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Parkinsonism

Brain & Nervous System | Last Active: Aug 7 1:47pm | Replies (71)

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@louiem777

Hello @hopeful33250
Thank you for reaching out. It has been a little stressful and busy for me. There have been a lot of changes. I did have the MRI and it was all clear. Nothing was found which is good news. Since then I have changed to a different Neurologist which has been better for me. It has been slow going but I know it is a process. I am still learning and doing my research. The doctor gave me a supplemental medication that has helped extend the time my Carbidopa-Levodopa works for me. I also learned that I needed to take the meds on an empty stomach in order for the Levodopa to be absorbed into the body appropriately. That is something I did not know. Foods high in protein compete with the Levodopa and does not allow the Levodopa work as intended. Once I started taking the new medication and started taking them on an empty stomach, I started feeling better. I still have some internal tremors but the pain I was feeling in my legs is so much less now. I am having problems with my right arm and I am having trouble lifting it up to the side. It is very painful and I am starting to feel the same pain on my left arm. I recently started having a more noticeable tremor on a couple of my left fingers. I am having trouble with sleeping. I have several days of waking up between 1 and 2am and I can't fall back to sleep. These are days that are a little more difficult. I usually pray and push myself to keep moving forward. I can't let this disease beat me spiritually. It might attack my mind and body but I need to keep my spirit positive.
A couple more things, one positive and one negative. On the positive, I have lost about 40 lbs and the Doctor took me off of my metformin for my diabetes. My A1C has gotten better and my sugar levels have been normal. On the negative side, I went to see my Cardiologist and he has diagnosed me with Hypertensive Heart Disease with Congestive Heart Failure. Now I have two more medications that I have to take. I have been having to go and do more tests and many more doctor visits. It is getting tiring going to so many doctors. There are more days that I am physically and mentally exhausted. My emotions are all over the place but I have found a great support system in my beautiful wife, family, and some of my work family. I keep everyone updated on my conditions and how I am feeling emotionally as well. I don't hold back because they are always keeping me positive. This has been a fight of my life! It's a lot to put out there Teresa, I hope it wasn't too much.

How are you doing?

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Replies to "Hello @hopeful33250 Thank you for reaching out. It has been a little stressful and busy for..."

So good to hear from you, @louiem777, it does sound like you are making progress with your neurological issues but having some other issues that are keeping you busy. Taking the PD medications at the right time can certainly make a difference in their effectiveness.

It is good to hear that your heart disease with Congestive Heart Failure were diagnosed and are now being treated. Are you feeling better with the medications for these issues?

How wonderful that you have such a great support system. It certainly helps us get through the tough times.

I would be interested in knowing the medication that you are taking that makes the Sinemet last longer. Is it Entacapone? I've been taking that for several years and it does make a difference.

Look forward to hearing from you again.