HeroTeo - The Parkinson’s Fighter

Non motor or motor symptoms has great impact on PD?

It is increasingly recognised that the non-motor effects of PD including depression and cognitive dysfunction can have a greater impact on patients’ quality of life.

I agree. I can deal with the tremors and the dyskinesias; it is the neuropathies - the pain in my hands and feet - and the depression, that have a greater impact on me at this timelity of life than the movement symptoms

 While that may be very true, I have more difficulty accepting not being able to write/print legibly and using the keyboard is becoming more and more difficult. At the same time, my vocal functions are decreasing as well………voice is soft, words are sometimes slurred, occasionaly I have difficulty with swallowing and choking. I am very lucky NOT to have the pain so many of you have to deal with. Even tho, basically pain free, do not discount the loss of functions so many people take for grant

I think they are equal in impact. The difference in degree is of impact individually. I may not have pain and dystonia, but I do have major depression, dibilitating tremor, as well as profuse sweating…just to begin with. We ALL have some degree of lose of function. It is just differnet in each of us. And the difference isn lose of functon is not even the same; e.g. timing of lose from dx date

Source; PatientdLikeMe

Posted by He

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Is there still life after PD?

Giving and serving others will bring much happiness than receiving and being served. Therefore there is still life after PD. You will no longer be alone._________________to help the PD patients aware the diseases and encourage to set up support groups to educate the patients and their immediate families
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wheelersceJoined: 02 Mar 2007Posts: 357Location: MI
Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:54 am Post subject:

Teokimhoe, Of course, you are right that it’s often “better to give than to receive.” But I think we persons with Parkinson’s have to understand that sometimes we simply have to focus on ourselves, and that’s ok, too. We shouldn’t feel guilty about it. And eventually, we will all be on the receiving end of help. There is beauty, too, in being a gracious receiver, allowing others the opportunity to give. It depends on where we are on this journey

Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:09 am    Post subject:
I agree with you both, but I have a hard time focusing on myself. Example: Yesterday I was able to get out of the house and visit with my Granddaddy, who is in the nursing home. He just found out he is getting a private room and so excited. So, here I go (not complaining), as excited as he, to get him things for his room that he wants. In the meantime, I am also looking for my friend some furniture for her childs room. I also had to buy groceries for my family but by the time I do all my running around and get to Wal-Mart, I give completely out, start shaking, feet dragging, my speech is slurred because I am exhausted. I decided to sit and rest and maybe I wil get my strength back to finish, but I didn’t. I even had people come by and laugh at me. I finally had to call my dear husband to my rescue (once again). I was so frustrated with myself, but it happens so fast. I just can’t figure out this balance of helping others but also taking care of myself. This disease is so unpredictable and real pain in the ___, but I am still blessed!!!Candy

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Does anyone else have this overwhelming feeling of fatique?

I often have fatique, but for the past 3-4 weeks around this time everyday, I get this overwhelming feeling of fatigue. I can barely hold my head up or talk. I guess my body is trying to tell me to rest. Does anyone else ever have that feeling?
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ahimsajackJoined: 25 Apr 2007Posts: 547
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 4:02 pm Post subject:

Yes, either late morning or early afternoon I am force to take a nap for an hour. Being that I do not use any PD meds, I assume this is from the PD itself. Jack_________________We are what we think, with our thoughts we create our world.
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askoonzJoined: 07 Mar 2007Posts: 24
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 4:15 pm Post subject:

Hi Candy, I also take no meds. In the afternoons around 3pm I also get very sleepy and just want to curl in a ball and sleep. If I take a nap then I will usually be up all night. Hope you survived the storms. We got another 3 or 4 inches of snow. I will be so happy for spring. We have just about had a record amount of snow.
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cfinlaysonJoined: 29 Jun 2007Posts: 44
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:32 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your advice. I do take meds but still have this feeling aroudn the same time. I however, don’t take a nap. I may sit and rest for a moment. I don’t sleep well at night so I am afraid to nap during the day. I am not sure how much rain we did get, but our pond if finally beginning to fill up, which is a blessing for our cows. I will be glad with Spring gets here as well. I have all sorts of plans (in my head). Hopefully, we will manage to get a few of my projects done. Thanks and hope you both have a good night. Candy
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John ShJoined: 05 Mar 2007Posts: 136Location: Arroyo Grande, California
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:33 pm Post subject:

