Stan H.....
Because of the almost on-the-button timing between your retirement and the
onset of the worsening symptoms you're experiencing, I have a gut feeling
there's SOME correlation between the two.
In relating to my own PD experiences, I suspect the PD symptoms are
anxiety-related as during high-stress periods of my own life the PD always
kicks into high gear. Usually, I'm able to talk myself out of the worsening
conditions by giving myself a mental kick in the rear ("Barbie! Wake UP! You
don't have time for this Parkie B/S right now!").
Almost always a coupla-three days of reminding myself (errrr... I COULD use
the word "admitting" here, but somehow that feels more like I'm atoning to for
a crime!) <grin> there's an UNDERLYING PROBLEM, while also probing my mind to
find the cause of that problem and hence my anxiety, is all it takes to return
my condition to it's "normal Parkie state." (I use the word "normal"
advisedly)
Once I've (choking on the word) ADMITTED to myself that I HAVE a problem, I
then ask myself "Can the problem be fixed or corrected somehow by me or anyone
I am able to contact?" IF so, I then - as honestly as I can - reassess the
problem - reviewing possible positive, negative or just so-so "fixes." And,
finally, at THAT point, I decide my course of action to resolve the anxiety
and stress I'm under.
IF I believe I can handle the problem, now that it's recognized, and by taking
appropriate action, either eliminate it or reduce it to a more palatable
state,
OR if I can get help from family, a friend, or a for-pay service, I do so.
HOWEVER.... if, after an assessment and review of the problem, I feel there's
absolutely nothing I can do at THAT moment to rid myself of the problem, I
simply stop worrying about it until or unless a time arises that I'm better
able to resolve the matter.
Surprisingly, usually within a short period of time after having reached a
resolution, one way OR the other... the more recent, negative PD symptoms are
gone.
By the way... I discovered this plan of action in reading the "12 Step"
program's "Serenity Prayer" one day. I had been giving a framed copy of the
Serenity Prayer as gift, and it's initial impact upon me was profound. It's
never let me down in the years since I first read it. For those that are
unfamiliar with the Serenity Prayer, I've included it, below.
"Prayer of Serenity"
God, grant me the serenity
To recognize the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Barb Mallut
"Lil_Honey" on the PD Chat
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----------
From: PARKINSN: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network on behalf
of Stan R. Houston
Sent: Friday, January 31, 1997 8:27 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN
Subject: Seeking Help on PD Symptoms
******************
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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