My Parkinson's life is so confusing - this is not easy.

Posted by johnnyvsn @johnnyvsn, Oct 27, 2024

I was officially diagnosed with Parkinson's May of 2019. I have been taking Rytary since diagnosis and can say it really does help me feel "normal", but just for windows of time. Sometimes the windows lasts a very short time, sometimes longer. I am not as sharp minded as I used to be. I just don't understand how my body can feel so bad a lot of the time, then feel normal at other times. Does anyone else struggle with accepting this as just the normal life of a Parkinson's sufferer?

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Profile picture for dodeebug @dodeebug

Hi I was just diagnosed with PD 2 months ago. I took care of my dad for the last 2yrs of his life with his PD. So I am well aware what I have to look forward to. It is difficult because I have always loved working in the yard, sewing, painting and working out. Gave my bike away afraid of falling. Now use walker for my longer walks. Use cane for shopping. Ok getting around house just have limp. Hurts me to talk to people as some words just escape me. I just want to stay home but I know that is not good. Thank goodness I have a wonderful hubby that cares deeply for me.
I should tell you I am 88yrs young. Have cried many time. Prayed lots.

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Hi. I was diagnosed 2 months ago also. It was hard to take! I’m
On carbidopa/levadopa. Have not seen much improvement. My gardening is my passion too. I’m 83 years young! I have movement issues just like you do! Are you taking medicine?

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Profile picture for dodeebug @dodeebug

Hi thanks for taking time to read about me and PD.
I am taking carbilevadopa and is helps with my left hand tremors.
I had no idea that i had PD. I go to a nerurologist fir Restless Legs and neuropathy in my feet. I take Ropinitrole for those problems.
Last year i woke up with my left leg numb and left hand was paralized. I called my docor and he thought i was hsving a stroke and told me to go immediately to hospital. I was given all kinds of test and after 3 days was told it was a nerve in my neck.
Going for my appointment for my legs doctor said no it was a stroke. I went for hand theraphy. My hand works now but much slower. And i have a limp.
I use a cane fot stability and if i take walks i use my walker.
I have not had a problem with falling but can no longer walk my dog. This i really miss as he a wonderful Border Collie mix.
Oh and i started having urinary problems wich i just blamed on old age. My primary doctor gave me a pill to help. Now i have read that more than likely it is csused by PD I use pads and remind myself to go to the bathroom about every hour. I'm sure thinking back i have had PD for sometime. I can't believe all the tests i have gone thru.
I also started going to a counselor to relieve some stress.
Hope all is good with you.
Regards a fellow PD
Caroline

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Hello @dodeebug

I can understand what you mean when you say, " I'm sure thinking back, I have had PD for sometime." Many of us with a PD diagnosis can say the same thing.

Regarding the urinary problems, pelvic floor therapy (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/take-charge-healthy-aging/newsfeed-post/control-of-frequent-urges-with-bladder-training/) might be helpful. You may consider asking your doctor for a referral for this type of therapy.

Also, many hospital systems now offer PTNS procedures for urinary problems, (https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/neurogenic-bladder-bowel-management/about/pac-20394763)

Both of these are good tools for dealing with urinary urgency and frequency.

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Profile picture for windyh @windyh

I can really identify with your comments! It is confusing & frustrating & impossible to explain to others I am grateful for the times that I feel "normal" - or nearly normal. I am also aware that I seem less "sharp" mentally. I am used to being the smartest kid in the room,...but, sadly, no more.....................It is good to share these things with other PDers, make me feel less alone

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I understand the less sharp mentally. I process things slower and when I try to talk about things I’ve read or heard I can’t seem to put it into smooth conversational speech. Thankfully I have an odd sense of humor so I am learning to laugh at myself and not take it too seriously but sometimes it still frustrates me.

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Profile picture for duckanyone @duckanyone

I understand the less sharp mentally. I process things slower and when I try to talk about things I’ve read or heard I can’t seem to put it into smooth conversational speech. Thankfully I have an odd sense of humor so I am learning to laugh at myself and not take it too seriously but sometimes it still frustrates me.

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Oh you have that right. Before they told me I had PD I blamed ot on old age.
I'm 88. Now I let .my friends know so they can help me fill in the blanks. Or I'll just say "you know".
This isn't for sissy. I cry every once in .awhile then I stop and see a sick child on TV with cancer. I tell my self I hav had a wonderful
Life. My hubby is always saying he loves me and showers me with kisses
Out of 3 husband's I finally found number1. I have to stop now as I keep falling asleep and I find this happens frequently now.
Hope to hear from you.
Regards Dodeebug

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Profile picture for duckanyone @duckanyone

I understand the less sharp mentally. I process things slower and when I try to talk about things I’ve read or heard I can’t seem to put it into smooth conversational speech. Thankfully I have an odd sense of humor so I am learning to laugh at myself and not take it too seriously but sometimes it still frustrates me.

