Lisa
Forum Replies Created
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This may not be a very exciting gift, but one thing I can’t do without is a gadget to open jars and bottles with twist tops. My right hand is affected the most, so I have trouble with or an unable to open jars and bottles such as pickles or sports drinks. I found one that has long handles (It’s U shaped) and the inside is rubber and it has different slots for different size lids. I put it around the top and use the long handles to get leverage to open the item. I hope this makes sense. I also like my Nordic walking sticks. I’m sure other’s have better ideas. LOL
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Yes, I have and it is very common. When I told my Dr’s nurse practioner, she immediately sent me to a speech therapist. I was especially having trouble with liquids and pill. The therapist had me just “practice” swallow 10 times in a row, 3 times a day. You have to do it with no liquid or food, just swallow. It was really hard at first to swallow 10 times in a row, but after about 2-3 weeks I noticed a big difference. Swallowing became easier and a lot less chocking. I’ll have to do it the rest of my life because if I stop, swallowing difficulties will return, but really, such a small thing for big rewards. I still have a little difficulty but nothing like before. She also gave me some swallowing techniques.
Does your dad’s Dr. know? He might be able to help your dad, or send him to therapy. It’ scary, and when food or liquid goes down the wrong way, it can lead to other problems. Wishing the best to you and your father. Hugs!
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I still drive but only on days when I feel I can do so safely. There are some days when I know there is no way I can drive safely. I have to be careful when I drive and leave plenty of room between me and the car in front of me. I have almost rear-ended people a few times because my reaction times have slowed. Also, I can’t listen to the radio as much when I drive. I need no distractions, especially with other drivers speeding and darting in and out of traffic. As soon as I feel I can no longer drive safely I will give it up. Fortunately I live in a mid-size city so there is plenty of transportation options.
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I had two Pfizer shots and did not notice any changes in Parkinson’s symptoms.
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Such excellent replies. I agree with all of them. I really appreciate Marlene’s reply as I can relate to what she wrote. It’s hard when people don’t understand you can do something one day or one moment and not the next. And a lot of people around me just don’t understand that and/or they seem skeptical, like I’m making it up.
The only thing I’d add is cognitive problems. Mine come and go. One moment I’m fine but it seems if I do too much mental activity (and sometimes not) I suddenly become confused and/or forgetful or I can’t comprehend what I’ve read, etc. When that happens I need complete quiet and to lie down. This is one of the biggest surprises for me so far.
Unpredictability of abilities and symptoms day to day and moment to moment seems to be the most predictable thing about this disease. And I’m having a bad brain day, so I hope this makes sense.
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It sounds like I was fortunate, as I received a diagnosis on my first visit. I was seeing a Physical Therapist and she told me she thought my problems were neurological. She contacted my Dr. who referred me to a neurologist and on my first visit, after he examined me, he made a diagnosis. I was a bit surprised as it was such a quick diagnosis and I aske how sure he was and he said 100%. But, to be sure, they did a brain MRI which was clear, then I had a DAT scan which confirmed I have Parkinson’s. I hardly had time to worry what was wrong with me. Some of my early symptoms I chalked up to age, even though I’m only in my mid 50’s. I was wrong. I feel for those of you that had to jump through hoops to get a diagnosis.