Good morning @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member. I am so sorry to hear you had such a difficult time with getting a proper diagnosis. I know how frustrating that can be. Trying to find the right Dr that works well for you, at times, can be the most frustrating part of this journey. Diet and exercise are the best way to help slow the progression of your symptoms and PD meds can be helpful with some of the physical issues we deal with such as tremors and sleep issues but I'm not a Dr. so I can't say if by being diagnosed earlier would have made a difference or not as far as your progression goes. No matter what, the diagnosis of PD can definitely turn your life upside down and can be overwhelming at times wondering what may happen in the future. Every person who has PD has a difference experience in the progression of the disease. I struggled for a long time to find my balance, so to speak, in dealing with and accepting what was happening to me even though I knew I had a very strong possibility of getting PD since it runs in my family. I ignored my symptoms for yrs. hoping that I was wrong in what was happening. Don't give up. There is so much out there to help you along your way down the crazy path of PD. Try to find a support group for PD patients in your area. Look to see if there is a Rock steady program also which is geared towards PD patients. Its not only a lot of fun but very helpful in working on your motor skills and balance and a great workout as well. Keeping active is very important when dealing with PD. The most important thing though, is to find a Neurologist that you can trust and feel comfortable with. Having a good Dr - patient relationship is a key part through his whole ride. Never forget also, that we are all going though the same things you are, we have all had our issues with the Dr merry-go-round, and we are here to help you and answer any questions you may have or just need someone to vent to. One step at a time, one day at time, and together we will all get through this. We are here for you. Hugs

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A MyParki...

JulieAPirman,
I also inherited PD from my Daddy. It took me a couple of years to be referred to a Neurologist for diagnosis. I was sad and depressed at first (I have many serious health problems - PD, RA, Gout, Fibromyalgia, Cirrohis of the Liver, Hypothyrodism, Osteoarthritis, Asthma, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Reynaud’s, Allergies, Depression, Angina, Spinal Stenosis. Anemia, and Lupus), but I have since come to terms with all of my health problems by turning them over to God. My faith has sustained me and I have never given up, in spite of my two sons turning their backs on me after I was diagnosed. I have a wonderful daughter and son-in-law (who is like a son to me), as well as a good husband. I work out at the gym 4 - 5 days a week, volunteer at my church, and try to help others with health problems. By staying active and not concentrating on myself, I am too busy to dwell on having any of my health problems. Since I have turned my entire life over to God, He has comforted me and has caused my diseases to not progress. Even the severe back pain I now have from Spinal Stenosis, Arthritis of the Spine, cysts on my spinal column, bulging discs, and Scoliosis, haven’t caused me to give up. My faith is strong, and greatly helps me.
Take care, and God bless you.
Hugs, Vickie

Here is hoping things continue to improve and remember you are not alone

How long should it take? Well, I think that we all go at our own pace - whatever that may be. You may experience these feelings for a while longer or they may be gone tomorrow. I think that you become more able to cope with these feeling as time goes on and as you learn new things. I went from a 60hr work week to nothing and found this site by accident. I'm glad you found us also because we are here to help. It takes time and expecting yourself to re-learn things and get used to limitations when there weren't any is difficult. I understand. I was officially diagnosed in 2016 and have done my share of grieving. I have many limitations or had but have found that thru diet, walking, physio I'm having many more good days than bad. Plus I try to always stay positive. My daughter started something with me that I still do today and maybe it would help you. She would ask me to find three amazing things for each day and write them down. It was to keep me focusing on finding the positive. Maybe that would help? Hugs, Lynn

I have been diagnosed for about 9 months, but like most I had symptoms way before that. It hasn't been easy becoming friends with the new me. I especially have trouble when a new issue appears. I have found that it is helpful to me to find quiet time where it is just me talking through some issues with myself. Stay active and find a reason to smile today.