Below are entries of those who have already shared their stories. We hope that you find their experiences helpful to your own situation.
I was diagnosed with parkinson’s from a doctor in ‘88 when I had to quit work becasue of back injury which makes things worse.I was taking pain pills plus-cardiodopa/levodop [levodopa] and segeiline. my back seemed worse than the parkinsons and it made treatment very difficult for the neuroligist [neurologist] -I beleiv I’ve tried just about every pain pill there is and no relieve of any pain.The doctor had and although he retired on 4 cardiodopa/levodop per day and two segeiline caps that he reduced.I still take the dosoage [dosage] he gave me and when the shakeing gets bad in one arm and hand he told me to take 5 or even 6 but not anymore.To this day I still take the same he ordered me to take.I tried other parkinsons medications but to no avail.The age I was diagnosed was going on 49.Like I said I had and still do have back problems but refuse to take any pain medications.I did however try to find a neuro surgeon but my back is so bad none will touch it.
I also have nerve damage in hands,legs,back,feet,arms,and the only thing I take is asprin [aspirin] but not for nerve pain.I take it along with lipitor for the heart.Although before my first doctor retired I asked him when will the parkinsons get to the worse stage or I die from it.
His answer was don’t worry you’ll die of something else other then the parkinsons.ALthough he was my doctor we became good friends so to speak and he did not hold anything back.I’am not sure if parkinsons had anything to do with sezures [seizures] that developed,or thyroid problems,but the sezures come and go and I stopped taking the medication called tegrotol,not sure of spelling [tegretol].
So my daily intake everyday of all medications is 17 which five for the parkinsons-1 asprin for headaches and to thin blood out-1 for thyroid,4xanax
sometimes 5-2 pills for enlarged prostrate-1lipotor -one multi vitamin-I believe that is 17.My family doctor put my wife and I on both liportor and thyroid as mine was a little high at the time and hers was really high although my thyroid count is higher then hers.
She has high blood pressure and also takes xanax.I would not recommend taking any thing for depression or anxiety other the xanax,I never asked any other person that had parkinsons if they had this much health problems such as I do.
I am a born again CHRISTIAN and I have faith in GOD and when its my time to go I’am ready.But I thank GOD daily for the health I do have.I’m on social security dissability [disability] and have been since 1990 and a small pention [pension].I have been given an electric chair to get around but do not use it and will not use it unless things get to that point and time.I do however use a cane when out of house as I tripped over my own feet in department store and it helps my back.
I see a new neuro doctor but she has me on the same medication the first doctor and friend had me on.
Like I said I never talked to another person that has parkinsons.I do know that I’ve had it well over 18 or more years as the first time someone noticed was back in 85 and they said smile and I did or at least I thought I did.But the person repeated it again and I said I’am but she replied that it looked like I was trying but said my face looked more like a piece of cracked marbel.I did not know I had it until the accident in 88.
My right hand and arm shake more now then it did when I first was diagnosed.
So today I sit and type my situation as it stands.
1-hand and right arm shake,facial exspession is rigid at times.
2-my back is shot and hurts all the time along with my knees and left leg.
3-I have nerve damage in back,legs,feet,,neck
4-blood pressurer runs from 120/72 on a normal day 100/60 on other days
5-thyroid is normal with pill taken daily
6-zezures come and go but nothing like before and I don’t need medication anymore thank GOD.
7-I take from 3-5 depending on panic disorder and manic depression and anxiety.
8-I take medication for prostate enlargement and doctor says normal range is 200 with 400 being something to worry about but my level is well below 200.
9-I take lipotor for heart with normal range being according to doctor 200/90
good and bad cholestrol but mine is
on avrage 115/70.
10-Like I said I use a cane when out in public,I do yard work such as mowing.
11-I’am in the process of starting going to a gym to build cardio and muscles up to as far as I can.A few months ago my right arm and wrist was
hurting and weak and I had it checked out as on lipotor that was a serious side effect so my insurance from pension and Social Security pays 100%.
I do however get panic attacks that are come and go.When the are really bad I head for hospital as they mimic a storke or heart attack But I’m use to them by now and when I feel one comeing on even if I just took a regular doze I’ll take another,but so far no more then5 with 4 being normal.
I ask all my doctors how I’m doing and they all seem to think that for all the problems I have that I’am doing good if not near perfect for 60yrs old.
Things that get to me is I’m tired alot that is why starting the gym is my goal.
Panic attacks I can live with,the shaking and numbness has gotten worse since the beginning but the doctors all told me that was normal.
I look at life as blessed by GOD as there are so many others that not only have health problems but financial problems to boot.
I’m not sure if all this info helped but
with all these problems besides the parkinsons I myself think things would be worse.
I can say this for a fact anxiety and depression make all health problems worse.I receive Mike Fox’s news update
and although there is no cure all for parkinsons just reading all the break throughs and new medications lift my own spirits up and I’m sure others feel the same.Like mr.Fox I pray that we who are afflicted will see a cure for this disease in our life time.As well as other diseases also.
If anyone has the health problems I have please submit story as I have always wondered if all the medication I take is why I feel as good as I do,at this time.
As I stated the less worry and headaches one has makes things somewhat normal.
But I have not had one signal day that I can say that I feel perfect and without pain.
Like I said no doctors will operate on my back and neck.
One doctor told me he never seen anyone that has a back as bad as I have according to x-rays.
Look at it this way things could be worse,just sit up one day and watch the news.GOD BLESS YOU ALL