I am the same as Candy and Jack, great fatigue, am also unmedicated. God, this PD is wearing me out. John S
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teokimhoeJoined: 03 Mar 2007Posts: 65Location: Malaysia
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:00 am Post subject:

Fatigue Fatigue may refer to several things in neurological diseases:1.) A generalized lack of energy. 2.) A reduction in the force of individual muscle contractions; overlaps with weakness and atrophy.3.) A psychological state consistent with apathy, inertia, or lack of motivation such as occurs in depression. 4.) Daytime sleepiness caused by poor sleep quality or medication side effects. The management of fatigue is important because it is associated with poor quality of life. There are several targets for treatment. Firstly, sleep quality must be considered. Poor sleep hygiene, anxiety, inability to turn in bed, pain, or breathing difficulties could cause insomnia, leading to daytime sleepiness, irritability, and poor cognitive function. Treatment of these underlying causes may be beneficial. Secondly, poor respiratory function could lead to lack of oxygen for the brain and muscles. Non-invasive ventilation either at night or for periods of the day may be helpful. Thirdly, mood factors such as anxiety and depression can cause psychological feelings of fatigue or inertia, which may respond to drugs or counseling. Finally, a wakefulness-promoting agent such as Modafinil may be prescribed to combat fatigue. Source: NPF open forum_________________to help the PD patients aware the diseases and encourage to set up support groups to educate the patients and their immediate families
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Posted by Hero Teo

Tags: Discussion, Medication by heroteo
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Does everybody with Parkinsons Disease get worse, or do some people stay the same for years, or even improve ?
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ahimsajackJoined: 25 Apr 2007Posts: 545
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:12 am Post subject:

Sorry to say, everyone gets worse, although at different rates. Jack_________________We are what we think, with our thoughts we create our world.
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johnball20@gmail.comJoined: 23 Feb 2008Posts: 3
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 11:15 am Post subject: Does everyone get worse?

Well, I am not sure I want to agree with Jack, but I know that he is right in at least the sense that there is no cure for the disease itself. It will progress, and the number of affected brain cells will increase over time. Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease, but the brain has shown a lot more neuroplasticity than was previously believed possible. I know that strenuous exercise has kept me thinking clearly and physically functional over the last 25+ years of living with this disease. I do think we have the ability to develop strategies that help us manage the disease better. I know my Parkinson’s symptoms are more severe today than they were 25 years ago when I was diagnmosed, but I also know that iam in better physical shape today than I was then. I can still do all the things I want to get done during the day because I plan better, I work smarter, I get help when or if I need it, and I don’t try to rush through things. We can get better, in spite of the disease getting worse. John
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ahimsajackJoined: 25 Apr 2007Posts: 545
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 11:24 am Post subject:

John, thanks for the reminder. I agree with you totally. Even though PD progresses and cannot be stopped, the way we cope with it makes a huge difference. Our overall well being can actually improve in spite of the PD. As with you, I make daily use of exercise, prayer, meditation, and a positive outlook. Jack_________________We are what we think, with our thoughts we create our world.
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John ShJoined: 05 Mar 2007Posts: 136Location: Arroyo Grande, California
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 12:41 pm Post subject: Providentia

I went back over to PDrecoverers@yahoogroups.com a couple of days ago, and got some responses. Providencia wrote a very interesting message that pretty well mirrors how I feel. She goes by “risingsuntouch.” Check it out. John S
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John ShJoined: 05 Mar 2007Posts: 136Location: Arroyo Grande, California
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 12:44 pm Post subject: Sorry

