what are the symptoms of parkinson? medically known as parkinsonism?

one md diagnosed me as having parkinsonism, another specailist said it was a misdiagnosis and had me discontinue use of the prescribed drugs following two visits a month apart. I understand that it is difficult to diagnose and am worried about the uncertainty concerning the diagnosis. Both specialists (neurologists) inspected the same sleep study results. I have no tremble of my hands and my handwriting has not diminished in size. My unsteadiness is due to the calcification of the soft tissue following a total right hip replacement 11 months ago.(april 5 2005) I am almost 77 (july 2006) and otherwise in satisfactory health even though I have had one kidney excised about 5 years ago. A younger brother died at 75 from parkinson related heslth problems.
Thank you for your considered comments.( sleeping many hours a day I consider enjoyable as I have very little work in my university career. mostly treduced to writing and editing. Seamus

Parkinson’s disease sometimes is described as early, moderate, or advanced.

Early disease describes the stage when a person has a mild tremor or stiffness but is able to continue work or other normal daily activities. This often refers to a person who has been newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Moderate disease describes the stage when a person begins to experience limited movement. A person with moderate Parkinson’s disease may have a mild to moderate tremor with slow movement.
Advanced disease describes the stage when a person is significantly limited in his or her activity, despite treatment. Daily changes in symptoms, medication side effects that limit treatment, and loss of independence in activities of daily living are common. A person with advanced Parkinson’s disease may have significant changes in posture and movement, speech problems, and frequent changes in movement.
Parkinson’s disease may also be described by five stages:

Stage I (mild or early disease): Symptoms affect only one side of the body.
Stage II: Both sides of the body are affected, but posture remains normal.
Stage III (moderate disease): Both sides of the body are affected, and there is mild imbalance during standing or walking. However, the person remains independent.
Stage IV (advanced disease): Both sides of the body are affected, and there is disabling instability while standing or walking. The person in this stage requires substantial help.
Stage V: Severe, fully developed disease is present. The person is restricted to a bed or chair.

Stefan Kreuzer – Part 1 of 6

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