The Battle of PD Is Difficult

I was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD) at 42 years old, but I think I had YOPD during my teenage years because at that time my voice become lower and husky.

I went to the doctor for tremors

When I turned 38 years old I noticed my muscles ached and I decided to visit a doctor for muscles and bone. Then after 2 years, I noticed that I developed a tremor - my friend told me I had to visit an endocrinologist. I would undergo blood tests and ultrasound in my neck, and we found out that I have hypothyroidism, so my doctor prescribed me a medicine for the thyroid.

Months and years passed, and still, I had a tremor, so my doctor prescribed me pregabalin. Because of this my life become boring, I had to stop my my business, my happiness, passion in cooking, and my cantina closed.

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More testing at the hospital

When I was 42 years old, I was confined to the hospital because of stomach pain. At that time it was so difficult if you were sick. While confined, me and my companion needed to undergo a swab test because COVID was dangerous at that time. They did a series of lab tests and Xrays, etc. Then my doctor told me that I had to undergo an operation because of appendicitis causing my pain in the lower right of my abdomen.

I saw a neurologist next

During my healing we noticed that my tremors become worst. We decided to request a neurologist. I had to undergo an MRI. My neurologist noticed that I had small movements and walked like a robot because my arm did not swing. My handwriting became smaller. I had no sense of smell. I had to take a lot of medicine. They also recommended I visit a psychiatrist because of my stress, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. During my illness my Papa died which led to depression, sadness, and overthinking. Mỳ doctor prescribed me a medicine.

Finally, a diagnosis

Years passed and I visited a doctor in the town of Ocampo - I found out that I have a Parkinson's disease and they gave me maintenance medicine, levodopa carbidopa to take 3 or 4 times a day. The moment when I took the meds, I felt better and had no more tremors.

But I never imagined being diagnosed with YOPD. I was in denial about my disease I could not accept it, I asked, "God, why me? I’m not a sinner. I’m a good person. Why?" Depression is a battle.

Support from my family

After much encouragement from my family, acceptance is the key. I ask God for forgiveness. I do exercise and stay active. I live a normal life doing my responsibility as a mom of my 3 kids and a loving wife.

I found out about the Parkinson's Foundation while searching. I have started looking through Facebook and YouTube about PD. I also emailed them they forwarded me a nice read about PD.

I live life to the fullest even though I have Parkinson's disease. I'm happy and contented. Now I accept that fact that there is no cure, but I think positively. God is good all the time.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The ParkinsonsDisease.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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