My PD Story

Nowadays it seems that everyone knows someone who has Parkinson’s disease (PD). And when you talk with folks, they respond with something like, “Oh, isn’t that the disease that causes people’s hands to shake?” That was me. 

Then, in the spring of 2017 I noticed some far away distant trembling in my right hand. I didn’t pay too much attention but mentioned it to my general practitioner at my next physical exam. “We better keep an eye on that,” he cautioned. 

Gradually, the shaking/trembling increased. Wait a minute, what was going on here. “Maybe it was a form of essential tremors,” a friend quipped. Someone mentioned DaTscan. DaTscan?! To Google I did go!  

According to my Google search, I found that a DaTscan “involves the injection of a small amount of an iodine-based radioactive material into the bloodstream to help doctors assess the level of dopamine receptor cells in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that transmits messages between nerve cells and muscles, which ultimately helps control movement.” 

For help finding a health professional who knows Parkinson's disease (PD), contact our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or Helpline@Parkinson.org.

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But ultimately, I wanted to check with a neurologist to find out for sure. The Parkinson’s Foundation helped me find one. I went to Yale's Movement Disorder Clinic and underwent a complete physical history and exam, along with the FDA approved DaTscan. 

And then ... “Your kidding!” She wasn’t kidding. 

I was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Although I was deeply concerned, it didn’t really bother me that much. I exhibited most of the symptoms but in a relatively mild way. I told my doctor that it was more of an annoyance than anything else. We talked about what the new regimen of my life looked like though. I knew I could handle this!   

What exactly is Parkinson’s disease? 

I’ll leave it to the Parkinson’s Foundation. “Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Symptoms generally develop slowly over years. People with PD may experience tremor, slowness of movement (called bradykinesia), stiffness (rigidity) and gait and balance problems.” 

Remedies? 

Remedies for these symptoms should only be treated by a qualified movement disorders professional. Not all people experience the same symptoms. They are different for different people. Some of these symptoms are very difficult to detect; others are easily apparent.  

Hmmm. This sounds like a really complicated disease! Yes, it is! And it’s not to be taken lightly! 

Fortunately, my symptoms currently allow me to play my new favorite sport: Pickleball! The Parkinson’s Foundation has sanctioned exercise (like Pickleball) for those who can play, as an excellent exercise and movement activity that can help slow slowed decline in quality of life in PD. Moving and exercising are some of the best ways of slowing down the progress of the disease. (So, get moving!) 

Learn more about Parkinson’s disease and exercise. Find an exercise class near you.