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Dear M. Dawn: I have been diagnosed with PD for almost 3 yrs. I am taking 9 mg. requip/day. I believe very strongly in your assessment that emotions are directly linked to the presentation of PD related symptoms. The feature about PD that most people either do not know, or refuse to allow, is that it is a singularly unique disease to each individual who is afflicted. There are quite a few combinations of factors which may or may not operate on the presentation of symptoms at any given time. 1. the individual's emotional state is critical. the autonomic nervous system is an integral part of an individual's response to stimuli (either from inside or outside the individual), 2. PWPs can, like anybody else, have less vulnerable and more vulnerable moments throughout a day, or a month, or any cycle of time, 3. medication reacts differently on PWPs, and may also react differently on the same individual at different times of the day, or year or any cycle of time. 4. the emotional component of this disease which is caused by either the physical lack of dopamine production, or the agony of the process of acceptance is extremely difficult to track, although no less a reality. These are only a few of the factors which contribute to the situation you describe. A very wise lady told me at the start of this painful journey that it would be I, myself, who would have to teach those around me, both my supporters and antagonists, about the realities of this disease. I find it offensive that there are people on the planet who would question my interpretation of the reality of my disease. I.e. that they would say "Well I know someone who has PD and he doesn't (whatever - mind walking, shake, feel bad about it, etc. etc. !!!!!!!!!!) " However, that, too is the reality we have to live with. I applaud your persistence. Rock on! Barbara Rager -----Original Message----- From: Mary Legan <[log in to unmask]> To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]> Date: Friday, September 04, 1998 5:50 PM Subject: ?improvement in PD >I've had an experience which I need your help to explain. I was diagnosed >with PD (the rigidity type) ~ 6 yrs ago, and now take 6 Sinemet 10/100 tablets >& 4 Sinemet 25/100 CR throughout the day, plus one or both early am if >necessary. I do have rather severe end-dose "offs", no dyskenesias; mornings >are my best time. > >A few months ago, a doctor who was studying people with PD & migraine asked if >I would see her late a.m. without having taken any meds. I agreed, & did so. >Then, a couple weeks ago, I saw a movement disorder physician at Mayo, late >morning. I had taken morning meds, but was due for a 10/100 while there, >which I didn't take. In both cases, I did very well, indeed! So much so that >I seemed essentially normal during each appointment. > >I know that stress can definitely make PD symptoms worse. Can this work in the >opposite way? Being with both of the doctors I mentioned was a very positive >experience for me. Have any of you improved at times which are emotionally >very good for you? > >A friend who was with me at Mayo has (I believe) misunderstood & now is rather >convinced that I don't have PD. Discussions with her are now causing me quite >a bit of stress! > >If you have had improvements when life is good, would you send me a note on >this which I could show her? > >Or if you could share some neurochemistry information on this, that would >really help a lot, too. She & I are both studiers. > >This is more important to me than I can express in this post, & I'll be very >grateful for whatever you would be willing to contribute. > >M.Dawn 56/6 >