About My Grandfather

My grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson's a little over 7 years ago. I had never even heard of the disease before his diagnosis. I have asked him to be my first interview, and to answer the specific questions below. I hope that others will answer these questions and also share any personal thoughts on the disease.

1. When did you notice you had the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?

I was actually diagnosed before I noticed the symptoms.

2. What kind of exercises do you do for your PD?

I spend a half hour every morning exercising each part of my body--then at 11:00 I go to a local community college pool and exercise another 45 minutes.

3. How many years have you had PD?

I was diagnosed in April 2002

4. What type of Parkinson's Disease do you have?

Elderly onset Parkinson Disease

5. What kind of medications do you take?

Stalevo which is a combination of three meds-Comptan-Carbo Levodopa and mirapex. Amadadine for energy

6. What therapies do you go to?

I went to therapy twice and they made me step over cones and stretch

7. What kind of medical treatments did you have to go through?

MRI's

8. How has Parkinson's Disease changed your life?

Slowed down activities such as travel--much harder in social situations--very stiff at dinners with friends at home need use of a bib

9. Do you have a caregiver who can help you when you have trouble?

Yes, my wife - She holds my hand to steady me walking and helps getting us from the dinner table - I must watch not to trip - avoid quick turns - must lift my feet high so as not to trip and fall.

10.Do you have side affects from the medications you take? Such as drooling or ankle swelling.

Yes--drooling plus sleepiness and I use a leg pump for lymphedema

11.Does your Parkinson's Disease seem to have gotten progressively worse overtime?

Yes, but controlled somewhat because of my life style choices--such as exercising and limiting certain activities--real long trips in the car and anything requiring speed.

12.Does anyone in your family have or had Parkinson's Disease?

No

13.Has Parkinson's Disease affected your weight in any way?

Yes I've lost 40 lbs. and I'm required to eat foods with higher calories plus ENSURE and product for nutrition.

14.Has your Parkinson's Disease been related to any prior head injuries?

Unknown-- but I did have some head injuries earlier in life

15.Do you need any special equipment to get around with the Parkinson's Disease?

No--i have a walker to use if needed--so far my wife provides my help in walking.

Who does Parkinson's affect?

Parkinson's Disease affects about two percent of the U.S. population. The average age of a person diagnosed with Parkinson's is 59. It affects your neighbors just as commonly as famous people. I will be posting some of these individuals' stories and information they have shared with me, but first I thought it would be interesting to list a few of the more famous people afflicted with PD.

Janet Reno

Rev. Billy Graham

Muhammad Ali

Pope John Paul II

Michael J. Fox