William A. Parrette wrote:
Question: I feel a need to participate in some kind of exer-
cise program. But, I am in a "catch-22." Anything more than a-
lively walk will precipitate more severe tremors in me. The meds are
keeping the tremors at bay (for the most part), but when I exert myself
physically, the meds are of little practical use.
Joe Bruman replied:
I have a personal theory (and it is ONLY that) that the amount of "free"
dopamine in your system is depleted by any kind of stress, including
physical exercise. An additional or accelerated dose of Sinemet usually
will quickly relieve the "end-of-dose" symptoms. Such small additions to
routine dosage should be harmless, so long as they don't overshoot and
cause dyskinesia. Cheers,
Joe
Will Johnston added:
Exercise uses dopamine. The neurotransmitter dopamine does its job and is
used up. It deteriorates into homovanillic acid and is gone. Eldepryl's
function is supposed to reduce this transformation of dopamine some what
and keep it on the receptors longer. We all still generate a little
dopamine on our own, and many store up the self produced dopamine during
sleep and not used. In the local hospital's cardiac rehad exercise program
I scare the #%&@! out of the trainers the first few times I come OFF after
doing exercises. Now they are getting used to my freezing up. Need a
pick-me-up after doing exercises or having other stress? Indulge yourself
with an extra half regular Sinemet or so. On an empty stomach you can come
ON fast and continue the exercises.
Will Johnnston
A.P.D.A. DelMarVA Chapter Pres.
4049 Oakland School Road
Salisbury MD 21804 USA 410-543-0110
