I haven't been diagnosed yet with Parkinson's, just waiting for the neurologist to call with an appointment, but an expert on gastroparesis, my gastroenterologist who's treating me for colitis, and my rheumatologist all suspect that I might have it.

What I do have is a small hiatal hernia (had a huge one repaired a few years back), GERD, gastroparesis, collogenous colitis, duodenitis, osteoarthritis, orthostatic hypotension, high BP, high cholesterol, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, and overlapping toes! I'm going to have the toes amputated if the other docs say I can take the anesthesia.

When the gastroparesis started I didn't have much pain, but now my lower back, stomach, and legs hurt every day. I take Vicodin if it gets too bad, but sometimes just changing position helps. I also have diarrhea nearly every day. Don't ask me how much immodium I take, I've stopped counting them, just take a handful whenever I need them. Not that they work--I might as well eat a handful of TicTacs. I have tremors that are becoming more frequent, in my fingers and now in my lower lip and chin. I fall frequently, the whole way down the stairs twice, which ended with two trips to the ER and a week in the hospital. I also use a CPAP for sleep apnea.

I know Parkinson's can do a lot of different things to you, but can it do all this? The rheumatologist especially is in a hurry to get me an appointment with the neurologist.

Also, I saw an ad for a new med, Cimzia (I think I spelled it right) that is used for Chrone's disease. You get a shot every week or two. The thing that interested me is that it attacks the tumor necrosis factor which causes inflammation. Would it also, just possibly, help Parkinson's?

I'd appreciate any help you can give me. Sometimes message boards, talking with people who have what you do, are more helpful than what the doctors say.

New to Parkinson's,
Ginny B

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[This Message was Edited on 03/17/2009]