Cranky Lesbian

Look what the homosexuals have done to me!

Category: Brainpan

Parkinson’s: A Year Later

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On June 18, 2024

In Brainpan

You may have noticed I’ve been AWOL lately, but I’ll return with more TV movie reviews this summer. Earlier this month I planned to write a post about the ways in which my life has — and hasn’t — changed since being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease last June. The anniversary of that date came and went, lost in the shuffle of everyday life, including some YOPD nonsense that’s been taking up a lot of my time these days. I might as well address some of it now.

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Parkinson’s, Part II

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On August 12, 2023

In Brainpan

8/27 update: Twirl review coming by Tuesday at the latest; got waylaid by continued shoulder problems. Thanks for your patience!

TV movie fans: I’ll be back soon with a look at “Twirl,” a very special exploration of the ultra-competitive world of baton-twirling starring Lisa Whelchel and Erin Moran.

“How has your mood been lately?” the neurologist asked last week at my first follow-up appointment since being diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s in June. I was there for the neck and shoulder Botox injections that were previously delayed by levodopa adjustments, but she set aside extra time to discuss the diagnosis itself since our last meeting had been rushed.

“I’m told there’s room for improvement,” I replied modestly.

“Are you depressed?”

“I’m not sure if I’m depressed-depressed. But it’s depressing to be told at 40 that you have Parkinson’s.”

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The Joker Card: Parkinson’s at 40

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On June 7, 2023

In Brainpan

Let’s cut to the chase for this one, without our usual banter. This week the neurologist confirmed that my recently diagnosed dystonia is a symptom of what we hope is young-onset Parkinson’s disease. We hope because there are less attractive options, including multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy. All are clinical diagnoses, not things she can order an easy test for, and they share many symptoms. If it’s MSA or PSP, it will become more apparent in time. For now, we’re calling it early Parkinson’s, since the other options usually afflict older patients. You can read more about YOPD here.

My wife, Crankenstein, accompanied me to the appointment because she knew what was coming and wanted to talk with my movement disorder specialist (MDS). She shared observations about my muscle rigidity and bradykinesia, reduced arm swing, diminished sense of smell and increasingly inexpressive face, which the doctor also noticed. We cataloged the positive changes that I experienced after treatment with Botox and levodopa. I mostly sat there and looked pretty when I wasn’t failing the usual movement exam.

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Nocturnal Omissions

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On May 6, 2023

In Brainpan

First of all, TV movie fans, I’ve planned something special for Mother’s Day, so stay tuned for that. But this post is about a sleep experiment recently conducted to better answer my neurologist’s question about overnight behaviors. An ex complained quite a bit about my sleep but my deep-sleeper wife never has, so I needed a way to watch it myself.

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Thrilling Answers to All Your Dystonia Questions

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On April 20, 2023

In Brainpan, Oh No!

Last month I pledged to answer questions about the strange turn my lengthy medical mystery took after I was sent to a neurologist. Here it is, in Q&A form. To spice things up, you can pretend the late James Lipton, host of Inside the Actor’s Studio, conducted the interview. And, as always, more telefilm reviews are coming soon, including special appearances by our patron saints, Kate Jackson and Judith Light.

How are the Botox and levodopa going?

The first round of Botox is already wearing off, which is normal earlier on, as the doctor experiments with dosages and injection sites. The levodopa has been great for my dexterity, slowness and rigidity, which confirms the neurologist is on the right track. Now the question is whether I have dopamine-responsive dystonia or young-onset Parkinson’s. In June I’ll learn whether I have to undergo more tests or if the doctor has already made a decision.

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