It's about how to deal with the passage of time. If you can't do one thing doesn't mean you can't do something else. Maybe I can't practice vet medicine any more. Maybe I can clean up shit at an ASPCA, Years ago my boss had a contract with the county to pick up stray animals. When he was fired I assumed the task.

So with nine years of college and three years in clinical practice I was probably the most highly educated dog catcher in the state, or country.

BTW, Luna did well with two surgeries. But she walks better on the hip I repaired, not the competitor's. 😀

kaypeeoh profile image
kaypeeoh in reply to gaga1958

Another reason why it's time for a change. I hated charging money for things that are so simple, like diagnosing cystitis; "$230 worth of testing.... ." for a $10 bottle of medicine? Often in cats the problem is diet-related. Cats produce a mildly acidic urine. Infections change the pH to alkaline. A simple fix is a tube of gel that excretes a mild acidifier. Another common diet-related issue is hairballs. There are gels that lubricate the colon as it acidifies the urine. Or feed the cat Vaseline and add Vitamin C powder to the food.

gaga1958 profile image
gaga1958 in reply to kaypeeoh

that's exactly what I'm talking about. I'd love to have a vet on speed dial for these minor issues like this stupid bladder infection and also ear infections. Not big issues like getting hit b a car. When I took the dog in for the bladder infection, she claimed she had to do an ultrasound to find her pee to draw it out. I had taken a pee sample in with me but she said it was contaminated upon coming out and she couldnt use that pee. sure seemed like over kill to me.

kaypeeoh profile image
kaypeeoh in reply to gaga1958

It wouldn't have hurt to dip a urostix into the urine sample. That would show the Ph. and stones if they were present. Also elevated PMNs if it's cystitis. But a sterile sample is needed to know whether an infection originated in the bladder or urethra. Regardless I would have prescribed antibiotics. But urostix would show diabetes or Addison's Disease, or blood, all manageable problems.

gaga1958 profile image
gaga1958 in reply to kaypeeoh

maybe you could be the vet tech at a practice? I do feel if we have too much time on our hands, it doesn't go well. Go to the search bar and read the posts by "chartist" on lithium supplement (not the prescription). Maybe it could help you over the rough edges? Wish you good luck figuring it all out.

mishod profile image
mishod

Hey kaypeeoh,

Man, it sounds like you've been going through a tough time with your neurologist and that driving test. I get how frustrating that must be, but it's cool to see you're not backing down and you're determined to find the best solutions. You ever thought about getting a second opinion from a different neurologist? It might help make sure you're getting the right care and advice.

As for getting around, safety's gotta come first – for you and everyone else on the road. Besides your motorcycle, maybe look into ridesharing, public transport, or even splurging on a self-driving car like a Tesla. It could be a solid way to keep your independence and get around without having to drive yourself.

Also, don't forget the power of a good support group. Hooking up with people who are dealing with the same kind of health issues can give you a boost, plus you'll get some practical tips on handling your condition. It's always great to connect with others who really get what you're going through.

By the way, just a little tip for future posts: be mindful of the language you use when describing people or situations. Avoid using terms that could be seen as offensive or disrespectful, especially when referring to women. Being more cautious with your choice of words can help prevent misunderstandings or negative reactions from others.

And hey, since you're a vet, maybe you could explore other ways to continue practicing while adapting to your current situation. Telemedicine consultations or offering house-call services for routine pet care might be an option worth considering.

Hang in there, buddy, and keep pushing for what you need on this journey.

half-pint profile image
half-pint

PD is a "b. . .ch" Kay. Male or female, who cares!

kaypeeoh profile image
kaypeeoh in reply to half-pint

I guess somebody does as my posts now carry, "Last edited by moderation team". And moderation team must be democrats who think we all must be protected from horrible verbal insults versus republicans who think we are in charge of our own lives.

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