1. < Parkinson's Disease

Excercise and Sinemet

Posted by susan62 @susan62, Aug 15, 2018

I was just diagnosed yesterday with PD. I am starting Sinemet today. I have two questions to throw out for discussion.
1) Is it beneficial to lift weights in order to strengthen my arm muscles?
2) My Doctor said to prevent nausea I should either take the Sinemet and wait an hour before eating, or eat and wait two hours before taking it. When do most of you take it? Does taking it before or after make it more likely that you will have nausea?
Thx for your input.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Aug 15, 2018

@susan62 Congratulations on starting Sinemet, it was a great help to me.

Regarding lifting weights, here is an article about lifting weights and PD, https://www.michaeljfox.org/foundation/news-detail.php?weight-lifting-may-improve-parkinsons-disease-symptoms-over-time. Here is another article not so convincing about the benefits, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384725/.

You might check with your doctor to be sure what is best for you.

Regarding the timing of Sinemet and food, it is my understanding that you want to space Sinemet after (or before meals) because protein affects the absorption of Sinemet. I have taken it both ways (before and after meals) and it has not cause nausea.

Teresa

REPLY
1 reply
susan62 | @susan62 | Aug 15, 2018
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@susan62 Congratulations on starting Sinemet, it was a great help to me. Regarding lifting weights, here..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@susan62 Congratulations on starting Sinemet, it was a great help to me.

Regarding lifting weights, here is an article about lifting weights and PD, https://www.michaeljfox.org/foundation/news-detail.php?weight-lifting-may-improve-parkinsons-disease-symptoms-over-time. Here is another article not so convincing about the benefits, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384725/.

You might check with your doctor to be sure what is best for you.

Regarding the timing of Sinemet and food, it is my understanding that you want to space Sinemet after (or before meals) because protein affects the absorption of Sinemet. I have taken it both ways (before and after meals) and it has not cause nausea.

Teresa

Jump to this post

Thx again Teresa! You have helped me a lot with your answers. I am going to start lifting weights after reading the 2 articles you sent me links to. Looks like it can’t hurt if I don’t overdue it. Also thx for relating your experience with taking Sinemet and nausea. You are indeed a great mentor!

REPLY
Steve | @lsdempsey | Aug 15, 2018

Susan,
I am lifting weights and have found it to be helpful to maintaining core strenght and physical fitness. I consulted with a PT who is PD knowledgeable. He suggested that I do one or two sets at a weight that I can handle doing 20-25 repetitions (without straining and able to complete the full range of motion for the exercise). I was diagnosed with PD a year ago and have been going to the gym ever since - I lift weights 2-3 times per week. It has really helped me physically and especially with my balance. I would consult your MD and PT before starting. I do a full body workout - working all the major muscle groups (hams, quads, glutes, abuductors, adductors, lats (back), shoulders/press, rows (back), bench (chest), curls (biceps), triceps (deltoids), and abs (stomach). I finish the gym with balance and stretching. AND make sure your DRINK WATER.
For whatever its worth,
Steve

REPLY
1 reply
susan62 | @susan62 | Aug 15, 2018
In reply to @lsdempsey "Susan, I am lifting weights and have found it to be helpful to maintaining core strenght..." + (show)
@lsdempsey

Susan,
I am lifting weights and have found it to be helpful to maintaining core strenght and physical fitness. I consulted with a PT who is PD knowledgeable. He suggested that I do one or two sets at a weight that I can handle doing 20-25 repetitions (without straining and able to complete the full range of motion for the exercise). I was diagnosed with PD a year ago and have been going to the gym ever since - I lift weights 2-3 times per week. It has really helped me physically and especially with my balance. I would consult your MD and PT before starting. I do a full body workout - working all the major muscle groups (hams, quads, glutes, abuductors, adductors, lats (back), shoulders/press, rows (back), bench (chest), curls (biceps), triceps (deltoids), and abs (stomach). I finish the gym with balance and stretching. AND make sure your DRINK WATER.
For whatever its worth,
Steve

Jump to this post

Thx so much Steve! I’m just a newbie to PD(diagnosed yesterday). I want to be as proactive as possible. I will pursue using weights with my MD and new PT person. I’m trying to drink more water. A real effort for me I am afraid. Thx again for your input!

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