I have PD (Parkinson Disease)

Welcome back @denie57. No need to apologize for the delay in responding. Your were taking care of your health and that is priority number 1. I appreciate the update. As you can see a small yet supportive PD group is growing here on Connect. Please meet @hopeful33250 @trouble43443 and @ggopher. I hope the 4 of you (and more) will continue to share your thoughts, experiences, challenges and joys.

@denie57 Hi, I've been thinking about you. I hope that you are continuing to adjust to your DX of PD, It can seem overwhelming at first. How is everything going for you? Are you connecting with your doctor on a regular basis? I understand that PD patients do best when they stay in contact with their neurologist. Adjustments to meds, etc. can make a difference. Keep us all at Mayo Connect posted on your progress. We represent a good place to share your accomplishments as well as your struggles!
Teresa

@chrisj2491 Hi Chris: I see that you joined the PD discussion group awhile back. I'm a more recent member and I appreciate the comment you made about everyone with PD is different. Even though are DX is the same, we can have many different presentations of the disorder. How are you doing these days? Any progress or challenges that you could share with the group would help us all. I look forward to having you share more of your story. Best wishes,
Teresa

@trouble43443 I was just noticing your comment about your support group and how difficult it is to keep it going. Since you describe yourself as a "doer type" might I suggest that you get speakers (neurologists, speech therapists, physical therapists, etc.) to come and address your group? Often hearing a speaker can encourage new ideas and can raise discussions to a higher level (as well as being informative). Also, if there is a music therapist in the area, you might add some singing to your support group. Singing has a way of increasing those great endorphins in the brain that make us feel good and by singing with a group we are better connected. Nearby colleges and universities can often supply these type of speakers at no charge and sometimes music therapy students can work with a PD support group as part of their schooling, a type of internship if you will. Keep us informed as to how your group is doing. Teresa

Thank you for the suggestion. We have a speaker from the National<br>Parkinson's Foundation - MN Chapter - this next meeting. We also have the<br>Packs (for hospital usage) we have to prepare so that will be the next<br>meeting. I had thought we might get more support from the place we live<br>(Assisted Living in a Resident setting) but nothing so far. We have a lot<br>of videos we can watch as well, but I have trouble getting the proper<br>equipment, so we'll have to see if we can get some help.<br>Again, thank you.<br>Trouble4343<br>

@trouble43443 What a great start you have made. Good work! In Michigan, we have a variety of programs for the PD support groups including the Mark Morris Dance Program for PD. There have been Occupational Therapists and dance teachers that have been trained and certified in this dance for PD, it can all be done in a sitting position but it is great to increase range of motion, balance and flexibility and a feeling of camaraderie. Keep up the good work! Teresa

Does anyone have Parkinson's? Was just diagnosed 🙁

Welcome to Connect @aperob. I moved your message to this discussion about Parkinson's in the Brain & Nervous System group http://mayocl.in/2abXKUs. Here you can meet other Connect members who have Parkinson's. I'd like to introduce you to @hopeful33250 @trouble43443 @ggopher @denie57 and @hdruss.

You're not alone. We look forward to getting to know a bit more about you.

Hi @aperob, <br><br>Pretty scary, huh? <br><br>I was diagnosed about a year ago but didn't stumble onto this site until a couple months ago. Unlike some resources, we unfortunately have real experience with PD and we can relate.<br><br>I had to laugh when my neurologist asked if I was anxious or depressed. Well of course I was in those first few weeks. But as I dug into it I realized it can a treatable condition for years before it really impacts day to day living. The trick is to keep enjoying life. After all, Michael J Fox has had it for 25 years or more so far and he is still working and doing talk shows. And my wife and I are taking a two week cruise in a couple months. Life goes on. This is just another speed bump.<br><br>So, "welcome" to the group.<br><br><br><br>Coleen, did you have any more info on Azilect/food from your pharmacist?<br><br>>

Thanks for the uplift, I needed it. I just feel I am to young for this to happen to me. I'm 58! But yes I have thought of Michael J Fox and now to hear you are taking a cruise! I guess I need to be a fighter and not let it kick my hinney. But I won't lie I do go down a rabbit hole a bit now and then. May I ask how old you were when diagnosed? And thanks again, this is just what I needed to hear.