I goofed, you get the Yahoo email address. Sorry, John S
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John ShJoined: 05 Mar 2007Posts: 136Location: Arroyo Grande, California
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:07 pm Post subject: I’ll try once more

Try this….John S http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/PDrecoverers/
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Archduke Ferdinand IIJoined: 12 Aug 2007Posts: 179
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 2:34 pm Post subject:

I heard from somebody today who had classic Parkinson’s Disease who doesn’t have it any more, and is no longer taking any drugs for it. It hasn’t been all in the wrong direction for everyone.
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John ShJoined: 05 Mar 2007Posts: 136Location: Arroyo Grande, California
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:39 pm Post subject:

Is this the woman that you mentioned who was taking the dopavite?
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Archduke Ferdinand IIJoined: 12 Aug 2007Posts: 179
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:56 pm Post subject:

Yes
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John ShJoined: 05 Mar 2007Posts: 136Location: Arroyo Grande, California
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:08 pm Post subject:

Do you think you could interest her in telling us about her experiences with it? John S (the dopavite)
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teokimhoeJoined: 03 Mar 2007Posts: 65Location: Malaysia
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:53 am Post subject:

Parkinson’s is a life times disease and is “not going away” as different what other illness. It is a progression’s disease. Medications and exercises could slowdown the disease but it is not cure or the end. There is still life after Parkinson’s. With the vast improvement of the treatment people would not die from Parkinson’s disease but die on other sickness. At least we could have a choice on medications. There are sideeffects on medications and it is indvidualised. The doctor finds difficulty to diagnose on early parkinson’s patient as it is an age agining disease but also find at the younger age. Consistencies, persistence, determination, and perseverance on exercises and medications relieve your slow movement and stiffness muscles. It is not the treatment._________________to help the PD patients aware the diseases and encourage to set up support groups to educate the patients and their immediate families
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Joined: 03 Mar 2007Posts: 65Location: Malaysia
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:07 am Post subject:

I refer Dr.Chew Nee Kong” Understanding Parkinson”s Disease ” that the progression and survival in Parkinson’s Disease as follows: The “honeymoon ” period Following the improvement in the symptoms of PD with drug treatment, the early stage of PD patients generally do well during the first to seven years of treatment.- the “honeymoon ” period. Despite taking small and infrequent doses of medications patients can usually keep “going strong” in their daily life. In the “honeymoon period” there are still relatively adequate “reserve ” brain cells during the early stage of illness. The progression in PD Unfortunately, life is not that kind nor straightforward. The “honeymoon ” period is rather short-lived. After five to seven years of treatment with levodopa, PD patients will have increasing slowness of movement and tremor. The physical disability us due to the progression of PD itself, appearance of levodopa -resistant symptoms or development of motor complication It is important to note that while levodopa relieves the symptoms and physical disability of sufferers of Parkinson’s it does not by itself slow down the progression of illness. The improvement of survival of patients by levodopar is due to the reduced risk of getting bedridden. In fact PD patients have a higher chance of dying of other common diseases of the elderly, such as heart attack and cancer, than succumbing to PD itself. In short levodopa treatment improved the quality of life of sufferers of Parkinson’s even though is not a cure for PD. Thus PD should never be regarded as an old people’s disease for which nothing can be done._________________to help the PD patients aware the diseases and encourage to set up support groups to educate the patients and their immediate families

Tags: Discussion, Exercise, Medication by heroteo
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Early parkinson’s patient
fully aware that the early stage of PD patient does not accept that he has symptoms of PD even have been diagnosed by doctors.. He treats it as an aging process as the result the patient end up with Parkinson’s progression. Besides Parkinson’s has symptoms with other related diseases and some doctors wrongly diagnosed as an age aging process. I am one of the sufferer’s. It takes me four years to be treated as Parkinson’s patient. I am fortunate that my PD is slow progression.as I do daily exercises far ahead for changes of my body.movement. The late Parkinson’s treatment aggravates the sickness further and could not to be normal and enjoy good quality life. Therefore a good start to tackling health issues is to understand the diseases themselves. As an early PD patient I experience emotional disorders - anxiety,depression, apathy, uncertainties and stress.

