I am shaking and fear I am developing Parkinson’s – please help! Dr Jeff answers your health questions
DR Jeff Foster is The Sun on Sunday’s resident doctor and is here to help YOU.
Dr Jeff, 43, splits his time between working as a GP in Leamington Spa, Warks, and running his clinic, H3 Health, which is the first of its kind in the UK to look at hormonal issues for both men and women.
See h3health.co.uk and email at drjeff@the-sun.co.uk.
Q) I’M a 64-year-old woman on statins. I had a blood test a few weeks ago and the test came back that I have slightly elevated liver levels and I’m waiting on my next set of results.
My doctor says it isn’t due to the statins. Should I be worried?
Patricia Whitnell, Berks
A) Statins are used to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Some patients get aches and pains when they start taking them, but so far, the overwhelming evidence is that they are a highly effective medicine for those who need them.
In terms of your abnormal liver function, we check the liver via a blood test in all patients one to three months after they start statins, as some can develop abnormal results.
But this is not always a reason to stop the medicine straight away.
The raised liver levels could be due to something else, like a recent illness or other medication.
At this stage, I would suggest you simply let your doctor know your worries.
They will then be able to explain your blood results and the options available in more detail – and help you decide whether you want to keep going with the medication.
Q) I’M a 77-year-old man and for the past few months my hands have started to shake when carrying things, causing me to spill drinks.
My son and daughter-in-law are concerned that it could be first signs of Parkinson’s.
I class myself as quite fit and active for my age.
Ron Colbrook Folkestone, Kent
A) Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the cells of the brain responsible for co-ordinating movement.
Symptoms include stiffness, tremor and a generalised slowness of movement.
When the condition first presents, early symptoms include mild tremors, difficulty walking and/or a reduction in facial expression.
It is good that your family is looking out for you and I think you should go and see your doctor.
But remember, lots of things can cause a tremor, from lifestyle factors, such as stress or too much caffeine, to other neurological problems, or even hormone conditions, such as thyroid disease.
Even if this does turn out to be Parkinson’s, it is no longer the death sentence it once was, and new medication and understanding of the disease means that many people can live a good life with the condition for decades.
The key to keeping you safe is to see your doctor to get a definitive diagnosis.