Dolores,
I have read the other responses to your e-mail, and agree with the comments.
The only thing I would like to add is on the topic of physical exercise.  I
was diagnosed 2 years ago at age 58.  Although I didn't have as difficult
time as you are having dealing with the medications, I do deal with pain
every day.  However, I have found that exercise is a great help in coping
with PD.  It not only helps in physical ways, but plays a key role in
maintaining a positive attitude.

I found it important to disregard what others are doing, and to work out
what types and amount of physical exercise are best for me.   I started
somewhat slowly, and that required patience (not easy for me).  There are
days it is really tough, but I find that I feel better if I exercise anyway.
In your case, it would not be necessary or desirable to try to equal the
pace your husband has set.  A  much less demanding routine would probably be
appropriate.  I would assume your husband would be supportive.  If you do
start an exercise program, it would be wise to consult with your doctor.

Dave Bergford
60 now / 58 dx./ 55 onset
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Dolores Buente" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2002 10:34 AM
Subject: My husband's turning into the "Energizer Rabbit"


> I'll try to keep this brief but I have a situation that I'm wondering if
> anyone else has dealt with.  To explain:  I am 59.  I have had PD symptoms
> approx. 4 years prior to diagnosis.  After running from neurologists to
> rheumatologist to sport's clinician to chiropractors over a 3 year period,
I
> was finally dx'd with PD about 4 months ago.  When the diagnosis came I
was
> ,of course, in shock but one of the many things that ran through my mind
was
> "Now, I can let down some.  I have a name to a physical disorder that is
> real.  I don't have to feel so guilty about being a little slower than
> everyone else around me.  I have a reason for some occasional complaints
> about aches & pains. I don't have to feel so lazy when I need to take a
nap".
>
> Well, now I find myself in a strange situation..."while I'm turning into
> Grandma Moses, my husband's turning into the Energizer Rabbit."  He too
has
> some health problems, high blood pressure & borderline diabetic.  He has
been
> controlling the diabetes with exercise & that's great but since my
diagnosis,
> he seems to be flying around here like "Superman".  He goes to the health
> club 3 days a week (his usual routine) but now has added his volleyball
> league on Monday night, goes to church to walk 3 mornings a week and just
> started Tuesday night basketball/volleyball. All the while, I'm feeling
like
> a "schlump" because I don't always feel like making the church walking
> program.
>
> He accompanied me to my visit to my neuro this week.  I am taking Requip
> which, at first, made me sleepy all the time.  Now I'm also getting used
to a
> new drug "Neurontin" which makes me feel like I've been on a 3 day
drinking
> binge.  Between the Requip, the Neurontin and the generalized fatigue that
> goes with PD, I'm having some frustrating days where I sleep a whole lot
or
> just mope around "spaced out". Now, the crux of the problem is: My husband
is
> sitting there listening while my neuro is telling me to keep active.  That
I
> must work through the pain.  He uses the example that he walks 7 miles
3x's a
> week even when he doesn't feel like it.  Ugh!
> I would like to pump him full of drugs till he can't see straight, tie a
rope
> around one of his legs and insert a red hot poker into his left hip and
ask
> him to demonstrate his walking program.
> Well, the long & short of the story is that along with the PD "label" does
> not come automatic permission to give up or let down.  So...if anyone else
> has experienced a similar situation I'd like to hear how they handled it.
> P.S. I do not mean to make it sound as if my husband is not supportive and
> caring.  He is!  I know he wants the best for me & is probably using his
> activity as an inspiration & motivation for me.  But, right now, it is
> backfiring & is just kind of making me feel like a deadbeat.
>
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