I started to subcribe only 2 weeks ago. My mother was diagnosed with
PD almost 10 years ago though in retrospect probably was showing signs 2
to 3 years prior to that. Over the last two weeks I have read with
interest all the past and present articles and mail concerning the varied
topics, information and insights available through this resource.
Needless to say it has been extremely insightful and in many ways
encouraging.
One thing that we learned many years ago is that PD must be
treated on an individual basis. My mother was originally treated on very
generic terms and somewhat ineffectually. We took it upon ourselves to
study and learn more about the disorder to help us better understand the
ramifications of each medication and their dose and combinations. This
approach has produced a better quality of life. I must also point out
that my mother has taken a very pro-active approach with PD then
reactive. This gives her sense of fighting the problem rather than a
reactive feeling of being a helpless victem.
The three greatest benefits to her condition have been 1) A
positive mental attitude towards condition and situation with an
acceptance of her limits yet living up to them on a daily basis. 2) A
daily excercise regime that has greatly enhanced her muscle control and
flexibility. 3) Taking sinemet in liquid form once every hour to help
even the out the dyskenesia and the "off" periods.
I can't stress enough the benefit of exercise and stretching. I
believe it alloes much greater control (user vs. autonomous) and helps
greatly with flexibility. This seems to help overcome the rigidity and
offers more cognizant control over her gait when walking and her day to
day movements. I believe, also, that it probably helps her sleep as well.
Mom now takes her sinemet in liquid form. Her daily routine is
to put her daily dose of sinemet in a thermos that is full of orange
juice (it doesn't lose its fizz during the day). She used to grind up
the pills put has found that given a few minutes the pills will dissolve
just fine in the juice. Then, depending on her schedule, will fill up
1.5 oz. nalgene bottles (found in drug stores and backpacking equipment
stores) of which she will take one each hour. She carries the thermos
with for longer excursions and will refill when and if needed. She
usually takes a larger dose in the morning which she finds helps give her
the needed kick start to get up and go. I don't have the specific
dosages on hand for the day but I can get them. This system also helps
regulate the dosing of the sinemet better throughout the day. Since our
body chemistry fluctuates sometimes smaller intermitent dosing has been
used. Routine seems to be a great benefit in regulating not only the
medication but also in regulating the symptoms of PD.
I also want to say how pleased and thankful I am for the insight
and resources that all of you are providing to us and I look forward to
our collective efforts here in the future.
Regards
--
Bill Bell ([log in to unmask])
