Tim,
I have some comments about "keeping off medication" :
- Diagnosis
Are you sure it is PD ? PD diagnosis is based on symptoms, your symptoms
are mild : If you have not checked your first diagnosis with at least 2
other neurologists, I suggest you do.
- Medication
If I understand correctly, you want to stay off medication as long as
possible. I can see nothing wrong with that, provided you are prepared to
accept medication if and when it becomes
really necessary, i.e. when the relief you get from a drug becomes far
more important than the side-effects.
- Physiotherapy
Yes of course ! I do it 3 times a week with a physiotherapist who (cherry
on the cake) is interested in PD, and his help is great. I also walk and
practice some sport the best I can.
- Diet, vitamins, and such
I don't know anything about these
- Starting medication
Assuming you have decided to start some medication, and especially if you
never did before, I suggest you write down when and how much you take it,
and when and how much your symptoms evolve. This will not hurt anyway, and
it will help you find your way through that difficult period, when both PD
and medication tend to alter your mind, spirit and memory.
- Psychology
PD and psychology are tightly interlinked. Based on my personal
experience, I believe we can fight back and win battles, using simple
psychological weapons. If you are interested, I can tell more.
Hope to hear from you
Best whishes
Bernard JOLY
[log in to unmask]
