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 am 53 yrs old and after a couple of years of various symptoms and much testing (to eliminate other possible dx) I was officially diagnosed with PD in February.
Like many of you, I was relieved to have a diagnosis and know just what I am dealing with - though, of course it is so individualized.
While I am dealing with various physical symptoms, I am finding my lack of motivation and changes in my personality to be the most troubling. Things I loved to do before - like gardening - just seem like a chore. My husband offers to take me places or do things with me and I just cannot drum up the excitement to take him up on his offers. The few times I have "made" myself go along with a plan I not truly been able to enjoy myself.
I work full time at a very demanding job. But, I am glad at least I am forced to get out and about by working. I feel very fortunate to still be able to work outside the home.
My neuro says that lack of motivation goes along with PD. She has put me on an anti-depressant to see if that helps. And, I would have to say it at least "takes the edge off".
I truly try hard to put on a positive face, but feel I can be honest with others in this group and am curious if you experience the same issue I have with motivation.
Like many of you, I was relieved to have a diagnosis and know just what I am dealing with - though, of course it is so individualized.
While I am dealing with various physical symptoms, I am finding my lack of motivation and changes in my personality to be the most troubling. Things I loved to do before - like gardening - just seem like a chore. My husband offers to take me places or do things with me and I just cannot drum up the excitement to take him up on his offers. The few times I have "made" myself go along with a plan I not truly been able to enjoy myself.
I work full time at a very demanding job. But, I am glad at least I am forced to get out and about by working. I feel very fortunate to still be able to work outside the home.
My neuro says that lack of motivation goes along with PD. She has put me on an anti-depressant to see if that helps. And, I would have to say it at least "takes the edge off".
I truly try hard to put on a positive face, but feel I can be honest with others in this group and am curious if you experience the same issue I have with motivation.
I CAN IDENTIFY WITH YOU ON THIS ISSUE.
IF I MAY POINT OUT SOMETHING, IT COULD WELL CLARIFY THINGS FOR YOU. WITH THE NEURO-TRANSMITTER DOPERMINE, IN SHORT SUPPLY IN THE BRAIN, WITH PARKINSON'S CONDITION BEING THE RESULTANT.
DOPERMINE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MOVEMENT, IT IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR MOTIVATION, WHICH COVERS DEPRESSION TOO.
MOST OF MY PEERS IN MY LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP TAKE A MAINTENANCE DOSE OF ANTI-DEPRESSANTS.
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Put your focus on what is most needed in your life, and let other things go.
I found that I am also not motivated with some things that seemed important before.
l refuse to think it is pd in a physical sense, l find it more PD in a sense of l now know what is a priority in my life, and l let go of what is not that important .
I have learned many things about living with pd, and what matters and what doesn't
Keep smiling, and keep positive
I was very depressed when first diagnosed. The muscles in our body breakdown or something like that - oh, I know - become rigid and everything takes much more energy than a "normal" person so it zaps it from us. Everything takes more time. This is my own personal journey but I have found exercise builds the muscles and gives me much more energy. My therapist said that physical exercise has been proven to be the number one combatant against depression. I used to exercise on a constant basis until pd zapped my energy (although I didn't know it was pd). Once I was diagnosed and read all the posts on this site about exercise and the pd youtube videos about exercise I threw myself into starting with yoga and walking and in Nov. I started using the lowest weights on the weight machines. What a difference after the gym my body feels normal!!!! I also work a very demanding day job but the exercise done in the evenings after work allows me to fulfill my demanding schedule. I do not take depression meds at this point but my therapist says it is because of the exercise. Good luck. This is just my life - but read other's with pd and their experience with exercise and it will blow you away.
My neuro did put me on a mega dose of Vitamin B, as well as fish oil. And, I have to admit she told me to get out and get walking - something I did for a while but used the back pain from a prior surgery as my excuse to stop. OK - enough of that! Putting on my walking shoes once again and anxious to see improvements in various areas of my life.
Thanks for your support. Since I know of no one else even close to my age in my area with PD I feel pretty alone at times. Please know you are much appreciated!!!
Good Luck!!
WITH THE GREATEST RESPECT, TOGETHER WITH UNDERSTANDING, HAVING BEEN THERE WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW, PLEASE BEAWARE AND, BE AWARE OF RE-ENFORCEING A NEGATIVE.
THAT WHICH WE FOCUS ON EXPANDS.
FOR MYSELF, I FEEL IT IS MUCH BETTER, TO FOCUS ON THAT WHICH I CAN DO.
AS FOR THE OTHER THINGS, WE DO NOT GIVE IN, WE JUST FIND WAYS TO MANAGE BETTER AND GET ON WITH IT.
I'VE CRIED AND MOANED, LAMENTED TOO, IT DIDN'T WORK.
I have had the tremors for over a year now and not once did I ever think of Parkinson's. I thought the tremors were probably related to some thyroid medicine I was taking. When the doctor said Parkinson's I felt like a bomb had been dropped on me.
I am trying to stay upbeat but sometimes I feel so scared.