Notes from DC

[Guest guest]

Hi all! The town doctors were great but not PD or MSA

specialists. During my visits in April and July, Drs. Yepes and

Tornatore said I had Parkinsonian symptoms and probably not a stroke.

A MRI was ordered. Next, they ordered a spinal tap, EMG, EEG, EKG,

and a jillion blood tests. I didn't have Lyme disease, Lupus,

meningitis, syphilis, etc.etc etc…Based on the symptoms and tests

results, PD plus MSA was probably the villain.

I am grateful to the DC group for opening my eyes. Terry and

(and Madison) opened their house on a rainy and cold Sunday. They

installed a stair lift and track system for transporting thru

out

their house. Terry, Margaret and Gordon's wife served up hot cider

with a cinnamon stick and cookies with icing. MMmmm Gooood!

We got into a big discussion about stem cell research, cloning,

blastocycts and President Bush and the damn republicans (sorry but I

think we should keep moving forward to find a cure.)

Colette from DC shared her experience in dealing with her sick father

regarding medications and hospitalizations. Sherma (sp?) smiled a

lot

and I forget her husband's name… Everyone in the group, but me,

had a

their own MSA doctor. I asked about finding a real Parkinson's or MSA

doctor. Bill and Terry shared a few names from Hopkins and

University

of land Medical School (GO TERPS!).

So, today I saw Dr. ne Goldstein and she saw how painful and

stiff my neck is and next week, we are going to try Botox injections

to relax the muscles. I've had a terrible stiff neck since 1999 and

now my head bends forward all time - like a 90-year-old grandmother.

I have my fingers crossed and will keep you posted.

Well, it's been a good day and TGIF!!!!

Jo