What is symptom seeking?

As an in-betweener, I’ve spent a great deal of my time “symptom seeking”. I’ve mentioned this term in a previous article, but let me remind you.

Symptom seeking is looking at every little stumble and every forgotten name and jumping to the conclusion that:

Ah, it must be the HD!

Of course, it’s very likely not the HD, but it’s hard not to have those thoughts.

Here’s a perfect example:

Over the past year, I’ve had two falls. Both of them involved me tripping on something and going right down to the floor.

No worries right? Happens to everyone right?

No, darn right it’s a worry, it’s the HD. THE H.D.!

Each time (after some freaking out) I made note of the falls and planned to bring them up on my next visit to the Neurologist. Once there, he proceeded to go through his regular neurological assessment and watch me do some walking and balance activities.

When I told him about the two falls, he didn’t seem too concerned. He made notes about them, but not too concerned.

He said, and I’m paraphrasing here:

Part of my job here is to look for any signs that may be the result of Huntington’s Disease symptoms and I don’t see anything today that leads me to believe you have symptoms.

And, sigh.

(Of course, between you and me, I still think those falls were related to my HD. Or maybe they’re not).