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Who do you ask when specialists only seem to speak within their box?
My favorite PCP just retired and I think I kind of overwhelmed my new one. Recently diagnosed with lymphoma and an ascending aneurysm, early stage for those so no biggie. Still working with neurologist to determine which version and stage of Parkinson’s I’ve got. Glad that at the moment low dose levadopa is helping with my tremors. Don’t know if it will help my balance, coordination, or brain fog yet- only been on it 2 weeks.
Basically the question is- I restarted water aerobics 3x a week (plus a bit of weight lifting) about 2 years ago and it has been saving my sanity. I know (and can feel) that exercise is good for the Parkinson’s, but my cardio dr is saying take it easy. When I take it easy I don’t feel the benefit of the exercise. Since the Parkinson’s is affecting my daily life I’m leaning towards keeping up with the exercise. Any advice?
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Keep up with the cardio and all of the exercises as long as you can. As my PD progresses I am loosing/have lost motivation to do any exercises.
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3 ReactionsHello @janna2 and welcome to Mayo Connect. Exercise is an important treatment for PD. As your cardiologist is suggesting you take it easy it might be goid to ask him or her for specific guidelines regarding exercise.
Have you been offered a referral for PT for your Parkinson's? Many physical therapists are specifically trained in the Big and Loud program which is very good for PD patients. Please ask about this and see if it is available.
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3 Reactions@ hopeful33250- thank you, I will look into Big and Loud. My next chat with the neurologist is in a couple of days, which I expect to get the whole spiel from her specialties perspective. It will be interesting if she has anything to add to what I’ve already read. The cardiologist said the same thing we can all look up on the internet, don’t push yourself, don’t lift too much (my weight, cholesterol, and bloodwork are all good-never smoked or drank after my early 20s). Seriously I wish I had never had the PET- just gave them one more Dr to poke and prod me.
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3 ReactionsPt 2. I have just read up on the Big and Loud program you recommended, and sometimes serendipity is down right spooky. Maybe the body knows before the head accepts. I am already going as big as I can in my water aerobics, since I feel safe in the water. I make sure there is plenty of room around me so I can extend as far as I can (it makes my stiff muscles happy). Half the people around me have hearing problems (yeah I’m that age) so I have been working on projecting my voice to the point that my friends with good hearing tell me I can tone it down.🤣. Who knew it was PT. Thank you again
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