How Do I Cope with the Holidays If I Have Parkinson's?

In the beginning I noticed right-sided weakness, right arm and right foot. Also , balance issues. Today, my most bothersome is my voice, soft and slurred speech -as well as rigidity and fatigue.
I’m currently taking carbidopa-levodopa, pramipexole, Azilect.
My appointment is next month.

@bdejong

I'm glad to hear that your appointment will be coming up soon. I'm wondering, have any of the medications you listed in your post helped with your symptoms?

Have you had any physical therapy (such as Big and Loud) or speech therapy for your symptoms? Speech therapists can be quite helpful for Parkinson's patients.

That is the mystery. My doctors have prescribed a variety of dosages, to see which is most effective- however, not seeing the results we’d like to see. This was when my Dr sought a referral to Mayo.
The big and loud program are familiar to me. And, just recently had speech therapy, with at-home exercises.
I learned a lot from this therapist!

In the beginning I noticed right-sided weakness, right arm and right foot. Also , balance issues. Today, my most bothersome is my voice, soft and slurred speech -as well as rigidity and fatigue.
I’m currently taking carbidopa-levodopa, pramipexole, Azilect.
My appointment is next month.

I am 64…young 64,
Diagnosed June 28, 2022. Was working as an RN. Symptoms included voice issues I’ve never really had tremors. Have had some balance issues. My reason for going to the neurologist was because of my primary care doctor. Seems like I was going to her every week with first one symptom and then another. She asked me what I thought was going on and I told her I said well, it could be could be X, Y, Z I doubt that it’s Parkinson’s but just never know. Anyway she scheduled an appointment with a neurologist who then scheduled an MRI and a DAT scan and boom here I am! But most of my issues have been with my voice and swallowing, and that whole G.I. system thing.. When I think back, I’ve had G.I. issues since the beginning of time it seems like. This is my first time posting so this seems like a safe place to share. No one except a few family and few friends know of PD diagnosis. I prefer to keep it quiet. I feel shame.

I am 64…young 64,
Diagnosed June 28, 2022. Was working as an RN. Symptoms included voice issues I’ve never really had tremors. Have had some balance issues. My reason for going to the neurologist was because of my primary care doctor. Seems like I was going to her every week with first one symptom and then another. She asked me what I thought was going on and I told her I said well, it could be could be X, Y, Z I doubt that it’s Parkinson’s but just never know. Anyway she scheduled an appointment with a neurologist who then scheduled an MRI and a DAT scan and boom here I am! But most of my issues have been with my voice and swallowing, and that whole G.I. system thing.. When I think back, I’ve had G.I. issues since the beginning of time it seems like. This is my first time posting so this seems like a safe place to share. No one except a few family and few friends know of PD diagnosis. I prefer to keep it quiet. I feel shame.

My heart goes out to you. I feel the same, I keep quiet about my PD. I’m currently working with the Mayo Clinic, I may have MSA. After more testing, I should know more.

Hello @cartercd and welcome to the PD support group on Mayo Connect. While I know that a PD diagnosis is not something that any of us want to have, yet it is good to have a name to put on all of the various symptoms. Connect is a great place to share and find support and encouragement.

My diagnosis of PD was similar to yours. Voice and swallowing problems, GI issues, balance problems and occasionally trouble with my hands. I've not had tremors over the years either.

Are you taking any meds that are helping with your symptoms now? Always remember that there are great exercises for PD. LSVT Big is well known and very helpful. As you want to keep your diagnosis private at this time, you might check out YouTube videos for Parkinson's. There are some great videos that help with voice problems as well as movement and balance. Take a special look at any Tai-Chi exercise videos. Tai-Chi has a great track record for helping with balance.

My experience is -that exercise is as important as medication. When you combine the two you have a winning duo that can keep disability at bay, to a great extent.

What is helping you with your symptoms right now?

Thank you for adding to the discussion with @cartercd.

If you are comfortable sharing, I'm wondering what type of tests are being performed to determine if you have MSA?

Thanks for your response. I have done the Loud program which here it has a different name and I am drawnig a blank on the name of it. Initially I was walking every day for at least 2 miles and that seem to help a lot. Shd a few pounds. I change my diet to a plant-based-mediterranean diet. I must say that I fallen off the wagon since then! I am now eating meat. I think everyone needs a little meat in their life! It’s the protein you know? 😉 I’m trying to get back into walking at least 3 times per week. I’m doing yoga. I am seeing a neuropsychologist which helps with my depression. I am on Sinemet three times a day.