1. When did you notice you had the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?
In the fall of 2006 I noticed that my left hand would not open all the way and my left arm did not want to straighten, my elbow was always bent. I could straighten it, seemed like my arm just forgot how and my hand could not fully open at all and I had a slight tremor. At night my left arm would swell and it would not respond at all. I did not know what was going on and was not aware of Parkinson’s disease until my diagnosis by a neurologist.
2. What kind of exercises do you do for your PD?
I like to walk, ride a bike, Tae Kwon Do and I have a DVD( Tai Chi- living well with Parkinson’s Disease). My job offers plenty of exercise being apreschool teacher.
3. How many years have you had PD?
Three years ago I was diagnosed
4. What type of Parkinson's Disease do you have?
I have Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease; genetic testing discovered I have the Parkin gene with a mutated gene attached to it so I also have Dystonia Disease.
5. What kind of medications do you take?
I take Levadopa/Carbidopa CR 50/200mg x1 a day: Levadopa/Carbidopa 25/100mg 1and a half tablets x 4 a day.
6. What therapies do you go to?
I had a few sessions of speech therapy this past summer to treat –tip of the tongue phenomena.
7. What kind of medical treatments did you have to go through?
I have BOTOX shots every 3 months to treat Dystonia on my left side. The shots are very painful but I am thankful for them, ^ shots in my scpula/ shoulder area and 5 in my calf.
8. How has Parkinson's Disease changed your life?
I have always been one that just goes and goes until symptoms of Parkinson’s starting appearing. I still do a lot but now I have to really be aware of not overdoing. When I try to push past my limit it just makes the Parkinson’s and dystonia worse. I have learned to hard way to know my limits. PD has also been a blessing: I am stepping in faith sharing my story: author of a children’s book; speaking publicly; seeing beyond myself to try and make a difference with what the Lord has blessed me with.
9. Do you have a caregiver who can help you when you have trouble?
My husband takes wonderful care of me and our children when home from college.
10.Do you have side affects from the medications you take? Such as drooling or ankle swelling.
The side effects of my current medications are manageable compared to the side effects of other medication trials.
11.Does your Parkinson's Disease seem to have gotten progressively worse overtime?
Yes: my tremor shows more on my left side; some tremor started on the right; my speech is changing and apparently my vision- able to see all around me- I have to have a driving test and my memory.
12.Does anyone in your family have or had Parkinson's Disease?
My Dr. believes my father had Parkinson’s though undiagnosed(he was my father’s Dr. as well, dad past away before I was diagnosed)
13.Has Parkinson's Disease affected your weight in any way?
Yes and yes: when I was having so many complications I lost a lot of weight. Now a year later I am trying to loose weight, the-exact opposite.
14.Has your Parkinson's Disease been related to any prior head injuries?
No
15.Do you need any special equipment to get around with the Parkinson's Disease?
I need a cane sometimes but that has alot to do with Dystonia right now.
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ReplyDeleteMy husband was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease .his symptoms were shuffling of feet,slurred speech, low volume speech, degradation of hand writing, horrible driving skills, right arm held at 45 degree angle, things were tough for me, but now he finally free from the disease with the help of total cure from ULTIMATE LIFE CLINIC, he now walks properly and all symptoms has reversed, he had trouble with balance especially at night, getting into the shower and exiting it is difficult,getting into bed is also another thing he finds impossible.we had to find a better solution for his condition which has really helped him a lot,the biggest helped we had was ultimate life clinic they walked us through the proper steps,their website is www.ultimatelifeclinic.com