PD Progression, stages and what to expect

Thank you! I was beginning to think I was just being a drama queen! I am taking carbidopa/levdopa 100mg 3x a day - I have experimented a bit with dosage but noticed no difference in sx. Exercise has been recommended by almost everyone, but my balance is off, so I am a bit concerned - but maybe strength & balance classes as well as some gentle yoga might help.

I either walk 3 miles a day or ride my bike on a trainer. By the time I get done with my walk I generally have lower back pain and very strong back fatigue around my lats. I do the exercise because when I am done exercising the pain subsides and I feel better than days when I don’t exercise.

@itchyw you are not alone with your back pain and being tired a lot. Keep doing what you can exercise. Building a healthy strong social network is very healthy. Mine saved my life. Blessings to you on your journey. Take care

Hello @jon1547 and welcome to the PD support group on Mayo Connect. Your idea of exercise and building a strong social network are great suggestions for anyone with PD.

As this is your first post on this discussion group, please share, as you are comfortable doing so, a little about your experience with PD. I look forward to hearing from you again.

@hopeful33250
From: jon1547
Thanks for your welcoming message requesting intro comments about me. Since I am very new to this whole connect group and PD I'm not sure what to say. It was more of an accident that I ended up here. I was just poking around in the Mayo directory looking for information on Parkinsons.
I was officially diagnosed with Parkinsons disease little over a year ago. It was a relief to have a name and information to go with all the odd and irritating things happening to my body. Of the 33 items on my WT*# list 24 were on the PD symptom list. What makes it difficult for me is how unpredictable my disfunctions are.
I am curious by nature. Really don't believe In accidents. PD has changed my life.

@jon1547
I can understand! When I first received a PD diagnosis, it was a relief to have a label for all of the limitations I had been experiencing over a 10-year period.

Have you started any medications or physical therapy yet?

@jon1547
I can understand! When I first received a PD diagnosis, it was a relief to have a label for all of the limitations I had been experiencing over a 10-year period.

Have you started any medications or physical therapy yet?

@hopeful33250
Yes I have started all sorts of meds, 11 different ones. Some of them change my blood pressure so much that I have to take meds for my Parkinsons and some for my AFib. My BP gets so low that I have to take meds to raise it. Enough of that.
Happy new year

@jon1547

PD meds can be a problem when you have other health issues. What about exercise and a referral to a physical therapist who is trained to treat Parkinson's? The combination of exercise and medication is known to be an excellent tool for combating the debilitating effects of PD. Here are some articles about the benefits of exercise.

Here is a link from the Parkinson's Foundation website,
https://www.parkinson.org/library/fact-sheets/exercise
From the American Parkinson's Disease Association
https://www.apdaparkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons-disease/exercise/
Will you continue to post with updates, as well as questions and concerns?

@hopeful33250
As long as I have questions I will be around. I do have àn exercise plan and a great care team. I go to a PD movement class once a week. I see my PT Twice a mo and OT Once. Speech T 4 times a year. I do rock climbing once a week. See my PARKINSONS Dr 3 times a year and my regular DO anytime I choose