Hi. I’m Anne. Not sure where to start so I will just tell you a little bit about me. I have been married for 29 years, August 20th of this year. I have two kids, a son who is 28 and a daughter who is 22. My Dads sister, my Aunt, was diagnosed with young Parkinson’s in her 40s, she has since passed of old age, as well as some other health issues. I was originally diagnosed with essential tremors seven years ago by local neurologist. Over the last few years, I’ve had rapid increasing symptoms of cognitive issues, memory loss, walking, head tremors, hand shaking on my right side, internal tremors, etc. I went back to see the Neuro about a year ago and he completely blew me off and the appointment was actually extremely awkward. He stared at me like he did not believe a word that was coming out of my mouth. It made me very uncomfortable. But I pressed forward! I went to see my primary care Dr who I love and she supported me and referred me to Duke. I have my appointment with the MDS at Duke Hospital in Chapel Hill in November and I could not be more Excited for this appointment lol. We’ve all been there, I’m sure, at least most of us have, of not being supported by a doctor. Sometimes we know in our heart what’s going on but to get someone to rally for us, or believe us takes perseverance! Go us!! I am a positive, friendly and outgoing person who loves my family and loves what I do for work! I have been a REALTOR® in North Carolina for 20 years! I am a hard worker, a jokester, and I love to have fun. I’m the one who will make the joke or try to be silly when things get awkward. I am the friend that you can always lean on. I’ve always been a great friend although I do keep my circle very small. I’m here to make connections and friends with people on this journey. If you need to talk, I’m here for you. If you have questions about me and my journey, please feel free to ask. I am an open book. I love to learn anything and everything I can. Thank you Mike for creating this community for us. Hope to make a friend or several along the way! I’m having to use my voice to text because today my thumb has decided to not cooperate lol. 
so texting is out!
Hi Anne, it’s great to see you here! That’s awful that your neurologist treated you that way during your appointment. Hopefully the new MDS will be better which is likely since they focus on movement disorders.
Welcome to Parky Chat and thanks for joining!
Thank you!!
Welcome Anne,
It’s horrible to be dismissed by a doctor like you are crazy. This happened to me last year when I had my stroke. I just don’t understand why they become doctors if they fail listening to patients. We know our bodies. They need to find another career. I hope that you get the answers you are seeking.
Thank you! 
Hi Anne!!! I want to start off by saying — I love your state North Carolina. Wonderful place to live!
I have found having a Sense of Humour essential with this disease. There is so much about this disease, it’s so depressing and serious that sometimes we just have to make fun of it and ourselves. Just my opinion for what it’s worth.
I’m glad to hear you’re going to a movement disorder neurologist to have your Parkinson’s further evaluated. I know it must be terrifying. To be concerned it may be a parkinsonism. The reason I mentioning this is the doctors did the same to me. They sent me to mayo clinic to be further evaluated years ago. It wasn’t it was just plain old Parkinson’s, and we had a big party to celebrate it.
There are three generations in my family who had or have Parkinson’s. My dad had Parkinson’s and died from complications from it. I have. parkinson’s.
Last year My Oldest Son was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. It has been the biggest heartbreak I have ever happened in my life. I do not talk about it publicly as it’s not my story to tell. My son is 42 and still struggling accepting the diagnosis.
Hi Barbara. Thank you for taking time out of your day to message me, it really does mean a lot. I completely am with you on the humor side of things. I am the type of person that understands what I’m dealing with but I’m still making the best of each day! I’m not going to let anyone or anything get me down. I mean, when you think about it, we can’t change it, so why not just accept it, and understand that we can do what we can mentally, physically, emotionally to deal. As you saw in my instruction, my dads sister had Parkinson’s, and as far as anyone else in the family history, i am not sure. I am 51 years old and my father and his siblings have since passed away.
I am so sorry to hear about your son. I know as a mom that is super hard to deal with. And, you are absolutely correct, It is his story to share. My son has had two brain surgeries, and even though he was 10 months at the time of his first surgery, I still do not make it public as he is 28 years old, and that is his business.
I’m hoping when I meet with the MDS at Duke Hospital it will be finally confirmed but with all of my symptoms that I have reached my list is very long, I’m almost certain that it is Parkinson’s. My only concern right now is I’m having a lot of cognitive and memory decline pretty fast here lately so I’m hoping it’s not anything worse. And, I hate I have to wait until November to get into see the MDS and I just pray that whatever is going on is not going to progress at such a rate that me having to wait is going to do more harm than good. Hopefully that makes sense.
Hi. Glad you are here!
Thank you 