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THE FECKLESS STAN MARCHES BACK FROM THE GREAT HUMOR/NON-PD WAR, SLIGHTLY
BLOODIED BUT A BETTER PERSON FOR THE EXPERIENCE. HE APPROACHES THE GROUP,
SALUTES AND PREPARES TO ASK (GASP!!!) A PARKINSON'S RELATED QUESTON.
******************
Everyone:
(As Monty Python once said, "And now for something competely different.")
I seek information from my fellow Parkies.
During the past two weeks since my "retirement," my PD seems to have shifted
into fast forward. Actually, it's runnning at turbo speed. Major changes seem
to hit me overnight. Two and one-half Sinemet --- which would last me
approximately four hours --- suddenly dropped to two or two and one-half
hours. "Off" times are longer and more severe. End-of-med dyskinesia at
dinner time started about three weeks ago. To me (though my perception may be
clouded) it's worse every evening. I rented a wheelchair this week because
the period between end-of-meds and end-of-ability to walk dropped to
approximately one hour this week. (I could usually count on two to four.)
Right hand and arm very stiff and sore now during "off" periods. (Right side
has always been my problem.) Now, toes on left foot curl under and out (to
the left). I rarely have an appetite for anything except cheddar-flavored
Goldfish crackers and ice cream (I have something in common with M. Ali.)
I realize that all of these problems happens to most of us Parkies
eventually. But, I ask, all at one time? And so suddenly?
Maybe it's caused by the change in my routine, as Jeff suggested when I
commented about this last week. Or maybe I'm depressed, as Jack and Jeannette
offered. Or maybe it's a just a matter of getting my meds worked out, as
Marling said. Whatever it is, I hope the specialist I'm seeing next Tuesday
will come up with a plan to help me manage this better.
My question to the group: Has anyone experienced anything like this? A horde
of symptoms suddenly appearing and/or advancing almost overnight? What did
you do about it? Did you and/or you doctor find a workable solution for
managing these problems? If not, what has happened in the meantime?
Any information you could provide to me before my Tuesday, February 4,
appointment in Houston would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks. Stay well and try to laugh at least once a day. It's good for you.
Stan Houston (53/5)
Cat Spring, Texas 79833
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