Jo S.

Hi, Ally. I heard about it recently, just a few days before I watched the documentary. I haven’t talked with my doctor about it yet. I’m going to continue with my meds and just add the mannitol. If I continue with it, I’ll definitely discuss it with my MDS at my next appointment or message them before then if I have any concerns. I’ll let you know…[Read more]

The extra weight is definitely calming for me, Ally. Maybe I should get a weighted vest too! 😉

I have a weighted blanket and love it, but not in the summer heat. I’ve always liked having some extra weight on me when I sleep, and it’s especially appreciated now that I have PD. I originally purchased one that was too heavy and couldn’t even lift it off me when I got too hot. We returned it and purchased one that was better suited to my…[Read more]

I’m excited about it and am going to try mannitol. If there aren’t any side effects, it shouldn’t be a problem adding it to my C/L regimen. And if it helps relieve some of my symptoms … all the better!

We’re planning on dining in or occasionally getting take-out. While I used to love going out to restaurants, wearing a mask and distancing from other diners takes the appeal out of it.

I miss the gym (and my Rock Steady group), but I wouldn’t go back for at least a year. Fortunately, I’ve been able to come up with alternative workouts at home.…[Read more]

I’m not comfortable going out. There are still too many unanswered questions and no overarching guidance or directives in place. I will go grocery shopping, go to the pharmacy, or get take-out from a restaurant occasionally, but that’s about it. The experts say there will be a second wave, or a second peak, and I don’t want to take any chances. As…[Read more]

LOL! I know exactly what you’re talking about. It’s really difficult to determine whether symptoms are from the disease or the treatment. And if we can’t determine that, how can our doctors?

Thank you, Kevin! I haven’t watched the video yet, but I’m very much looking forward to doing so soon. It looks fascinating, and I greatly appreciate your providing the link here.

I agree with you on all points, Gretchen. My husband takes the 15 rounds class prior to my RSB class. He was so inspired by the incredible, selfless volunteers in RSB that he became a volunteer himself!

I love Rock Steady Boxing, even more than I thought I would. Sadly, with the coronavirus isolation, our gym is closed. Although the amazing instructors there are providing daily online videos for their regular boxing classes (that the Rock Steady fighters can adapt), it’s not the same. I miss the regular interaction with people, especially those…[Read more]

Hi, Mary Beth. Constipation is often one of the first symptoms that people with PD have. https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/2018/02/08/10-early-signs-of-parkinsons-disease/

Gosh, I sure hope there isn’t any interruption! With my latest prescription, I also had gotten a 90-day supply (before all this virus stuff started), as it’s actually less expensive for me that way with my insurance. I’m glad I did that, but I’m worried about any problems getting the meds down the road now with all that’s going on.

Thank you, Tina. I appreciate your thoughtful words of encouragement.

Thanks, Mary Beth! Let me know if you make any headway with your dad with any of the foods I mentioned. It’s cool that your little sister is leaning toward vegan!

Hi, Jacque! Thanks! I do indulge … I just don’t want to fill up on ice cream in lieu of other more nutritious foods, especially because I have a limited appetite and get full very quickly.

Oh, and Alexander Tressor of pdonthemove.com — I’m a huge fan and adore his sense of humor.

Michael J. Fox (of course!) and Linda Ronstadt are two of my PD superheroes. I think we’re all heroes in one way or another, though. Just making it through most days is enough for any one of us to be awarded our own superhero cape, even if nobody else can see it! 🙂

It really depends on which medication/treatment you’re talking about, as there are quite a few. You would need to research each one online to learn about their individual side effects, as they all differ somewhat.

The only thing that has worked for me fairly consistently is taking Miralax every day (with my doc’s approval). From what I’ve read, this is a common solution for PWP (and a good way to avoid the nuclear option). 🙂 I also take magnesium citrate before bed and also try to drink plenty of water and clear fluids during the day. It’s not perfect, but…[Read more]

Hi, Mary Beth. I’m very health conscious, too, when it comes to my diet. I’m vegan, so my favorite foods may not be suitable for your dad. Foods that irritate my stomach/gut are raw garlic (or a lot of cooked garlic), raw onion (or a lot of cooked onion), and anything that’s really high in fiber (as that slows my digestion down to a near halt). I…[Read more]