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Gambling and compulsions due to dopamine agonists

pokermid wrote:
I’m also a pathological gambler, a compulsion, brought on by the dopamine agonists prescribed to combat PD.I’ve brought this over from another Thread. Pokermid, gambling and other compulsions due to dopamine agonists has become quite an issue. How much did you gamble before you started dopamine agonists ? What sort of change in your gambling habits was there after you’d been taking dopamine agonists for a while ? What did you gamble on ? Did you also expand on what you gambled on because of the dopamine agonists ?
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pokermidJoined: 18 Jul 2007Posts: 199Location: CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 6:28 pm Post subject:

joe bob i liked a flutter as well as the next man in my world of construction workers. i would have a fiver on a tip in the pub, i would have a score on the national or the derby and i would play a few fruities down my local and maybe join in the lottery syndicate. i occasionally went with my wife to a race meeting with a coach load of friends, family or colleagues. lightweight stuff to what took over and nearly destroyed my life and all my loved ones. at first , i dismissed reports with the link with da’s , but the snowball grew and i looked more closely at what i was taking , what it did , what it was meant to do, what it might do, and how my disease and body worked. even when i realised that da’s were the culprit, i still couldnt stop. illogical? yes. i was in a bubble , and while i hads the money i would keep on until it had all gone. i break out now and then, when i can get my mitts on any wonga, but to a far lesser degree. i have only a rough guide to the total i have gambled and estimate a figure between £120,000-£140,000. you know what is happening but you cannot stop it. why did i continue, you ask? i can only say , i believe it to be the da’s. and i will always be a pathological gambler whilst i am taking those class of drugs. i tried cutting my meds altogether several months ago, but that was a big mistake. and until they come up with an alternative , imy wife and i will try to be as vigilant as we can. she holds all the purse strings. i dont like it , but its the only way. pokermid_________________PEOPLE WITH PD USED TO BE CONCEITED, BUT NOW WE ARE ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!
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Archduke Ferdinand IIJoined: 12 Aug 2007Posts: 179
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 5:35 am Post subject:

When I read the news reports concerning gambling and agonists, I wondered how much difference it makes. In your case it’s taken you from average, no different from anyone else, to very serious. Can you substitute the dopamine agonists with something else ?
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teokimhoeJoined: 03 Mar 2007Posts: 61Location: Malaysia
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 8:34 am Post subject:

I think that the mental side effects of Requip (Ropinirole) such as pathological gambling and hypersexuality have been over-publicized. Based own my own personal experience, Requip seldom causes mental side effects. Very often, Parkinson’s patients are on more than one drug. Therefore, the mental side effects which are attributed to Requip could be actually caused by other medications. Dr Chew Nee Kong, Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia_________________to help the PD patients aware the diseases and encourage to set up support groups to educate the patients and their immediate families
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pokermidJoined: 18 Jul 2007Posts: 199Location: CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:05 am Post subject:

TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH. Oops big letters I no longer believe that its just the Agonists. whether its Dopamine from the Agonists or L-dopa from the Sinemet or Madopar, i dont really know! All i know is that i’ve had PD for 10-12 years and before i was prescribed Meds for this pox, I was just an average punter who enjoyed a game of cards for pennies, had a bet occassionally on the gee gees, bought a few lotto tickets and never ever contemplated gambling to the extent i have done. before , if i had a set, it was to try and win a few bob. what I am doing now is winning and just plowing everything back, regardless . its not logical. its not me. it doesnt make sense. i know what i am doing , but i cannot stop. stopping only becomes an option when you have nothing left. And when you have nothing, you then devise devious ways of obtaining money to fuel the need. Anyway at all. And as for Dr Chewbacca Who and what are you.? Do you work for a pharmiceutical Co? Do you have PD? Are you an expert on OCD? Are you a neurologist? What experiences are you talking about.? Why are you only talking of requip? I started on Pergolide (permax). I have seen too many similiar cases too dismiss these compulsions as anything other than the result from taking meds for my PD. These are very potent drugs and the human body is a very complex and intricate system , but also very vunerable. nobody truly knows what happens when the two combine. trial and error and forget about the casulties in between._________________PEOPLE WITH PD USED TO BE CONCEITED, BUT NOW WE ARE ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!
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teokimhoeJoined: 03 Mar 2007Posts: 61Location: Malaysia
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:48 am Post subject:

