Parkinson’s

[Loopylou38]

Hi , mum collapsed at home because of a UTI & was admitted to hospital she has been treated but she seems to have lost her balance when standing the drs have done a few physical tests and have said she has symptoms of Parkinson’s disease . Omg I couldn’t believe what I was hearing today how can they say to her that they are running more tests for Parkinson’s.
my mum is so upset and I’m so angry why couldn’t they keep their guessing to themselves until they’ve done more tests and know for sure
this could really set her recovery back 😢

How old is she? It must be worrying for her and you.

Hi thanks for your reply shes 86 and was perfectly independant until the fall
Im just so annoyed that Dr said she suspects Parkinson’s without running tests first .
it’s like me going to the dr with a pain and him saying well I think you’ve got symptoms of cancer it’s unheard of without running tests for a diagnosis

I’m sorry to hear she had a fall. I don’t think there are specific tests for PD, I thought it was based on symptoms and physical tests. I may be wrong but that’s been my experience. It must be a worrying time for you both.

In my experience, when doctors tell you they are looking for something or testing for something, they are reasonably confident that they are correct.

A person with Parkinsons, in particular, has certain symptoms that can be seen without tests - the Parkinsons gait is very telling to those with experience. Combined with stiff muscles, a tremor, slow movements, and other symptoms, it may be clear to the doctors what's wrong and they are maybe trying to tell your mum gently, but by not, to allow her to come to terms with the news.

I do hope they are wrong though.

I fully understand what your saying & sadly there are no tests for Parkinson’s
Im in total shock , my mum is in hospital she’s had an awful trauma to her body , maybe I’m in denial as I’m thinking she’s riddled in osteo , badly bruised & in constant pain so this Contributes to the way in which she is walking 😢

Honestly, if she does have Parkinson’s which was previously undiagnosed the drugs may help her mobility.

I have Parkinson’s ( or anism) no defined tests, 61 and had it for about 5 years, diagnosis September last years, meds help

couldn’t they keep their guessing to themselves until they’ve done more tests and know for sure

gently, many people find being in hospital frustrating and distressing because they don’t hear what’s going on from the doctors. They’re trying to keep her and you informed and you can then all questions while she’s there. I’m sorry your mum is having a bad time, but at 86 it’s likely that any hospital investigation is going to uncover something concerning.

my mum has symptoms of Parkinson’s too. None can say definitively is she has it, but what they can do is treat the symptoms and the medication she is taking has made a huge positive difference to her movements, balance and quality of life.

It's so difficult seeing our DOs failing , I'm sorry.PD is usually a clinical disease and it is usually a clinical diagnosis rather than diagnosis with tests. Medication will probably help your DM's mobility and ability to remain independent and well for longer. There is a podcast called 'movers and shakers' that you might find interesting.