Medications for Parkinson's

Dear Teresa,
Thank you so much for your guidance. I will watch and work through the video you provided. It's been ages since I've done Tai Chi -- over 29 years. I'll give it a shot. I am blessed to have a wonderful speech therapist. But I will also look to see what YouTube has as well. Thanks again for your help!

Oh, so glad that you have a speech therapist, @colleenl2008. I agree, a good speech therapist is a blessing!!

Yes, keep with the Tai Chi and any other exercises that you can find that involve stretching, balance as well as strengthening. These will all make a difference. If you have any in-person PD support groups in your area, it will also help you to not feel so alone.

The Michigan Parkinson's Foundation has their own YouTube channel with some wonderful exercise videos. I usually can't do the whole program but drop out after 20 minutes or so, as I have heart problems, but I do as much as I can. Here is a link to their YouTube channel,
https://www.youtube.com/MichiganParkinsonFoundation
Will you keep in touch and let me know how you are doing?

Dear @hopeful33250
Thank you so much for your guidance and wisdom in dealing with this condition. I spoke with a nurse practitioner at my doctor's office and she said they don't know what I have. The see Parkinsonism. The neurologist at the same office felt like it was more Parkinson's disease. I was told it could take years to figure out.

As for local support groups, I'll call some of the hospitals in my area and hopefully they will be able to help me get connected. I've dealt with diabetes, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, thyroid problems, and mental health issues. But this condition has kicked my butt. It's baffling, miserable, and impacts your emotional health.

I truly hope that whatever you are dealing with, your doctors have found a good treatment that works.

All The Best,
Colleen L

Hello @colleenl2008,

When I first started with neurological symptoms, it was hard to diagnose as well. The doctors kept ruling out other possible causes. I recall one doctor saying that this might not be diagnosed until it got worse. That was not a comforting thought. It took over 15 years to get a Parkinson's diagnosis. Like you, I'm now at an age where I have to deal with several chronic health issues. I understand that it is difficult.

Here is a link to the Davis Phinney Foundation, a leader in PD research and education. https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/about/

They have many helpful webinars to watch, many of these webinars are taught by medical professionals, who often have PD themselves. I think you will find this website very useful. If you sign up to receive email newsletters, you can get great information.

I had many side effects and my life felt out of focus. It made my legs weak and I felt like like I was detached from what was happening around me.

My husband attends a twice weekly Parkinsons Boxing class through our Rec Center and finds it to be very helpful for balance as well as meeting other people in our area who have Parkinsons. Many are accompanied by care givers who often participate, too.

I'm so glad to hear this, @jtes! PD exercise classes, whether boxing, dancing, chair exercises or Tai Chi are all wonderful.

I've known of a number of PD patients who have been involved in the boxing and they love the exercise and the camaraderie. I've enjoyed PD dance classes as dancing has always been a favorite of mine, but Tai Chi is also enjoyable as it consists of slow, flowing movements.

The most important thing with PD is to keep moving and strengthening your muscles. It helps us to maintain balance and also have social activity with others in our situation. There are lots of PD exercise classes on YouTube that provide free opportunities for exercise.

How long ago was your husband diagnosed with PD? Does he have good symptom control with his meds and exercise?

He was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago and has pretty good symptom control. Recently developed curling of the toes and a droop to the corner of his mouth. His meds were increased and the doctor recommended botox injections for his toes. Fortunately he has always been active which has helped a lot with his PD.

Yes, being physically active does help PD symptoms and progression, @jtes.

Has he begun the Botox injections yet? I would be interested in knowing how helpful they were. Has any remedy been suggested for the droop in the corner of his mouth?

He only saw the doctor yesterday so has not started either treatment but I will let you know what kind of results he gets.