How are you dealing with fatique and constipation in PD?

You have both been through a lot lately, @sherryallen and you are both to be commended for your perseverance during this stressful time.

I would like to suggest another Connect discussion group that might be helpful to you. It's the Caregiver Support group. Here is a link to the discussions:

Here you will find members discussing many aspects of caregiving. I'm sure you will relate to much of what they have to say. Feel free to jump in and share your feelings with these folks. I am sure they will welcome you into their conversations.

Continue to post about your husband's progress. I'll be interested in how he recovers from the stroke and falls as well as how he manages with the PD. Does he have any speech problems as a result of the stroke or the PD?

Yes he has trouble with speech due to PD no residual effects from his stroke. He just had a swallowing test and they are sending the results to his neurologist. They said they are recommending speech therapy because they saw an issue when he was ask to swallow a more dense food. He has been getting choked some when he is drinking not eating. I wanted to ask if you are familiar with a device that you place over the mouth and suction food out if he is ever choking on something? If so will you please send me the name of mfg? Thanks for everything

My husband takes amantadine in addition to his Sinemet for energy. Also we started on Merentine and I’m seeing a big change in energy, speech, social participation. Please know he works out with trainers 4 to 5 times a week. Half dose Miralax per day is taking care of constipation. High interval intensity training-HITT I believe is helping him as well to produce his own dopamine. May be helping with constipation. The YMCA has adaptive training programs for Parkinson’s and the cost is minimal. Medicare will pay for physical therapy as long as you are progressing. He’s the best he’s been in 3 years.

I will be contacting my local YMCA for programs offered to assist with Parkinson’s. I will also discuss the meds you mentioned to his neurologist at his upcoming visit. Thank you so much for your reply.

Hi @sherryallen

Until your husband sees a speech therapist, you might consider looking into some YouTube videos from Beyond High C. A website dedicated to speech exercises for stroke and/or PD patients. Here is a link to those videos.

I have PD, but also have a paralyzed vocal cord, so I really find these videos to be most helpful when used on a regular basis.

As @mamasmeeve mentioned, often the local Y will have programs for folks with PD. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, the program is called Pedaling for PD. It is a group exercise class on a stationary bike. https://www.annarborymca.org/nutrition-wellness/pedaling-for-parkinsons/. Since cycling never has been a favorite exercise of mine, I've never tried it, but many friends from a PD support group have found it very helpful. My favorite exercise has been Dancing for PD, (https://markmorrisdancegroup.org/community/pd/dance-for-pd/).

You might also look into Rock Steady Boxing, a program for people with PD. Here is a link to their programs, https://www.rocksteadyboxing.org/.

There are a lot of choices. Finding a program that he enjoys will help him to incorporate movement on a regular basis.

On Connect, we also have a discussion group that deals with stroke. Here is a link to that group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/cerebrovascular-diseases/

I look forward to hearing from you as you and your husband continue to work through the recovery process. Will you continue to post as you have questions or concerns?

Thank you. Yes I be will continue to post his progress. He has a big decision to make about having his shoulder replaced and going under anesthesia. His Dr warned him that Parkinsons patients can come out with C a different personality and other difficulties. The anesthesia can mess with his brain in an adverse way. He is very disappointed because his shoulder is bone in bone and the pain is immense. He has a big decision to make. I will not make this decision for him. He is still sharp in his thinking and reasoning. Could not live with myself if I made the wrong decision. Thanks for your time

@sherryallen

I appreciate you sharing about the possible shoulder surgery. I have known of PD patients who do have difficulties with hospitalizations as well as surgery. Anesthesia, as we get older, can have an adverse effect on cognition.

Here is some information on the topic of anesthesia and cognition.

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anesthesia-surgery-linked-to-subtle-decline-in-memory-and-thinking-in-older-adults-mayo-study-finds/
and

As with all things, the benefits need to be weighed against the risks.

Memantine hcl , not meretine mentioned above.

I do believe when the gut isn’t healthy, other body systems are affected. My husband takes 1/2 dose of Miralax most every day. He also works out with trainers 4 times a week and walks a mile when he can.
Still can become constipated but takes a k’chava powder smoothie with psyllium, magnesium, frozen fruit, prune and orange juice every morning with 2 activia yogurts.