Page created by: Jack Wiles

My journey with Parkinson’s Disease started with a slight annoying tremor in my left hand. I went to my primary care Dr. Wm. Bell on 3/12/2020 and he diagnosed PD. He checked my gate and I wasn't dragging my left foot. He ran several blood panels, an EKG, and a CT scan to eliminate other causes. The results were all negative., except for high cholesterol. The radiologist summed it all up by saying, l I have an unremarkable brain.”
Dr. Bell suggested I see a neurologist. Dr. Kristine Jessen who, true to her reputation. as having a tough, bedside manner, confirmed the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.
Dr. Bell left on an indefinite sabbatical and suggested I have a sleep study conducted. I then discovered that Dr. Glass is a movement neurologist and conducts sleep studies for sleep apnea. The sleep study was absolutely miserable with electronic leads all over my body a finger oxygen monitor and I was forced to lay on my back all night. The study was inconclusive for sleep apnea. So, I had a home study with Ambien to help me sleep and fewer electronic leads. The home study indicated moderate sleep apnea and I was referred to Prodigy for a CPAC machine which was back ordered.
I finally got the CPAC and after a month of use, I was determined to be qualified for Medicare reimbursement.
Since then, I saw Dr. Glass and he then prescribed 50-200 mg. Carbidopa-Levodopa. Dr, Glas was making trips to Homer from Anchorage and discontinued. I then moved to Dr. David Rankine, a neurologist, at S. Peninsula Hospital.

Dr. Rankine seemed mainly interested in prescriptions. I would bring in notes and articles but we rarely discussed them. I complained a good deal about being tired all the time and it was addressed by prescription having a series of falls and thought the medication was responsible. One med Rasigline and Trazodone had a severe to dangerous drug interaction according to a website. When I quit taking Rasagiline Dr. Rankine vociferously objected.

Meanwhile, I got Dr. Swain as my primary care Dr. He referred me to the heart institute in Soldotna but they had no openings so I went to Anchorage and saw Dr. Abzula, he conducted an EKG, a stress test, and a heart sonogram. He concluded that everything seemed normal despite having a beat.

Dr. Rankine left Hospital and now I see Dr. Melissa Hiury. She seems very thorough and interested in my sleep chronic insomnia and constant tiredness. I asked about Deep Brain Stimulation and Focused Ultrasound and she didn't believe I was yet a candidate for that treatment. She suggested CBD Oil as a sleep aid but it has not been effective nor has melatonin (5mg)

Meanwhile, after Dr. Swain left, I got Dr. Joe Lelano as my primary care Dr. Joe seemed sincerely interested in my tiredness and chronic insomnia. He referred me to a speech therapist and a physical therapist.
Both have been very helpful along with an occupational therapist in voice management (I've pretty much lost. my voice) and balance techniques/ strength.

My Parkinson's has ‘progressed’ to the point where I am severely tired, cannot take bird trips due to early morning departures, and am unable to hike the full length of our neighboring park.
I manage to walk the road 1 mile 2x day. The slightest hill is a challenge.
I continue to do home exercises and hope the P. doesn't continue to progress. I have fewer falls now that I am not taking Rasagiline, Trazodone, and Doxepin
I take Pramipexole (0.125mg.)for restless legs and that helps.

I'm slowly getting stronger in voice and balance.


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