Day by Day with Parkinson's and Peripheral Neuropathy

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and Peripheral Neuropathy in 2006, but my symptoms seemed to take a turn in a different direction in late 2007. The current diagnosis is Essential Myoclonus. You will find record here of a my journey - coping with the testing, the medicines, nutrition, digestion problems, exercise, the emotions, and no telling what else!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Insurance Has APPROVED My Dental Appliance!!

I knew I was having a good day yesterday! When we came home from our Date Day, I had a lovely letter waiting for me, stating that the TAP Dental Appliance has been approved by my insurance for the treatment of my Sleep Apnea. I immediately called them to find out how to get my money back, as I had to pay my dentist for it up front. They are sending me the forms to take care of this. Whooopiieeeee!! I had anticipated some trouble with them agreeing that it was eligible, so that's something else I can cross off my list.

My neck is still very uncomfortable, but I made myself work on the compost heap this morning. I can't afford to give in to it, or I'll find myself able to do less and less.

I actually slept until my first medicine alarm went off this morning at 5:00AM! EIGHT HOURS OF SLEEP!!! That's the first time that has happened. I'm still waking up quite a bit in the night, but unlike before, I am able to drift back to sleep, even after I've been up to use the bathroom.

We ate at on of our favorite Mexican restaurants yesterday for lunch, but I was a good girl and got the Huevos Rancheros, which is nothing but sunny side up eggs with sauce on top. I scrape the sauce over to the side, eat the Spanish rice and the eggs, and just taste the refried beans. I did get a side order of the guacamole, which I really enjoy and finished off a bunch of the tostados they bring. I did NOT have the woozy feeling after lunch. So I'm pretty sure it's not protein that sets it off. It may be fat, though. I've basically been avoiding eating beef or pork for lunch. Most of the week we had the fake crab meat in a spinach and cabbage salad, and that does not cause the funny feeling, either.

I'm still having real problems with tremors and walking is not as easy, as I have this constant feeling of walking on Jello, because my legs are shaking the whole time I am walking. I'm using the cane just about any time we leave the house now, except for church. I'm trying to hold off using it there, because I get asked too many questions about how I'm doing. It makes me self conscious. I have started taking a lap robe to church, though, as I have come to realize that I have the hard tremors in church because I'm cold! I'll be making an appointment with the Neurologist next week, now that I've been on the new meds for awhile and the apnea and tummy are well under control.

Our older daughter and her hubby are going to do the honors for Thanksgiving Dinner this year. They both love to cook, which I never did, and this is their first holiday in their new home. I've always been the one to have the Thanksgiving meal, but I'm very happy to pass this tradition along to her, and just help out with the expense. Hopefully our younger daughter and her family will be able to come, too. With me not having to do anything for dinner, I can really enjoy the day.

So, things continue to come to good conclusions, and I remain optimistic. May we all have a great day today!!

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8 Comments:

  • At 11/11/2007 4:35 AM , Blogger Jackie said...

    Glad to hear the dentists costs are covered. How wonderful for you to actually get eight hours sleep, I hope it continues and the insomnia is a thing of the past.

     
  • At 11/11/2007 8:03 AM , Blogger Dirty Butter said...

    I slept well last night, too, Jackie. I really think this is the solution for me. And then to have it covered under my insurance just makes it that much better.

     
  • At 11/12/2007 12:50 PM , Blogger Marion said...

    Things are really looking up for you, DB!

    My daughter has Thanksgiving and Christmas now, too. I handed it over to her a couple of years ago, and just contribute. I get to sit with the grandkids and enjoy!

    Another very close friend of ours has just been diagnosed with PD. He is very self-conscious and will not discuss it, with anyone, his family least of all. I am so glad to know you, DB, your blog will help me a lot with my friend.

     
  • At 11/12/2007 1:54 PM , Blogger Dirty Butter said...

    I'm sorry to hear your friend has been diagnosed with PD. A lot of people react by refusing to talk about it in the beginning. If he's into computers, you might want to give him my blog address. Or, maybe he would like to join the Patients Like Me website. He can lurk and read what lots of PWP have to say about every imaginable topic, plus get help in tracking the progression of his symptoms and the medicines he is put on.

     
  • At 11/12/2007 10:39 PM , Anonymous Joe said...

    Congratulations on the insurance/sleep apnea situation. Just knowing the insurance will take care of it should make you sleep even better yet! :-)

    As for Thanksgiving, you may not have enjoyed the cooking, but you must have done something right to make the day special. If you didn't, your daughter wouldn't want to take over the tradition, so congratulations on another job well done.

     
  • At 11/13/2007 5:36 AM , Blogger Dirty Butter said...

    I had been warned to expect a battle over the insurance, Joe, so this was a wonderfully pleasant surprise. I continue to get 7+ hours each night, with very little advancement of the lower jaw.

    As for Thanksgiving, we always have treasured our family getting together. I just don't like to cook. period. Hubby took over when I got so sick last year with all the tummy problems, and I think he enjoys it. At least, he's not hinting for me to take it back over. Suits me just fine.

     
  • At 11/13/2007 8:52 AM , Blogger Marsha said...

    Wonderful post, so happy things are coming up roses for you.

     
  • At 11/13/2007 2:46 PM , Blogger Dirty Butter said...

    It is really a blessing, Marsha, that I am not going to have to fight for this. God watches out for fools and children. LOL

     

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