Forum Replies Created

  • laura seymour

    Member
    January 21, 2020 at 4:58 pm in reply to: Has your hair changed since the diagnosis?

    I started losing my hair in a Christmas tree pattern about 2 years ago (before I was diagnosed, but certainly exhibited PD symptoms).  I was puzzled as no one in my family had this happen to them.  I tried Rogaine, which did not work for me and I found that when I stopped, the hair would fall out again.  I stopped immediately.  It’s been about 6 months since my diagnosis and prescription for Sinemet.  I feel it’s a little better, but still thin on top – more than it was before the first loss.  On a medically related note, my daughter is fighting gastric cancer and had chemo before her first operation.  She is Asian and had thin, straight hair.  Her hair is growing back thick and curly!!  Go figure!!  Good luck to all with this issue.

  • laura seymour

    Member
    January 21, 2020 at 4:51 pm in reply to: Are you participating in any clinical trials?

    Good to read responses from people from Michigan (my former home)!  I have participated in all of the  online trials that were offered to me through Michael J. Fox’ s foundation as others replying have.  The 23 and Me only required saliva.  I had a blood test when I underwent a DAT test and agreed to donate that blood to research at OHSU in Portland, OR.  The only thing about the online surveys is that they can take a lot of time, but you can stop and sign in again at another time to continue answering the questions.  I find this to be interesting and worthwhile as any information we can give will most certainly help others with PD in the, hopefully, near future.

  • laura seymour

    Member
    December 4, 2019 at 2:01 am in reply to: Is anyone experiencing feet numbness or pain.

    I have only been diagnosed with PD for a few months.  I, too, experience that feeling of something between the base of my toes and the ball of my foot.  I thought that I had stepped on some tissue or tape, but there never was anything there.  I went to a podiatrist who determined (with xrays) that I have a neuroma which could be treated with shots of alcohol between my toes or surgery.  I opted out of both. This was before my diagnosis.  I have been taking Gabapentin for a few years and it has not had an effect on the neuroma, nor on my PD.  My problem now is that I get very cold in the early evening.  It gets better except or my feet and hands which remain cold and painful.  My PD neurologist knows about it and it may have led to my having a DAT scan to determine my diagnosis.

  • laura seymour

    Member
    August 31, 2019 at 2:54 am in reply to: Trouble rolling over in bed?

    I kind of do the “hospital roll” that I learned when I had my back surgery. I kind of prop myself up with my elbows until I get where I need to be. However, for at least 2 years I can’t lie on my right side – it’s too painful at the time and then after I get out of bed. Not fun!

  • laura seymour

    Member
    August 31, 2019 at 2:40 am in reply to: Do you still have your sense of smell?

    I lost most of my sense of smell about 10 years ago, but I thought it was because I was taking zinc (to help avoid catching colds). Candles are harder to smell now, but I still can smell my lavender, thank goodness!

  • laura seymour

    Member
    August 31, 2019 at 2:30 am in reply to: Do you wake up exhausted every morning?

    I go to bed quite late, but am able to sleep in most days. However, I have noticed that I feel sleepy again after I eat. I fight it, but it’s not easy. The same goes for my walk – I know I have to do it both for PD and my arthritis.

  • laura seymour

    Member
    August 31, 2019 at 1:26 am in reply to: Do you drool?

    Hi Jean, it sure is! Is there an article I should read that will give me a general idea of what this disease may bring? I know everyone is different and that there is no time schedule for various symptoms to appear. But, I would just like to be informed as I start this new phase of my life. Thanks so much!
    take care,
    laura

  • laura seymour

    Member
    August 30, 2019 at 12:13 am in reply to: Why did you join this forum?

    I joined because I was told (1 week ago) that I have PD and I wanted to learn about it. I saw the list of forums in the Parkinson’s News. My husband is joining the care-givers forum. We both have a lot of questions about what’s in store for us.

  • laura seymour

    Member
    August 30, 2019 at 12:05 am in reply to: Where do you live?

    I live in Silverton, Oregon and have done so for 12 years. Before that, I lived in Michigan (since birth) – Detroit, Dearborn.

  • laura seymour

    Member
    August 29, 2019 at 11:59 pm in reply to: Do you drool?

    I was given the diagnosis of PD a week ago today.  But, way before that, I noticed I had been drooling on my pillowcase at night.  I also thought I was not quite meeting all of my mouth when I’d take a drink, but now I think it was a form of drooling.  I have been reading a lot about PD and it’s mindblowing to see the many symptoms/problems I had are now explained by the diagnosis!

  • laura seymour

    Member
    October 24, 2019 at 3:08 pm in reply to: Where do you live?

    I’m an only child, so when my parents died, I really didn’t have anyone close to me except my husband.  My daughter and her family lived in Oregon, so we decided watching videos of our granddaughter, we’d like to be there to be part of her life.  Things fell into place rather easily, like it was meant to be.  I guess it was, because my daughter is fighting a second round of stomach cancer, so I feel so much better being here than so far away in Michigan.  Now with my PD diagnosis, I feel even better living here.  The PNW is so beautiful and people are so nice!  I am sure I would have gone into a deeper depression back in Michigan.

    I have a question, too.  Where do I ask it?  Thanks!

  • laura seymour

    Member
    August 31, 2019 at 4:38 pm in reply to: Do you drool?

    Thanks, Jean! I’ve got the general idea. You’re right about ignorance being bliss. This is probably all I need to know. I love the quote that you or Ally sent me about acceptance is not resignation. My new mantra!

  • laura seymour

    Member
    August 31, 2019 at 1:04 am in reply to: Why did you join this forum?

    Thanks, Ally! I really appreciate your help! I do have loads of questions, but right now I’m concerned about the pain I have been reading about. I know PD is different for everyone, but I just would like some idea of what might occur. If you can give me some general idea about the pain, I would really appreciate it! The only thing I know about PD is the tremors and a shaky sense of balance. I just want to be prepared to face what may be in my future. Thanks so much!
    take care,
    laura