John Bredenkamp
Forum Replies Created
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I live in the sea side town of Ballito, which is just North of Durban, on the East Coast of South Africa.
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Wow, this question sure elicited a lot of response. Fortunately I don’t suffer from depression, but have found myself feeling pretty sorry for myself on occasion, especially since I’ve been biting the inside of my cheeks when talking somewhat, and then struggling for about a week while the bites heal. So I’ve tended to rather listen more than talk. I do however have moments of unexplained anxiety, almost as if there is a foreboding of something about to happen. Only fleetingly, but it is there. Someone mentioned “startle reflex”. This has caught me by surprise: the oddest sounds, or someone walking past and calling out to say hi, or someone coming up to me and laying a hand on my shoulder as part of a greeting causes me to jump, literally. My poor Pilates instructor felt so bad when she tried to help me do an exercise and touched my back causing me to really jump!
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I was diagnosed with PD 18 months ago at the age of 70. I have always been active and never had cramps until about six weeks ago. I have a weekly one on one Pilates class and lately have been experiencing severe cramping in my calves, but mainly in the arches of my feet and 4th and 5th toes of my left foot. Before bed I take two magnesium capsules which seem to help with sleep but not the cramping.
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I bought a “knee pillow” to place between my knees at night. It has substantially reduced the backache I was getting during the night.
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Hi Robert, thanks for not only sharing your story but also for highlighting the dangers Covid 19 poses for your fellow PD travelers. I thankfully have not been affected/infected by Covid that I’m aware of. I too am concerned that at age 70 I’m “at risk” anyway, but have over the years often had very serious bronchitis during the flu season. I think we Parkies need to err on the side of caution and do all the basics right: sanitise, wear your mask and social distance – keep away from groups in especially confined spaces. Keep safe!
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Hi Beth, I’ve only been on this PD Journey for four months now, and over the first three months started on  Carbidopa/Levodopa, 25-100 mg taking only half a tablet per day and increasing every few days until I was on one and a half tabs three times a day. My walking improved as did my hand control, but the day I got to two tablets three times a day the nausea and dizziness hit me and I can only imagine what pregnancy does to women! With doctor’s advice, scaled back to one and a half but also take an anti nausea tablet first thing in the day and that has helped tremendously. I also carry a supply of ginger candies with me for when nausea does threaten and I’m fine with that.
I too only sleep for about four hours but am coming to accept that as I don’t want to take any sleep medication. In the middle of the day I put the TV news on and catch forty winks if I can.
As I read of your struggles I count my blessings how lightly I am affected at present. I wish you well.
John