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.

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.