Living with Parkinson's Disease - Meet others & come say hi

@joeraleigh
movement disorder specialist is a great idea. I had my first meeting with one yesterday and have a follow up in 4 weeks. from everything I've been told exercise is key and it sounds like you do more than people without PD so keep it up. I would also look into Beech band just google it and do your own research. it has helped me greatly with my tremors.

@sdcz

I am so sorry for your losses! Losing two family members and a sweet dog is very difficult. Do you have other friends or family members who are available to support you during this time? It seems that emotional turmoil does affect us physically, so perhaps that is contributing to your symptoms.

Have you been able to start a physical therapy program yet? Exercise provides great benefits for Parkinson's. Combining exercise with PD meds is a great combination.

I was diagnosed 6 months ago, neurologist felt progress would be slow. In the past 4 months, both my sisters have died and we had to put down our sweet dog. I feel all of this emotional trauma has exacerbated my symptoms. Has anyone else had experience with this?

@hopeful33250
Thanks!! I have not started meds yet, i did have a meeting at Mayo to discuss DaT Scan results and evaluation. Thus far other than the tremor/shake in my right hand (odd only happens when i am not thinking about it??) I have been into physical fitness and annual workout goals for yrs. Currently I get in 3 hrs Zone 2, 600 air sqts, 400 pushups, 200 pullups, 2-Norwegian 4x4s,/wk plus flat/seated bench 2x/wk. trying to work my VO2Max above 50. Been reading about building mitochondrial function, physical and neurological plasticity and its affects on PD outcomes.

Hello @joeraleigh, and welcome to the Parkinson's support group on Mayo Clinic Connect. It sounds like you have been dealing with these symptoms for several years now. Have you met with a movement disorder specialist regarding your symptoms?

There are many medications and Physical Therapy programs that can help with PD symptoms. Here is some information about the importance of exercise, from the Parkinson's Foundation website:
--https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise

The physical therapy program that is effective for treating PD patients is called Big and Loud.

Has any medication or physical therapy been prescribed for you?

Joe from Raleigh, NC. First symptoms ~ age 60 (4 yrs ago) w/ difficulty typing on phone and brushing teeth in am.. now 4 yrs later mainly just a shake or rattle as I call it in my right hand when I am walking and some while sitting but less noticeable.

I am interested in potential therapies (PT, and/or Pharma) that can reduce or slow disease progression (like everyone else on this site I am sure)

Hello @spatase and welcome to the Parkinson's (PD) support group on Mayo Clinic Connect. Getting information and learning how to live with a new diagnosis, like PD, can be challenging.

As your husband was diagnosed last year, I'm thinking he has begun to take medication. Is my understanding correct? If so, is the medication helping his symptoms?

When I was diagnosed, my most troublesome symptoms were balance problems, a staggering gait, and a soft voice, among other problems. What are your husband's most bothersome symptoms now?

@colleenyoung Hi Colleen. I'd like to join. My dearest husband age 75 was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2025. We both are struggling to understand how to adapt to a new normal but so far we have no pattern and limited guidance from our medical team. We'd like to share and learn. Thank you.

@brinkmanlc4440

Will you post again and let me know how you are doing?

Also, it would be wise to let your neurologist know about your titration schedule.

@teddieann

Making a list of your most troublesome symptoms is a great idea! This will help make your appointment productive.

Balance issues are very common with PD. Have you been referred for physical therapy? Physical therapy can be really helpful. At your appointment you might ask about physical therapy.

When is your next appointment? Given your many symptoms, it might be wise to call the neurologist and mention these issues, especially the stabbing pain and the shortness of breath. Do you have a history of heart or lung issues?

If you aren't able to reach the neurologist, contact your PCP and mention these problems.