Biography

Name

Maria Cesena

Nickname

maria-cesena

Year of Birth

1966

Gender

Female

Location

Los Angeles, California

Relationship

Patient

Short Bio

I’ve only recently been diagnosed officially with early onset PD. I have had the symptoms since my early 40s but they weren’t terribly troublesome except for the severe insomnia and the tremors that seemed to worsen with stress. Several doctors kept pushing me to see a neurologist and I finally did a few months ago because I’ve started to fall occasionally which I attributed to clumsiness but most recently I’ve had the constant sensation when standing that we’re experiencing an earthquake which wouldn’t be unusual for California but this is constant! It just can’t be. My psychiatrist insisted on referring me to a neurologist when I complained that I was no longer wearing makeup to work because my right hand trembled too much and I was poking my eyes trying to apply liner and such. He told me I could no longer bury my head in the sand and ignore my body telling me something was wrong.  Long story short, my early symptoms were kept relatively mild because I was on a high dosage of Topomax for my Bi-polar Disorder.  It’s lost its efficacy for the  PD which appears to have progressed to stage 2. I’ve had the recommended MRI and its revealed changes in the left basal ganglia. The neurologist wants to start sinimet at a low dosage but I’m afraid to start it because it, too, will lose its efficacy. I’ve been referred for physical therapy to help with the balance issues. But, the neurologist says that without medication my tremors will only worsen. My psychiatrist is trying to treat the severe insomnia that I’ve had for years which was attributed to the Bipolar disorder without success despite taking almost every medication available, trying holistic medicine, natural supplements, acupuncture, relaxation therapy, mindfulness, you name it, I’ve tried it. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I can only sleep 2-3 hours a night and have done so for years. Somehow, I’ve managed to lead life this way, raise children, run a household and work full time as an analyst writing complicated reports. I don’t have much energy and don’t have the energy to engage in all of the activities I’d like to but I get through life. I wish sometimes that I had remained in the dark about my diagnosis. But, I suppose knowing is forewarned and forearmed.

How did you hear about us?

Other

How long have you or the person that you are caring for had PD?

13 years

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