[Carolyn Huggett]

Hi Beth,

I also tried Levodopa and had to stop. I have had Arthritis for over 20 years and taken Glucosamine, MSM and Chondroitin during that time which has helped and whenever I stop which I do every so often to see if I can do without it, the pain returns. When I started Levodopa a similar thing happened and the Arthritis supplements didn’t seem to work        ( something I’ve found out recently that can happen with Levodopa). So I weighed it up and decided I couldn’t live with the pain but could manage the shaking in my right hand. I had a lot of nerve pain too and restless legs also associated with PD and my neurologist prescribed me Gabapentin. With walking every day, Tai Chi and dancing I am able to keep the PD in control at the moment. I don’t think you have to take Levodopa because you have PD. Doctors prescribing it says it wards off more deterioration but all the evidence says that patients have to increase the dosage until it doesn’t work any more. So much for warding off deterioration.  Regarding sleep – that is a problem for me too but I take Melatonin and with the Gabapentin , providing I have exercised well, I get a good night’s sleep, usually 8 hours. All the very best, Carolyn

[Carolyn Huggett]

I have been treated with Chinese medicine for years and with amazing results. However my symptoms progress because there is no known cure just a delay of symptoms. TCM looks at the body in a completely different way and because we all have different Chi  deficiencies or excesses, in some cases they are pathological. Looking back on my life and treatment with TCM, I can see a definite  pattern has developed. My symptoms have been slowly progressing but are in a holding pattern at the moment. It is not possible for me to compare myself with someone who is receiving western treatments. My TCM doctor treats my whole body for many things weekly and these things are part of his original diagnosis but if they change then he can make corrections in treatment. He doesn’t look at one thing but my body as a whole energy system and how my Chi energy is functioning. I would say that we get PD symptoms (not recognized in TCM terms) when the deficiencies reach a certain point. External influences such as pesticides  and viruses all impact our Chi energy. Our bodies are all very unique from the start, genetically, but historically (things that have happened to us on our journey) and the way we use and care for our own bodies play an enormous part. Tai Chi plays a great part in my life and has done for over 20 years. It has not stopped me from arriving at this point but without it I might have arrived sooner and in a worse condition. I will never know for sure.

[Carolyn Huggett]

Hi,  I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinsons/MSA and have been treated with acupuncture, preferring not to take the prescribed levadopa. When symptoms are worse I go every week but usually I can keep it stable with a visit every two weeks. I have tried levadopa but found the acupuncture worked better. Obviously it depends on the acupuncturist’s knowledge. Things got a bit tricky with the lockdown  and that is when i went on the levadopa because i couldn’t get to my acupuncturist.  Carolyn

[Carolyn Huggett]

Hi,

I experience leg pains and fatigue after exercise but the pain and stiffness builds up after no exercise so I try to work out as much as I can and manage the pain with Qigong and Tai Chi, which I teach and do every day, and Do Terra Deep Blue to rub on my legs at night if they really ache and stop me from sleeping.

[Carolyn Huggett]

Hi Argya,

Twenty one is too young for onset of Parkinson’s but the good thing may be your age will work for you in keeping at bay the worsening of symptoms. I agree with Lou that a good diet of fruit, nuts, veggies and small amounts of meat and fish and organic grains and cereals is the best thing. Some people like to continue meat and I find it is OK in small amounts. Exercise is extremely important and because Parkinson’s affects older people often in their sixties or older, if exercise has not been  routine throughout your life then it is harder to start an exercise program in older age. You are young and you should continue as much as you are able with the forms of exercise that young people enjoy. I love Tai Chi and have practiced it for more than 20 years and the doctors are wondering why my limbs are not stiffer. They might hurt more than they used to but I want to keep moving them as long as I can. Tai Chi is not just for old people and there are many Martial Arts focussed schools (I know young people love the Martial Arts side of Tai Chi and Wushu). It builds leg strength, inner strength, helps balance and the inner tremors you get with PD. You can still keep up individual work at the gym on the equipment and try something new ever so often as your body permits.

I try and think of my PD as another challenge that I am going to do my best to get through. I won’t get rid of it but I want to enjoy the rest of my life. Good sleep is one of the problems but you can get help for this.  I started my symptoms five years ago and am sixty nine. My husband and I still dance Argentine Tango together three times a week and  I hike and walk the dog daily. I am sure you can do much better than this. Find something to do that you love and that works for you.

All the best Argya. Let us all know how you are doing!

Carolyn

 

Carolyn

[Carolyn Huggett]

I have the same problem and tried Magnesium but it causes me very bad diarrhea. I use DoTerra Deep  cream on my legs when they are very bad but basically they hurt 24/7 unless I am working out and then they feel tingly!!! I am very tired after exercise but I try and exercise in the evening so that I sleep better. Otherwise Advil before bedtime allows me to sleep.

[Carolyn Huggett]

When I fast for 12 or more hours (preferably 18-24) I usually feel much better. I have a very strict diet of non GMO grains and organic meat in small quantities and organic vegetables and fruit. I start off feeling OK in the morning but as the day goes on with more and more meals (especially if we go out for dinner or have a larger than normal meal) I sometimes feel worse by bed time and don’t sleep well and then it all goes south the next day!! Fasting gives my digestive system a rest I think. My Chinese acupuncturist has treated me many years for my stomach and liver issues and it is definitely working. No more bloating and discomfort and my weight is steady. With the Keto diet there is a lot of fat and dairy. I have to limit dairy intake and no cream at all (fairly lactose intolerant). I have my version of the Keto diet which substitutes olive oil for butter and coconut milk or water instead of milk (I cannot have soy but that is OK too). I try not to eat meat or fish in the same meal as carbohydrates (grains). Grains and fruit and veggies are good together and meats (proteins) and veggies together too. This way my digestive system is not over worked. If you want to lose weight this is a good diet plan along with exercise. You can eat as many meals as you need if you stick top this plan.

[Carolyn Huggett]

I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and have been an athlete all my life. With my husband I have competed around the world in Ballroom Dancing and we have won many trophies. That has stopped now due to PD but we are continuing to dance and have taken up Argentine Tango. Dancing 3 or 4 nights a week, teaching Tai Chi and Qigong 5 days a week and walking my dog daily is helping me keep the symptoms down to a minimum. I have also found that knitting in the evenings while watching TV helps too.