Mobility Issues

If I were leading as meaningful and influential a life as MJF, that would be a more accessible goal. Sadly I live alone and have no family or partner. So if symptoms continue to progress, I have no idea what I would do. And I have no idea who could take over being my mom's guardian. I don't live life through a lens of competition. So that way of seeing doesn't work for me. For me it's more like a letting go ... of control that I will need to do. Many wide folks say that PD is a disease of those of us who have chosen the strategy of control to live with our life challenges. Control is simply not always possible.

Hello @gina5009

I agree with the suggestion of water exercise. It can be very refreshing and often does not result in joint pain the way that exercise-on-land does. I had to give it up due to skin irritation from the chemicals used in the pool water, but I do miss it.

Water exercise classes (or walking in water on your own) are usually available at senior centers (that offer pools) or at other exercise clubs, like the Y.

@Idied2x Have you tried water exercise?

I did aqua aerobics for 20 years, when I was in my 40,50,60's. I do not do it now, because I might be able to get in the pool, but I am not sure I could get out, and I have tried the chair lift (pretty scary at 92). Also, the facility I would be using has two pools, 1 the exercise is at 8 in the morning. Pool is not heated. Pool #2 is very hot and classes are around 2 p.m., and the outside temp is 102. In addition, I now have become very lazy, and just like to rest a great deal. I try to do little exercises when I am sitting like leg lifts, or ankle pumps anything to get the blood circulating. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and concern
Gina5009

It's so nice to hear from you, @gina5009. You are doing well at age 92, to be still thinking about the importance of movement. There are some good videos on YouTube which you can use free of charge. If you search YouTube for "seating exercises for seniors" you will find a good assortment of exercises that can be done seated.

Cindy: I am 80 and was diagnosed in 2019, four years ago. My doctor prescribed physical therapy for balance issues, and one of the things you worked on was how to get up from chairs, etc. I am careful not to sit in low chairs, service, etc. When necessary, I put an extra cushion on the sofa. I find when I get my butt above my knees, press down through my heels, and get my head above or beyond my toes, I can’t get up from a chair, sofa, etc. Hinge your upper body forward, over your toes, and lean forward. It’s like rolling forward out of the seat rather than standing up, I do not stand up until I am well forward and out of the seat. Hope this helps.

I dictated the above comment. Somehow, the transcription said I “can’t” get out of a chair. I actually dictated that I “can” get out of a chair. Wanted to clarify my comments.

@cmdw2600
Hello Cindy and welcome to the Parkinson's discussion on Mayo Clinic Connect. If your husband hasn't been referred for physical therapy, I would highly recommend him seeking out a physical therapist who is trained in the Big and Loud program. Big and Loud is a specific form of physical therapy for people with Parkinson's.

Here is a link to some information on this program,
--Rehabilitation Programs for Parkinson's
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/physical_medicin

If you or your husband would like to learn more about PD, I recommend that you look at The Davis Phinney Foundation website. https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/. You can learn much about PD and treatments through their videos with respected physicians in the field of PD research.

Often, with Parkinson's, a person's movements become very stiff. For example, a PD patient might shuffle rather than take regular steps when they walk. Also, they might not swing their arms when they walk, but walk in a stiff motion. The purpose of these exercises is to increase the movement.

The "loud" part of Big and Loud refers to strengthening the voice. With PD the voice will often become very soft. The voice therapy is usually conducted by a speech therapist. I have personally been involved in both the physical and voice training and it has been very helpful

Does this describe your husband's movements and/or voice? Has his neurologist referred him for physical and/or voice therapy?

Yes, my husband does have physical manifestations of PD as well as the soft voice. He has been doing some PT but does not feel it has helped yet. The voice issue is very frustrating for both of us. I am 70 and my hearing is not what it used to be. I am constantly saying “what!?” which is annoying to him as he has to repeat almost everything. I will suggest therapy for this also.
Thank you! Cindy

Hello @cmdw2600

I think that therapies for both speech and movement will be very helpful to you and your husband. I always think that PD is somewhat of a family disorder in that everyone who relates to a PD patient is somehow affected by the symptoms.

Until your husband is able to connect with a physical therapist and a speech therapist, these videos might be a good start in helping with both the movements and speech limitations of PD:
--PD Exercises at Home
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRyPQO_u_qE

--LSVT Loud
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8bkqvf6TRs

Before his PD diagnosis was your husband physically active?

@cmdw2600 I share your frustration as it is the same way in our house. But frankly, the low voice part is the least of my concern.