I'm off to see the doctor...

Will be going to see the neurologist Monday morning. Paperwork was submitted, though I discovered I could just bring it with me.

Good thing too. Lately I've noticed more stiffness in my left arm that my meds aren't getting rid of. More pain as a result, sometimes worse than other times. Hopefully the doc can update my medications.

One thing I'm going to talk about is a medication I've heard some good things about: Selegiline. It may be able to make my Sinemet dosage more effective so we don't have to raise it yet. It works by blocking the chemical process that breaks down dopamine in the body, so what is floating around in there lasts longer. We'll see if the doctor agrees with using it.

Recent weeks I've noticed more stiffness in my legs, swallowing pills sometimes doesn't work right. Noticed more signs of my right hand being affected. Lately I'm double-clicking the mouse without realizing it. Same thing that happened with my left hand in 2011 about this time: I kept double pressing letters on the keyboard. I thought it was the keyboard acting up, but it was PD. If my right hand follows the same time frame, I should notice more difficulty typing with it by November.

The most noticeable effect on my right hand comes in brushing my teeth. It is harder to do it smoothly, and at times my hand runs away with it, going fast like I'm barely maintaining control. Surprised I've not jabbed my jaw with the thing yet.

Also seems like I've had more episodes of mental dullness lately, when it almost feels like I'm only able to focus on one thing and unable to process sensory data as readily.

So hope to talk about all that with the doctor, and hopefully come away with some help.

One good thing. So far, it doesn't seem like my voice has deteriorated any more than it has before. Lower notes still aren't as solid, but most of my range is still there. As long as I can stay calm, can still sing. Directing is a bigger issue. A few Sundays ago, choir director was gone. I'm the backup. Directing with my right hand left my left arm free. As my stress went up, my left arm started flapping against my side like a fish out of water. Had to get the wife to hold onto it and rub it so I could function.

I'll try and come back for an after doctor update when I can.