Just to inform you that Dr. Chew is my Neurologlist who is a Movement Disorder specialist. He is a senior consultant Neurologist and a lecturer in the University of Malaysia. He is only the doctor in Malaysia who is in the field of Parkinson’s diseases. He is the author of few books related Parkinson’s disease. He is involved actively in Parkinson’s association, Malaysia._________________to help the PD patients aware the diseases and encourage to set up support groups to educate the patients and their immediate families
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teokimhoeJoined: 03 Mar 2007Posts: 61Location: Malaysia
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:23 am Post subject:

Requip is one of dopamine agonist that treats Parkinson’s diseases. I am on Requip medication for the past of seven months. It is a wonder drug for some patients as it helps my movement mobility. Like other medications it has sideeffects. It is individualised. Discuss it with your doctor for advice_________________to help the PD patients aware the diseases and encourage to set up support groups to educate the patients and their immediate families,

pokermid wrote:
TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH. Oops big letters I no longer believe that its just the Agonists. whether its Dopamine from the Agonists or L-dopa from the Sinemet or Madopar, i dont really know!Pokermid, have you any experiences that would indicate that L-dopa also causes it ? It’s widely reported that compulsive gambling is caused by dopamine agonists, but ultimately L-dopa and dopamine agonists have a dopaminergic effect. I can’t see why L-dopa couldn’t cause the same problems.
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pokermidJoined: 18 Jul 2007Posts: 199Location: CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:32 pm Post subject:

neither can I!!!! but i’m not really bothered anymore. Pd took over my life, but the meds destroyed it. what a paradox!!!!!_________________PEOPLE WITH PD USED TO BE CONCEITED, BUT NOW WE ARE ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!

Posted by Hero

Tags: Discussion, General, Medication by heroteo
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: Why me?

No warning, no preparation The Doctor’s word hung dead in the air you have “Parkinson’s disease PD” . I had no idea about what he was talking about. And the doctor kept silent- that was the beginning of my journey that I have traveled for the past of three years…….._________________to help the PD patients aware the diseases and encourage to set up support groups to educate the patients and their immediate families
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cfinlaysonJoined: 29 Jun 2007Posts: 43
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:48 am Post subject:

I think that most of felt the same when we got the news. I did. I denied it for a long time and even thought that I was being punished for something I had done wrong in my life. But over time, through many trials and tribulations and many days of going to the Lord in prayer, I have been blessed in so many ways. My eyes have been opened as well as my heart to things that really matter on this earth. I have found out what needs and wants are. I have felt empathy and compassion as I never have before in my life. My heart aches for so many who have this disease as well as any heart ache in their life. I have found my strength in my faith and going to God in prayer and having a one on one relationship with him. I know others get their strength elsewhere. I do believe that having a positive attitude helps you get through so many things in life and prayer is very powerful. I am a Christian, and I am a sinner. We all sin everyday and we all get down from time to time. We are only human. I have asked many days why me Lord, but now I get up every morning and thank him for the blessings in my life. Don’t get me wrong, Parkinson’s Disease is not a blessing, but the way it has changed my life and with the help of God opening my eyes and softening my heart, has humbled me. I tell everyone in my life that if I had a choice to go through what my husband and I have been through over the last 3-4 years, I would do it again in heartbeat if I knew it would have brought me this close to Christ. I know not everyone feels the same way I do and not everyone has the same beliefs. But, when I say I am praying for you, I mean that in the most sincere and humble way. I will pray for you, not to offend you, not that I think you have something wrong with you, but because that is what I do, what I enjoy, what makes me feel good. If I know going to the Lord in prayer will help you deal with this disease or just to let you know that there is someone that cares for you and is concerned about your well being, then I will go to God in prayer as I do many times throughout my day. I hope that I haven’t offended you, but I do care and I wish you the best. In Christian Love, Candy
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Archduke Ferdinand IIJoined: 12 Aug 2007Posts: 179
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 2:19 pm Post subject:

