Richard Otway

Finding New Hope with Parkinson’s in Tallahassee

Thanks to the Movement Disorders Program, Richard Otway returns to community service

When Richard and Heidi Otway became empty-nesters, they began traveling more and starting new hobbies. Their new lifestyle was briefly placed on hold when Richard received a diagnosis no one is prepared for.

Richard was referred to a neurologist for a dopamine transporter scan (DaTscan), a procedure that uses a radioactive substance to help diagnose Parkinson’s. While there is not one test to determine whether a patient has Parkinson’s, tests like a magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, a DaTscan or bloodwork can support the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. A final, clinical diagnosis for Parkinson’s disease is based on symptoms, medical history and a neurological and physical exam. 

After Richard received his official Parkinson’s diagnosis, he called Heidi immediately. He was 47. They were both speechless. 

“I was devastated ... and also in denial,” Richard said. He started to rethink his life and about his future as a husband, father and provider. All he knew about Parkinson’s was from seeing celebrities like Michael J. Fox and Mohammed Ali battle it. 

Finding Treatment Close to Home

Richard was then referred to a specialized neurologist out of town, but the two-hour drive was often a barrier. 

His tremor was impacting his ability to drive, making steering and accelerating difficult. Heidi was also attending his appointments, which made it difficult to coordinate visits that worked with both of their schedules. 

After traveling for treatment for about a year and several months of telemedicine sessions, Richard was on a quest to find a doctor close to home. In late 2023, Richard discovered a new movement disorder neurologist that had just started seeing patients right here in Tallahassee - Enrique Urrea-Mendoza, MD. A movement disorders neurologist, Dr. Urrea received specialized training for the treatment of Parkinson’s and other movement disorders on top of his neurology training. This specialized treatment is the gold standard for Parkinson’s and movement disorders.

Richard scheduled an appointment with Dr. Urrea at TMH Physician Partners – Neurology, hopeful to find long-term care here at home. 

At this point, Richard’s symptoms were worsening. He was experiencing additional tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement and changes in his facial expression. He also experienced lack of smell, constipation, mood changes and night terrors. 

“When I saw Richard, I noticed right away that his brain was in need of dopamine,” Dr. Urrea said. “In his treatment, he was taking low amounts of dopamine – he needed a more individualized treatment plan.” 

Dr. Urrea explained that patients are usually able to tell when they need dopamine, which was the case with Richard. He started increasing Richard’s medicine to give him more dopamine over the next few months.

Working with a movement disorders neurologist to find the right dosage of medicine is critical for the treatment of Parkinson’s. Richard sees Dr. Urrea every three months to monitor his treatment plan, which includes identifying ways he can feel better in addition to his medication, such as changes in diet and exercise. This has improved Richard’s life tremendously.

"Dr. Urrea is a problem solver, and he has answered our prayers,” Heidi said.

Richard Uses His Diagnosis to Inspire 

Now adjusted to the correct dosage of medication, Richard is doing more of the things he enjoys, including volunteering at his church. In addition to being a Deacon at ALARM International Church, he is the head of the safety response team (including security, nursing and parking) and also works with his wife to manage the food pantry.

Richard is proud of the work he and Heidi do through the church to serve food to hundreds of families each month in Tallahassee. 

During the first few years of Richard’s diagnosis, Bishop Alvin D. Stewart, Jr., could tell Richard wasn’t himself. He had become withdrawn because of the tremors and the stigma that can sometimes be attached to Parkinson’s. However, Richard and Heidi received love and support from their church family and became more open about his diagnosis.

“Richard is a fighter,” said Bishop Stewart. “He’s going to be a great witness to what can happen when you fight.”

Richard and Heidi describe their experience with TMH as “incredible” and a gamechanger for his care. They are traveling, exercising more and enjoying life with their first grandbaby. Heidi has hope that Richard’s condition will remain steady. 

The experience of going through diagnosis to finding treatment and care with TMH has also inspired the Otways to donate through the TMH Foundation, where Heidi also gives her time as a board member. They are currently working with the TMH Foundation to increase donations to support the Neurology practice. 

Richard’s faith and conviction to keep fighting have led him to share his story to help other patients with Parkinson’s disease find hope.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it’s important to seek treatment. Speak to your primary care physician or make an appointment with our Movement Disorders Team at TMH Physician Partners - Neurology