Hi John and welcome to the club.
Denial has another meaning. You must get as much guts as you can and go out
there and live your life to the max while your symptoms are minor, and
believe me, they are, at this point, quite tolerable, compared to what you
may experience in coming years. PD is a very polite disease, actually, in
that it gives you time to plan. But if you have any great dreams of travel
or projects that are unfinished, get to them now, because everything is as
easy as it's going to get. From here on, everything you do will get more
difficult and take longer. Yes, that really sucks, but that is your new
reality. Most people complain all day and don't appreciate how on top of
the world they really are, not having to deal with chronic disease. Take
time to ponder this, count your blessings, which are still many, force
yourself to smile a big smile, and get to work.
Re: drugs, I recommend minimizing and delaying as much as seems practical,
according to your own ability to function while dealing with your symptoms,
and in consultation with your healthcare professionals. To some, the drugs
help a lot, and to others, they don't. But in the long view, PD meds also
carry their own threat of side effects which many say are every bit as bad
or worse than the disease. I agree. The most effective thing you can do
for PD and health in general is exercise. Stay fit. Do aerobics, walking,
weights, especially yoga and always stretching and relaxing types of
exercise. Tai chi is also good.
These things are the best way to send PD a "denial" notice. Not to ignore
the disease, but to fight the feelings that go along with the whole package,
that would have you give up and give in. Don't. You'll be kicking yourself
soon if you do. I did, and I have the bruises on my ass to prove it.
If any of this doesn't jive with what your doctors say, well, whatever. I
don't even play a doctor on TV. I only have a bit of knowledge, because I
have PD. Diagnosed 8 years ago at age 47. Maybe your doctor will not
agree. Maybe your best bet is different from mine. Just try to stay on top
of things as long as you can, and don't be Nancy Kerrigan. Self pity is a
waste of time. Just trying to give it to you straight, cousin. Have a good
one.
Rick McGirr
-----Original Message-----
From: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Bianchi
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:03 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: intro from listserv newbie with a general question
Hello all.
My name is John and I was recently diagnosed with onset PD at the age of
50..
My symptons are currently minor (slight arm tremor during night, limited
motion in a few fingers on left hand, loss of left arm swing while walking).
I am coming out of the shock/denial stage and currently trying to educate
myself on my new "life-partner".
I have read several books recommended by the doctors and looked at several
websites (including viartis.net/parkinsons). Any general recommendations
?
My doctor would like me to start on a low-dose agonist (Mirapex) regime
but after all I have read I am apprehensive about starting any drugs ( I am
somewhat scared of the side-effects and Viartis's implications that some of
these drugs may make things worse in the long run)
Am I overreacting ? Any tips on pitfalls to avoid along this route?
thank you all for your patience and consideration
Peace to you all.
John
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