cfinlayson wrote:
I denied it for a long time and even thought that I was being punished for something I had done wrong in my life. Parkinson’s Disease is purely a biochemical problem. Nobody has caused it by the way they have behaved.Last edited by Archduke Ferdinand II on Tue Feb 26, 2008 2:48 pm; edited 1 time in total
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cfinlaysonJoined: 29 Jun 2007Posts: 43
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 2:28 pm Post subject:

I never said that we have PD becasue of the way we behave. I was trying to make a statement and say that we are human and sometimes we question God. I don’t use your quotes in any of my statements and I would rather you not use mine, unless you use the entire message. Thanks, Candy
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wheelersceJoined: 02 Mar 2007Posts: 350Location: MI
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 2:40 pm Post subject:

I know that at first I was certain it was something I did, too, and I still wonder from time to time. Thanks for sharing, Candy. SW
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Archduke Ferdinand IIJoined: 12 Aug 2007Posts: 179
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 2:59 pm Post subject:

cfinlayson wrote:
I never said that we have PD becasue of the way we behave. I was trying to make a statement and say that we are human and sometimes we question God. I don’t use your quotes in any of my statements and I would rather you not use mine, unless you use the entire message. Thanks, CandyI quoted only one sentence out of what you had written to show what I was referring to. Although you don’t, some people do - very wrongly - almost feel guilty about having Parkinson’s Disease.
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AhimsajackJoined: 25 Apr 2007Posts: 542
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 4:25 pm Post subject:

Just to throw my lousy two cents into this thread. As a scientist my brain agrees with Joe or Bob, PD has nothing to do with our behaviour, or does it? There is some hypothoses that statistically correlate PD with one’s profession, and location(exposure). That was my scientific answer. Now for a spiritual answer. I am not a member of any religion but do kind of follow Hinduism and Buddhism, each of which has the concept of karma, you reap what you sow. I am not saying that I totally believe this, nor am I implying any of you deserve PD. No one does. I am only putting another idea on the table. Jack_________________We are what we think, with our thoughts we create our world.
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Tags: Discussion, Medication by heroteo
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Besides exercises medication are important for PD patients. Medications help you to relieve your body movement and mobility as to help you during exercises. Both are related. Consistencies, persistences, disciplines towards exercises besides medication are the key for you to combat the diseases. I spend nearly three years in the fitness centre three hours daily in gym exercises classes i.e Yoga, body combat, spinning, body pump except Sunday. I finally combat the disease. I do not look like Parkinson’s Patient as told by my neurologlist, fitness members and instructors. Besides I engage two personnel trainers to align my body posture and do strectching my stiffness muscles. I do Box and Kick exercises and cardio as well as weights lifting two times a week and last an hour to train my endurance and flexibility. Is it hard work? Can you do? Is it mad that I am a Parkinson’s patient? Do you believe?_________________to help the PD patients aware the diseases and encourage to set up support groups to educate the patients and their immediate families
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wheelersceJoined: 02 Mar 2007Posts: 348Location: MI
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 5:33 am Post subject:

Teokimhoe, You really are a fighter! I’m afraid most of us couldn’t manage your routine. The studies seem to agree with you, that not only exercise, but hard exercise, can help whip PD. Still, I figure moderate exercise is better than none, so I do my daily walk and modest workout. I wouldn’t say you’re mad, but you are perhaps eccentric–and that’s just fine! Thanks for sharing. Sue W.

