What does Parkinson's feel like?
What does Parkinson's feel like?
I am not an expert on Parkinson's in any way. Nor do I have any great insights to the disease or coping strategies. My approach to the disease over the last few years has been to survive the best I can, to stay as "normal" as I could, to hope for a slow progression, and to surround myself with people I love and care about. For four plus years that approach has pretty much worked for me, but lately things have been getting a little more complicated.
One late night last week I found myself stranded on the bedroom floor (I won't go into the stupid decisions and actions that got me there). Toni, my patient angel of a wife, and I struggled for over half an hour to try to find some way of getting up short of calling 911. I was experiencing significant pain in both my hips that prevented me from turning or bending. Toni formulated a plan of attack and we eventually (and painfully) worked it out, but the experience frightened both of us. It gave us a grave picture of what might lie ahead.
Anniversaries of sorts July 2014, the first feint tremors, July 9, 2015, Diagnosis from Dr. Pardo.
I remember the first time I mentioned the slight shaking in my hands to the doctor. He said it was probably essential tremors and we would watch it over the next year. The disease slowly progressed and by the end of that year I was showing more signs of the disease. The symptom I noticed the most was an unresponsiveness or lack of coordination in my right hand. It is an interesting footnote that my friends, Randy and Ranie, saw the subtle change in my waking and knew then what I was facing.
My doctor sent me to a neurologist and after a few tests and a trial run with Carbadopa he decided I should be seeing a movement specialist. (there is at present, no definitive test for Parkinson's. The best "test" available is the efficacy of the Carbadopa - if it effectively deals with the symptoms the patient most likely has Parkinson's, the other tests are given to rule out other similar conditions). One of the perks of living in Miami is the access we have to great medical care. I am thankful each day for my doctors.
Parkinson's, as I said earlier, varies from one person to the next. What is my experience? I can only say for the stage I am at. The symptoms will continue to change. Sometimes they worsen and sometimes they disappear. These are some of the effects of the disease I feel now.
Tremors of the hands, arms and feet are generally slight and only show up when it is time for my meds.
Parkinson's feels like nervousness or the sensation of too much caffeine. A stressed kind of feeling inside my body.
Walking has become a troublesome issue. A lack of coordination affects my gate and balance.
This lack of coordination affects just about everything I do. Simple tasks, like getting dressed, are complicated, slow and require a device to help position the pants or shirt. Just getting dressed can take 20 minutes, and a shower can take 1/2 hour.
Vision and speech are both affected.
There are also cognitive issues. Addition and subtraction are difficult as is making order of things. My doctor thinks this issue may be more connected with age.
Well I think that is it for now, at least that is my experience to now. I hope for the future, that God would give me the strength not to be overcome but to use these weaknesses in some way for His glory.
I am not an expert on Parkinson's in any way. Nor do I have any great insights to the disease or coping strategies. My approach to the disease over the last few years has been to survive the best I can, to stay as "normal" as I could, to hope for a slow progression, and to surround myself with people I love and care about. For four plus years that approach has pretty much worked for me, but lately things have been getting a little more complicated.
One late night last week I found myself stranded on the bedroom floor (I won't go into the stupid decisions and actions that got me there). Toni, my patient angel of a wife, and I struggled for over half an hour to try to find some way of getting up short of calling 911. I was experiencing significant pain in both my hips that prevented me from turning or bending. Toni formulated a plan of attack and we eventually (and painfully) worked it out, but the experience frightened both of us. It gave us a grave picture of what might lie ahead.
Anniversaries of sorts July 2014, the first feint tremors, July 9, 2015, Diagnosis from Dr. Pardo.
This would be the beginning of my Parkinson's journey.
I remember the first time I mentioned the slight shaking in my hands to the doctor. He said it was probably essential tremors and we would watch it over the next year. The disease slowly progressed and by the end of that year I was showing more signs of the disease. The symptom I noticed the most was an unresponsiveness or lack of coordination in my right hand. It is an interesting footnote that my friends, Randy and Ranie, saw the subtle change in my waking and knew then what I was facing.
My doctor sent me to a neurologist and after a few tests and a trial run with Carbadopa he decided I should be seeing a movement specialist. (there is at present, no definitive test for Parkinson's. The best "test" available is the efficacy of the Carbadopa - if it effectively deals with the symptoms the patient most likely has Parkinson's, the other tests are given to rule out other similar conditions). One of the perks of living in Miami is the access we have to great medical care. I am thankful each day for my doctors.
Parkinson's, as I said earlier, varies from one person to the next. What is my experience? I can only say for the stage I am at. The symptoms will continue to change. Sometimes they worsen and sometimes they disappear. These are some of the effects of the disease I feel now.
Tremors of the hands, arms and feet are generally slight and only show up when it is time for my meds.
Parkinson's feels like nervousness or the sensation of too much caffeine. A stressed kind of feeling inside my body.
Walking has become a troublesome issue. A lack of coordination affects my gate and balance.
This lack of coordination affects just about everything I do. Simple tasks, like getting dressed, are complicated, slow and require a device to help position the pants or shirt. Just getting dressed can take 20 minutes, and a shower can take 1/2 hour.
Vision and speech are both affected.
There are also cognitive issues. Addition and subtraction are difficult as is making order of things. My doctor thinks this issue may be more connected with age.
Well I think that is it for now, at least that is my experience to now. I hope for the future, that God would give me the strength not to be overcome but to use these weaknesses in some way for His glory.
I was diagnosed 3 years ago at age 56. Symptoms were tremor in right leg, loss of handwriting ability, and soft voice. I also have difficulty rising from a seated position and have balance issues. I started out taking only Azilect, then Mirapex, and 6 months ago Sinemet. Several months ago I started falling frequently, hence the reason for Sinemet. I tried every shots available but nothing worked. In June 2018, my neurologist and I decided to go with natural treatment and was introduced to Dr Fabien herbal medicine, Kunime anti Parkinson’s herbal medicine. I explain to him, I wanted to know more about him before I go ahead with the herbs. I was extra cautious about anything like this. I had a few doubts in my mind, he explaind to me how the herbal medicine works to cure Parkinson’s disease. I discussed with my husband, he permitted me to try it. I made an order for the herbal medicine. I started using the medicine, I noticed tremendous changes, I had a total decline of symptoms with this treatment, the Tremor, falling frequently, stiffness, body weakness, balance issues, depression and others has subsided. After 5/6 months of using the Herbal medication, I was totally free from Parkinson’s disease. I've really learned to appreciate life now. Having this disease has taught me patience and not to take the little things such as being able to talk or to smile for granted. This treatment is a breakthrough for all suffering from Parkinson’s, don’t give up Hope. Kunime herbs are truly gift from God. No more people have to be diagnosed and burdened with this disease. I can tell you in all truth that his herbal medicine works. I have been reaching out to people with Parkinson’s disease telling them my story how they can get free through Kunime herbal medicine that worked for me. Dr. Fabien is exceptional, real and understanding. I will recommend him to anyone. Www.kunimeherbs.com
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