Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...
I'm 99% sure I have Parkinson's due to the symptoms I'm experincing. I've told my children, but am afraid to tell my mother and siblings. Don't know where to turn. Any help suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Gus
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Has anyone here diagnosed with ME/CFS been prescribed Repatha?If you tried it, did you have any reactions that 'normal' doctors didn't consider? Or, pain more severe, fatigue increased.I had a very bad reaction to statins decades ago so I've snarled at any doctor in regard to my cholesterol levels. My new doctor is more patient and homeo/holistic minded, but she's still pushing.I have an Rx for a...
If you can do that and you do receive a diagnosis of PD, please know that it is NOT an overnight death sentence, and there are things you can do to delay progression. There is not a cure, but some people have slightly reversed or improved their level of quality of life with PD-specific exercises and dietary changes. It is a challenging diagnosis for sure, and requires some time to get wrapped around the idea. While life pace may be slower, there could still be many years of "able". It is an illness of slow progression. Do not judge yourself by someone else's Parkinson's, it is not a one-size-fits-all disease. Some people do progress more quickly, some keep going for 10-20 years, albeit slowing.
Some PD exercise therapies do require a Rx. In addition to physical movement, they incorporate cognitive exercises to help keep things in the brain going as long as they can. Some of the programs are:
LSVT BIG & LOUD
Delay the Disease
Speak Out / The Loud Crowd
PWR! Moves
Dance for Parkinson's
Rock Steady Boxing (non-contact boxing and seems to be the most popular one)
And there are a few more around.
BUT!!!
Get an appointment with a neurologist first. And ask about palliative care, if you have insurance that will cover it. Palliative is NOT, I repeat, NOT end of life care, it is time of diagnosis care. They can help you gather resources for you and your family in every aspect of your lives, and help you all as time goes along. Neurologists don't have time for all the nuances PD can bring. Avail yourself of every resource possible. BUT GET THE DIAGNOSIS FIRST.
Gus