Jo S.

So true, Ally. I’m sorry about your ginger boy — he was so young! It’s a dilemma to get a new kitty when a surviving sibling has been with you so long. Sometimes they can make a new friend … or a new enemy. If it’s the latter, it will be torturous. We’ve been in that situation and had to rehome one kitty and return another kitty to the shelter.…[Read more]

Our gals had to be euthanized, and the experience devastated me. I was directly involved (at the direction of our vet) with our younger kitty’s end of life, and I can’t express how emotionally crushing and traumatic it was. That would definitely be another concern. I hope things work out with your bun-bun so that he, too, can go on his own terms…[Read more]

I agree with you on all points, Jean. Another aspect of adopting is dealing with their passing if I should outlive them. It was so very painful to cope with the loss of our beloved kitties that I’m not sure I could deal with the depth of that grief again. Is that a concern for you with your bunny?

We’ve had cats in the past, and they were always a huge comfort. Sadly, they have all passed on to kitty heaven. We frequently talk about adopting again, but we had some massive home remodeling done this year, and I fear that a cat would destroy the curtains and carpeting and other updates. It was incredibly expensive to do the remodeling (the…[Read more]

I was diagnosed with essential tremor when I was in my early forties. However, I’ve had symptoms of PD for at least 15-20 years. My PCP noticed at my previous annual exam that my tremor had gotten worse and was occurring even when my hand was at rest, so she recommended that I get screened for PD. I don’t know how long I’ve had both tremors…[Read more]

We didn’t struggle with choosing our plan because we’re already in a particular “system” here that includes our doctors and my movement disorder clinic. We also had some guidance from an independent consultant, and that was very helpful as far as choosing which plan to go with in the “system” (there are only two or three to select from). But, that…[Read more]

I feel the same way, Scott (about Lou’s post and about not having gotten angry yet). I was diagnosed earlier this year, and like you, I was oddly relieved because I finally had an answer regarding all the things that I’ve been experiencing for years on end. And, also like you, I’m trying to be proactive. That said, I have had times of very deep…[Read more]

Dan, I have that throat constriction going on too! I’ve been calling it “dry throat,” but I think it’s more than that. It’s very difficult to explain it to someone else (who doesn’t experience it), and I haven’t found any remedies to help ease it. All I can do is suck on a lozenge for dry mouth. Have you come up with anything that helps? Have you…[Read more]

Those are such great “self-talk” phrases, Tina. I need to use more of those more often. Thank you for the reminder!

The only thing that has worked for me is Miralax. I now take a daily “maintenance” dose of 2 teaspoons in a tall glass of water first thing in the morning (before I eat or drink anything else and before I take my meds). I also take magnesium citrate at night shortly before bedtime. Too much magnesium citrate (or too much Miralax) will cause…[Read more]

Hi, Maria. I can totally relate to what you and Lou said. Insomnia and restless legs are killers for me. Here’s what I’m currently taking before bedtime: magnesium citrate, C/L ER (two of them, per my doctor’s suggestion), melatonin, and medical cannabis. This combo sometimes helps, sometimes doesn’t. The RLS typically kicks in by 4:30 a.m., if it…[Read more]

LOL! ‘Nother chocoholic here (and left-handed to boot)! Dan, your comment about “left-handed chocolate” piqued my interest too!

Hi, Ally. Fortunately, my husband enjoys driving, so he’s always done the bulk of it. I work from home (I have done so for decades — long before it was cool — haha!), so I don’t really have to do much driving. Consequently, I don’t feel the pinch or the loss of independence the way that many other PWP might. I’m lucky in that regard. If I were…[Read more]

Thanks, Jean!

Thank you for the laugh, Dan! 😀

I’m still “tweaking and seeking” a bit too, but I thoroughly dislike taking pharmaceuticals, so I’m not eager to “shop around” and try anything new or add anything more to my current regimen (which took about nine months to sort out). I’m currently testing out new medical cannabis products to help get me from pill…[Read more]

I’m still driving, but I don’t drive very often, and when I do, it’s only very close to home and never at night. I don’t see well at night and I don’t totally trust my judgment then. I’m also afraid of getting drowsy if I travel too far from home, so my husband (thankfully) does nearly all the driving.

<<Don’t worry about the nuts, organic or otherwise – we already HAVE Parkinson’s! Our risk is 100%!>>

That cracked me up, Gail. Thank you for giving a much-needed laugh today! 😀

Hi, Natalia,

Sleep (whether insomnia or fractured sleep) is an enormous problem with PD and a very common symptom. I’m still trying to find the “cure” (even though I’ve tried and use all the suggestions above). If your dad tries these and still suffers from insomnia, I’d suggest that he talks with his PCP or MDS, as prescription meds might be…[Read more]

I believe most nuts are a healthy source of fats and plant protein, but I don’t think it’s wise to eat handfuls at a time. I also agree with Andrew that organic is the way to go.

Holy smokes, Andrew! You’re incredible!