I understand completely. When I started falling every day, sometimes more than once a day, I knew. I didn't need a neurologist or any other kind of doctor to diagnose.
There is absolutely no definitive way to get a diagnosis. Even now. Yes, we get shakey, off balance, fall, have problems walking, etc.,but you don't need a weatherman to tell which way the wind blows. And we know how wrong weatherman can be.. We don't need to be told what to do or not do. For each of us, do what works. I am not going back to a neurologist.
My family doctor, a kind and compassionate man, I've known for 20+ years is the only doctor I need. Parkinsonism v. Parkinson's
Disease is a distinction without a meaning. It's semantics.
The neurologist I saw, after a DAT scan said "Good news "; it's not degenerative. "It's parkinsonism, not Parkinson's Disease. " ; a word game. I won't use a walker; it doesn't feel stable. I walk without it indoors and keep my eyes on where I want to go; there are always sturdy objects to hold on to and I know where they are. I can manage on my own. I am trying a couple of helpers, but I don't need them A cleaning person when necessary is enough.
The helpers are very nice, but don't really help. They need to socialize.; I don't as much as they do. As long as I can manage on my own, I will. My daughter stops over 3 mornings a week. She has a job. My granddaughter who is 19, helps too.
It was an experiment, I will end today. If I want to avoid severe pain, I sit or lie down. I read, find good movies, etc. and have occasional marathon phone calls with a best friend.
I worked hard my whole life, continued learning and still do. I don't have to prove anything to anyone or to myself.
We all endure sad times and hopefully good times and/ or spectacular fun.
I would prefer to be in less pain; so I can just sit or lie down on the couch in front of the TV..
I can get anything delivered. If you ask nicely, the delivery person will carry any packages inside and put them where you direct. And they are very grateful for a tip..
8:30 am, out of bed and into the shower. ... nice cup of coffee and my day is in relax mode. If I get a bruise , so what?
Wishing you all a relaxed mode...

Andrea

It took me years to get a diagnosis. I kept hearing stupid things like, "You don't look like a Parkinson's patient.". Now,10 years after diagnosis, looks like I'm stuck with it. I keep hoping a neurologist will tell me,, "There's been a terrible mistake. You don't have Parkinson's after all.". The thing is,, there are worse things out there than Parkinson's and I feel grateful for what I Can do ❤️
I'm so sorry about your vertigo. Is physical therapy helpful at all? That's not been one of my symptoms (yet). We all have a unique mixture of symptoms with this disease.. Good luck with your journey.