I would like to respond publicly to the email that I received from Joe dated 1/31/2007 2:06:58 AM EST. First though, I would like to apologize for the content of my email that was sent in response (sent-Tue 30/01/2007 10:18 AM) to a very inspirational and optimistic person. I'll chalk it up to self-pity.
As you can read "Joe L" sent a wonderful narrative - thanks. I will answer by citing some events in my life with PD. I am presently 67 years old.
During the summer of 2004 I noticed that the rate (speed) of my walking would not increase, I tired very easily and had difficulty articulating ideas. A CT scan revealed a very small (9mm) indication of a past stroke that had occurred in the basil ganglia. I had found the culprit and decided to work on my deficiencies. That fall I purchased a treadmill and set off to improve my walking. That did not happen (could not pass 2.5 mph) and my symptoms seemed to get worse.
In Feb of 2005 I saw a neurologist who diagnosed Parkinson's disease. What a blow! Fortunately, through a friend, I was accepted (Mar 2005) by the Centre for Movement Disorders and a neurologist, Dr. Guttman. The rest, as they say, is history. In Apr 2006 I was diagnosed with severe depression and successfully got through that (drugs stabilized) by Apr 2007. As of today, Mar 20/2007, my Parkinson's and related drug load is:
Sinemet (Levodop/Carbidop)
Parkinson's
100/25 mg
6am = 1 tab, 11am = 1½ tabs, 4pm = 1½ tabs, 9pm = 1 tab
Paxil CR (Paroxetine)
depression
25 mg
25 mg each morning; 6 am
Sandoz Bupropion SR (Bupropion HCL SR)
depression
150 mg
1 Tab 2 times per day; 6 am, 6 pm
Imovane (Zopiclone)
sleeping
7.5 mg
7.5 mg at bedtime; 9:00 pm
I definitely agree with Joe and his observations about outlook and family support. I am blessed with two absolutely great kids (and their families) and a concerned spouse that I love (all) very dearly.
Joe hit the nail-on-the-head with his comments about the unpredictability of the disease. I would like to add meal time to the list. As much as I like food and what is served on a daily basis - I hate meal time (anywhere). My paws (hands) have the agility of my three year old grandson; I fumble at everything that I do. And while I'm on the topic, I cannot handle a screwdriver because of my shacking hands, although I'm a whiz at stirring and thickening sauces.
Since I'm a technical writer (drawings and word smithing), I have purchased an aid that seems to work for me. Take a look at http://www.montrosesecam.com/index.html. Another useful link is http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/newsalerts.php?changemydetails=y. I subscribe to Depression and Parkinson's.
That's it for this round. Joe may I contact you via email?
Dick Beaumont
Senior Technical Writer
Applanix Corporation
85 Leek Crescent
Richmond Hill, Ontario
CANADA L4B 3B3
905.709.4600 x 260
[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
http://www.applanix.com <http://www.applanix.com/>
________________________________
In a message dated 1/31/2007 2:06:58 AM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes:
Has the diagnosis and the type of
affliction changed your attitude and 'outlook on life'?
Hello Mr. Beaumont,
I too am a lurker on the PIENO site & your thoughts as well as Nina's had my interests piqued. I am 50 yrs old & was dxd 3 yrs ago with PD. Like you I am in a job that I absolutly love ( aircraft maintenance inspector, heavy commercial aircraft ), but it is becoming a little harder to do with each passing year as the disease progresses.
Has the disease changed my out look? You bet it has! Some for good ,some for worse. My health is no longer taken for granted, my family has become even more important as they become my support group, and taking each day as it comes & the new challenges it brings is a priority. After my dx I sat down by myself & made a list of things I wanted to do before I am no longer able & I am now working that list down ( recently crossed off visit Hawai'i & make circle tour of Lake Superior :) ). I can no longer do the high off the ground work on the aircraft & thats frustrating.
The internet has become a support group for me as there are none here in my area. I've met alot of great people online & learned alot from them & their experiences living with disease. I've learned how to fight the disease & remain mostly independent but still know my limits & when to ask for help. The unpredictability of the disease amazes me. Thinhs I could do today I may not be able to to tomorrow. But the day after tomorrow I might be able to do them again,... or maybe not. You'll get 5 buttons of your shirt done in no time flat but that 6th button will take you 15 minutes to do. You have no problems tying your left shoe, but it takes 20 minutes for the right one.
PIENO is a great place to lurk & learn, but look into WE MOVE.ORG another great place with live chat & great people. They have helped me quite a bit. I guess I'll close here & say so long. Enjoy the good days as they come & don't let the bad ones get you down.
Joe L
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