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Sam, I know you didn't ask me for advice, but I feel compelled to throw in my two cents worth of advice (probably worth just about that much). I am 61 diagnosed in 1997 and am one of the more fortunate ones whose symptoms are progressing, but very slowly. Ray's advice to do the things you love that you can while you can is very good. I decided to do that early on. I have to use common sense and not get myself in too many situations that could leave me with few options in a medical emergency. But I don't let that worry override opportunities to do things that come my way. I live in So. California and live close enough to Las Vegas that I can make several trips there a year. If my husband or someone else is going with me, they drive. If I'm going alone I fly Southwest because they usually have really cheap flights and the 4 hour drive is just too much for me. The last time I tried it I got half way home and couldn't make it the rest of the way. I found the first hotel (turned out to be less than wonderful, but I holed up there for a couple of days and was then able to drive the rest of the way. This summer I had an opportunity to go to Italy. My friend sings in her church choir and they were invited to sing for the Pope. So they put together a two week tour of several Italian cities. I was uncomfortable going by myself so my husband suggested I take my adult daughter with me in case of an emergency. I did and it was amazing. Not only did I get to see Italy and even rode in a gondola but I had a wonderful shared experience with my daughter. I did fine and even climbed to the very top of the leaning tower of Pisa (not an easy task even without PD but was so proud that I did it. I had one "incident" in the underground catacombs of a many century old church in Rome. I got sloppy with my medicine schedule. I was very tired and my Sinemet wore off much sooner than it should have. I couldn't walk and was sort of thrown into a state of dementia. The tour guide freaked out and admitted he had no idea ho w to get out of the literal maze of catacombs. Susan, my daughter, is very assertive. She told him in a nice way that he should "lead, follow or get out of the way" He chose the last option. She found her way (and mine) out. I sat down on the ground just outside the church while she ran to the tour bus, got my medicine for me and luckily there was a gelato stand nearby that also had soft drinks. She brought them to me and 20 minutes later I was fine. That hour of tenseness was such a small price to pay for the overall experience. We are planning a trip to England, Scotland and maybe Ireland this summer. She is also going with me to a poker tournament in Vegas. She will be the one playing the poker (I'm not good at it and my shaky fingers make it worse). But I fully expect to have a fabulous time. I know this e-mail so far is totally off topic from what you wrote about so I'll get to that now. I have tried pilates a little bit and find they are difficult for me and somewhat painful. I am not familiar with Chi Gong and though I dance when obligated (weddings, this New Year's Eve in Vegas, etc., but again, not my forte. But I have been taking Tai Chi lessons off and on for about three years and cannot say enough good things about it. My neuro recommended it to help with my balance. It does that and so much more. It isn't just physical benefits that I gain from it, but mental relaxation as well. I have gone to studios where the lesson cost about $20. I have taken lessons that were in conjunction with my Curves exercise class that the teacher gave us a price break on ($13.50.) Recently I have been going to the local senior center (I qualify age wise but they would let me participate even if I didn't. The teacher is outstanding and he charges $3.50 a lesson and the lessons are every bit as good as the $20.00 ones. Actually for me they are better because he is a kind and caring man. He tells every newcomer that they should push themselves just up to the point where they begin to feel even a tiny bit of pain and then back off until it doesn't hurt. He says when you do that you are doing the perfect Tai Chi for you. He dims the lights in the room, plays amazing music that relaxes you so much you can mentally transcend all of your cares for a few minutes. He gives clear and precise instructions in a calm and relaxing voice. If you are interested in trying Tai Chi, call your senior center and if they don't provide the lessons they may be able to guide you in the right direction. I'm thinking the local "Y" might be a good place to try also. I have also taken yoga lessons and find them to be very beneficial. They are a little more taxing than Tai Chi, but still very worthwhile. And my good guy at the Senior Center teaches those classes also. Sorry this ran on so long but I wanted to give you my take on your question. I really believe you owe it to yourself to try each of your options a few times so you can make the decision that is right for you. Please let us know how it goes and what you decide to do. With kindest regards, Claudia 61 with PD but still pretty spunky and am told I'm just sassy enough! :-) "I used to think I had ambition...but now I'm not so sure. It may have been only discontent. They're easily confused." Rachael Field -----Original Message----- From: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sam Weber Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2006 2:23 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Intro / Comp Treatments Thanks for this info Suedee! Q10 seems to be quite a popular choice (I started on it about a month ago as well) I am also taking antioxidants, Omega 3 & 6, and fish oil. I have to make a decision regarding exercise soon (considering Pilates, Chi Gong, Tai Chi and dancing) so would appreciate info on your experiences in that regard. There also seems to be strong indication that regular stints on a treadmill can help to keep strides longer when walking. It would be great to try everything (I have a somewhat obsessive streak... *grin*) but budgetary constraints force a choice. Regards Sam -----Original Message----- From: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Sue Lifschiz Sent: 03 January 2006 19:03 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Intro Dear Sam, Your PD history, symptoms, attitude sound very much like my own, altho I am 25 years older than you. I also avoided meds for a long time, but recently I started taking Requip and rasagiline because of the possibility that they might slow the progression of the disease. As to alternative therapies, exercise is most important. (I prefer water exercise.) I have tried acupuncture, and I think it helps, but I don't have it regularly. I have also tried Feldenkrais, Pilates, and yoga. Any of these could help, but for various reasons I haven't continued with them. Chi Gong (an easier version of Tai Chi) is great for balance and relaxation. I take a lot of supplements with the hope that they will discourage oxidative stress: Brain Sustain, CoQ-10, alpha lipoic acid, glucosamine sulfate, NADH, fish oil. I also eat blueberries every day. If you want more information about any of these, feel free to write me on or off the listserve. Best regards, Suedee ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.12/220 - Release Date: 03/01/2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. 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