Mary Beth Skylis

Laura, that sounds like a frustrating side effect. Have you discussed that symptom with your neurologist at all?

Garrett, You’re definitely not alone. My Dad doesn’t talk about that particular symptom often, but seems to be quite common. He did report, however, that after undergoing DBS in the Fall, urination has been seamless. He used to have to get up in the middle of the night because he felt like he needed to go. But he often couldn’t. I’m not sure…[Read more]

Mary, I think he’s onto something. Ruminating doesn’t help anyone. And if you spend all of your time thinking about what could go wrong, it’s almost as if you’re already consumed by it. My Dad takes a similar approach to his battle with PD. Sometimes the symptoms get in the way, but he doesn’t really want to know about all the possibilities. And I…[Read more]

Tina, I’m sorry that you have to go through that on top of everything else. But I applaud your efforts to find something that works!

Steven,

I’ve wondered why weight loss happens in PD, too. And dyskinesia does seem like the most probable cause. Do you feel strong and healthy despite the changes in weight?

Laura,

has the weight gain been an unwanted side-effect for you? In my Dad’s case, he was looking really skinny before the surgery. So, I felt quite relieved to know that he gained some weight. But I’m wondering if it’ll eventually stabilize or return to how he was before the surgery.

Yes, I’ve heard that high intensity fitness activities do a great job of combatting PD symptoms. So it sounds like you’re on the right track! I don’t have PD, but one thing I love a lot is yoga. Many of my teachers say that you should leave class feeling better than when you entered. Unlike many of these high intensity activities, yoga is supposed…[Read more]

I think my Dad gets fatigued too. He usually spaces his boxing sessions out. So he’ll be particularly active for about three days a week. But I’m not sure how the rebound process is. I know that he loves the boxing community and I think his friends energize him. But he does seem to nap often when he comes home. Have you found any useful ways to…[Read more]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, JoEllen. My Dad seems to think that rhythm helps him. And straightening his posture makes it easier to get unstuck. But I wonder if adjusting the layout of a room can help too, because he seems to get most stuck around obstacles.

Thanks for the tips, Gail! It sounds like you’ve done your research.

Alan,

Do you mind me asking how you found a brand that works for you? Many people I’ve talked to seem to think that it’s tough to find a reliable brand that conducts third party testing. But I find it really encouraging to know that you’ve had positive results.

Karla,

Has your diagnosis since changed? And do they think all of the original symptoms are related to PD?