 Both medications and regular physical exercise are helpful - they complement each other in the treatment of PD. Exercise helps to maintain body fitness. 
 
For the purpose of carrying out regular exercise, the PD patient should be taking adequate dose of medications (obviously). A common observation in Malaysia is that there are many PD patients who do not carry out physical exercise simply because they are under-medicated.
 
In our country, the treatment of PD is rather conservative - the total daily dose of medications is relatively low compared with other countries. This is a pity because without adequate dose of medications, many of our PD patients are deprived of activities such as physical exercise, driving, etc. 
 
Dr Chew Nee Kong, Kuala Lumpur

Tags: Discussion, Exercise, General by heroteo
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What’s Being Discussed Here? boxing, GYM, mobility, yoga, Exercise, NOW, Yoga, Off balance

Anybody else hitting the heavy bag or boxing for PD therapy?I saw an article about how it improved PD symtems.My doctor recommended it and said a gym in Indy is giving free lessons to PD patients.All I know it really helps workout your frustrations.I’ve added it to my workout and I feel pretty good afterwardsBonecrusher

It is a good exercise for Parkinson Patient.I am taking this Box and Kick Exercises (Thai Boxing) for two and half years in my fitness centre besides body combat. I engage a trainer to guide me two times a week and each training last for a hour. It is advisable to engage a trainer as PD patients would find difficulty to do box and kick exercises as it involves your body balance and mobility. You need endurance and flexibility.After spending three hours in gym fitness centre daily except sunday. I attend class exercises, yoga, body combat, pump and spinning I do not look like Parkinson patient as I am now normal as told by my doctor and friends in the fitness centreI am a PD fighter and hero. I battle with Parkinson for two and half years. The credits are my consistencies, preservation,endurance and discipline towards exercises and medications. I wish to thank Dr.Chew Nee Kong, my neurologlist for his excellent medication.

I live about 1 1/2 hours SE of Indy and can’t see paying for the gas to get there so I just punch the bag I have in the basement along with my regular workout.I agree that exercise and staying active is great therapy for PD.It really helps me with my stiffness along with my mental well being.
Sometimes it’s hard to find the time or keep myself motivated to stay on top of it,but I always feel better afterward’

Source: PatientsLikeMe

Tags: Discussion, Exercise, General by heroteo
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JEAN ENERSEN / KING 5 News Sixty-one-year-old John Kendell isn’t an athlete, but for the last two months, he’s been hitting the gym.At first, his Parkinson’s disease made it tough.“I was stiff and my hand didn’t move along my side,” he said.But now, he says, “At this slower speed we’re going now, I can stand and I can think about moving my hand.”Alan Sidlowski has trouble with simple movements.“I had very limited mobility in my hand and my leg,” he said.But after seven months in the gym he’s made improvements.These men are part of a study aimed at finding out if exercise can do what medication often can’t for patients with Parkinson’s.“Medications have been somewhat disappointing to prevent disability related to walking and balance,” said Dr. Lisa Shulman, Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Maryland.

Researchers say strength exercises, aerobic activity or gait practice may actually be able to retrain the brain.

“The potential for exercise to cause some rewiring and remodeling would be effective in either case,” said Shulman.

Physical and emotional improvements for each of 70 patients will be monitored for three months.

“Frankly, if it showed improvement in those areas alone, that would be a big advance,” said Shulman.

Official results are two years away, but so far the results are encouraging. Their progress is a good sign.

It’s estimated about 1.5 million Americans have Parkinson’s disease. Only one in 10 people with the disease is diagnosed before age 50.

Besides exercises medications are important for PD patients as it helps your body movement and flexibility as well as mobility. 
 
Consistenance, persistence, endurance and medication are the key for you  to combat the disease.

TEOKIMHOE
Source: PatientsLikeMe

Tags: Discussion, Exercise by heroteo
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