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That is what I hVe been doing laughing at myself
Or I say you know what I mean or what's the word I'm looking for. My hubby says no don't no the word
It is hard but I tell him the word is hanging in the air right in front of me but my brain won't let me say it.
Very frustrating

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Profile picture for duckanyone @duckanyone

Noticed the use of Tramadol. I was on Tramadol but had to get off a few weeks before knee replacement surgery. After being off of it, I noticed that my brain fog and difficulty with word search had some improvement. If you struggle in these areas you may want to try a different pain med.

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Thanks every little bit of information helps

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Profile picture for dodeebug @dodeebug

That is what I hVe been doing laughing at myself
Or I say you know what I mean or what's the word I'm looking for. My hubby says no don't no the word
It is hard but I tell him the word is hanging in the air right in front of me but my brain won't let me say it.
Very frustrating

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Hi @dodeebug,

I love that phrase, "...the word is hanging in the air right in front of me but my brain won't let me say it." Great description of how frustrating it can be!

There is one thing that I learned in speech therapy is the value of reading out loud for a few minutes each day. While it doesn't necessarily fix all of the speech problems you might have, it makes a positive difference overall.

Will you give it a try and let me know what you think?

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This is very confusing and I hate that that I have to track everything such as food, when I go to sleep, how much water I drink, whatkind of mood I’m in etc. And 90% of the time you still can’t figure out what is causing the side effects. just when you think you’re starting to feel normal Something else comes up. And it’s generally another side effect I have good days and bad, but unfortunately, I have more bad than good. I have not slept a full night since I got this. Surprisingly though I’m not .I have had to cancel plans at the last minute because of the way I feel. I hate the panic attacks that I get. And I really hate the restless leg, but I have to say is what I hate most is what it appears to be doingto my kids. I’m a single mom and raised my kids alone and was very independent now I have to depend on others. And I can see the worry on my kids faces. The really sad thing is I’m stuck with it. There’s no cure so I’m trying to make the best of it. It’s probably one of the worst things I’ve had to deal with in my life. and I really hate when they say the medication helps you manage the quality of life. I’m sorry I don’t see any quality in
This way of life. Today has seemed to be one of the better days, but that’s always something to change when I take my next dose but day by day I pray it gets better

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Hi I'm just another PD gal. The pills I take 3 times per day seem to help with the tremors . I have no special diet but try to eat more fruits and veggies. We like raw ones better than cooked. Your kids may have fun making a tray of carrots, celery stuffed with peanutbutter, little tomatoes, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower. And a little dressing for dip
Sleeping is another thing as I am with you there. I try to read myself to sleep I am going tell my Dr on next visit
.i try to exercise and maybe you could get the kids to do it with you. Since you are a single mom, I've been there, you should take a moment for yourself and if you need to cry just do it. Then tell the kids you are trying to do your best but they need to help you. Kep writing on this Mayo group for PD. I also joined Michael J Fox group.
Some days I want to give up but I love my family and would not want to hurt them. I have told my family I forget things now and when talking I will forget words. I just laugh and sad, hey it's my PD
hang in there you are not alone there is a bunch of us and we need to talk to each other. Oh bye the way I have RLS and take Ropinirol and works great
Your PD friend and my prayers and blessings are with you and family.

I

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Profile picture for evynlouise @evynlouise

This is very confusing and I hate that that I have to track everything such as food, when I go to sleep, how much water I drink, whatkind of mood I’m in etc. And 90% of the time you still can’t figure out what is causing the side effects. just when you think you’re starting to feel normal Something else comes up. And it’s generally another side effect I have good days and bad, but unfortunately, I have more bad than good. I have not slept a full night since I got this. Surprisingly though I’m not .I have had to cancel plans at the last minute because of the way I feel. I hate the panic attacks that I get. And I really hate the restless leg, but I have to say is what I hate most is what it appears to be doingto my kids. I’m a single mom and raised my kids alone and was very independent now I have to depend on others. And I can see the worry on my kids faces. The really sad thing is I’m stuck with it. There’s no cure so I’m trying to make the best of it. It’s probably one of the worst things I’ve had to deal with in my life. and I really hate when they say the medication helps you manage the quality of life. I’m sorry I don’t see any quality in
This way of life. Today has seemed to be one of the better days, but that’s always something to change when I take my next dose but day by day I pray it gets better

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Hello @evynlouise and welcome to the PD support group on Mayo Connect. I'm so sorry that this diagnosis has been so difficult for you. How long ago were you diagnosed? What type of therapies have you had? For example, medication, physical therapy?

One of the most important therapies is regular exercise. I know it is difficult to think about movement when you don't feel well, but it is so important both physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Here is a link to information from The Davis Phinney Foundation about the importance of exercise, https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/resources/exercise-and-parkinsons/

Could you share more about your activity level?

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