New forum memeber - Introduction

Greetings Parkinson's Community!

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in April of 2024. I had been experiencing tremors and other symptoms, that I did not realize were PD related, for about a year before that. Early on, my GP was thinking the tremors were indicating essential tremors and gave me a beta blocker which did not help. The beta blocker left me even more exhausted since it slows heart rate. I switched to another family doctor just after that and the new doctor suspected PD, dropped the beta blocker and sent me to a neurologist. The neurologist agreed it was Parkinson's and started me on 100/25 Carbidopa-Levodopa to see if it helped. The medication made a noticeable difference in my base symptoms.

Backing up in time a bit, there were indicators that for a while I did not realize were potentially signs of an underlying condition. A few years ago I had fallen out of bed three times. In one dream I can remember diving for cover from being shot at. I was acting out a bad dream. Another indicator was tremors and loss of fine motor control in my left hand. The tremors are predominately left side. I have played multiple stringed instruments since I was 12 (I am 69 now). About three years ago I started noticing tremors and difficulty playing a musical instrument. At first I thought it was simply a lack of practice or maybe getting arthritic but there was no arthritic related pain or swelling. It was as though my brain knew where my fingers need to be but the execution was delayed/slow. I also like to do woodworking but it is getting increasingly difficult because of the tremors and I am more likely to get hurt due to balance issues. It is very frustrating. Exhaustion seemed to be another factor. I have noticed a decrease in energy and a worsening bone weary tiredness for 3 or 4 years.

The biggest physical challenge with PD, to me, is the exhaustion. Although the tremors and fine motor control issues are frustrating too. I am deeply tired most of the time. It's more than the usual exhaustion from physical activity. Hard to explain but just a weariness that robs me of motivation to do things I need/want/should be doing.

The biggest emotional challenge is lack of understanding from wife and family. If the meds mediate the tremors for a while they seem to think that I am OK. I am not. They do not acknowledge the cognative issues side of PD and the meds. I suffer somewhat from anxiety, seem to get confused at times and struggle because of the tiredness. I retired from a technical/engineering position and used to be able to multitask and had a great memory. Not so anymore. My wife has been somewhat helpful at times and I appreciate it when she is but I have learned, in general, to keep things to my self. She thinks I'm lazy and does not understand my struggles.

Recently, I was referred to a Parkinson's specialist. She upped my Carbidopa-Levodopa intake to 200/50 three time a day. I think it has been helpful. She also prescribed a month of physical rehab to help with balance. We discussed focused ultrasound and DBS for tremors but she wants to pursue increased med first.

Thanks for listening. I have read a lot off the site and it helps reading other PD experiences.