Mary Klein / John Klein

My husband was diagnosed two years ago with PD.  He spent 35 years as a professional firefighter and, during this time, was involved in several major fires including industrial blazes.  When he first got on the department the equipment was inferior to what is being used today.  The stats show that firefighters are diagnosed with PD at a rate 10…[Read more]

Hi Rob,

Nice to have your input!  I think, as time goes by, more and more evidence will emerge as to the factors involved in some cases of Parkinson’s Disease.  Our dear friend had PD for 14 years and passed away a year ago.  Just recently as report was issued (it is posted on this site) with respect to exposure to diesel fuels being linked to PD…[Read more]

Thanks Mike!  You live in a beautiful area – been there a few times for Conventions.

Your input regarding your change in your exercising routine, upon the closure of gyms, and now a gradual return to your previous norm speaks volumes about the benefits of ‘activity’.  The Rock Steady Boxing classes here have also been banished from the gym so Z…[Read more]

Hi John,

I am getting back to you regarding your note above.  It seems that your State has already begun the process of recognizing PD as being a job-related illness.  Since I wrote my initial comments, I have been in touch with an Australian FF who is a similar situation to yourself – diagnosed and suffering with PD and still on the job in a d…[Read more]

Hi Dale,

Just a question in general.  My husband was diagnosed a year ago and continues to do well with his primary symptom being a left-handed tremour.  He does experience some slowness but it is more just an inconvenience.  We had a friend who had Parkinson’s for many years and the last three or four he suffered with back pain from muscle sp…[Read more]

We are hanging in there and breathing a sigh of relief that the weather is finally becoming much more pleasant here in Southern Ontario.  There is nothing fun about going out for walks with a cold, biting wind howling at you!  Having a large breed dog to walk definitely encourages us to be outdoors for daily walks.  The whole neighbourhood is ou…[Read more]

Our Rock Steady Fitness instructor has arranged at-home classes, through Zoom, three times a week for all participants.  We probably had our first class today.  It ran for the full hour at the same time we would generally be at the gym together.  It was encouraging to see how many joined in – pretty much the entire class.  Lots of waves and lau…[Read more]

We, too, believe that one of the best therapies is exercise and keeping active.  My hubby had his knee replaced last June – less than a month after his Parkinson’s diagnosis.  This surgery turned out well – but there will always be certain limitations.  After having joined Rock Steady Boxing in December, once the knee was healed, he has found it…[Read more]

Our best friend struggled through being a full-time caregiver for her husband who had Parkinson’s for approx. 15 years.  Most of those years they did well.  The last 3 or 4 were far more challenging (also his age was advancing – he was 80 by then – but formerly very young for his age – in looks and actions).  If I didn’t know otherwise, I would ha…[Read more]

All your posts have been a delight to read.  Some great insights and ideas to ponder!!!

My husband (who has PD) and I are optimists I would say.  This disease is such that it is impossible to predict the course it will take.  For this reason, we remain hopeful that his type of PD will hold its own for some time.  We also keep the faith that newer and better treatment options will be on the market over time.  We have just taken the…[Read more]

Our friend who had back pain used a heating pad.  He seemed to experience the pain when sitting for some time.  So far, my husband does not have any.  I believe it might be caused by muscle spasms.  My husband is enrolled in Rock Steady Boxing 3x a week so is doing a fair bit of exercise, stretching and wonder if this is also benefiting him by kee…[Read more]

My husband first noticed a left-handed tremor about two years ago.  He was not formally diagnosed  until close to a year ago.  His tremor has increased slightly but still very sporadic.  He joined Rock Steady Boxing which has been a great help physically and emotionally.  Still not on any medication but follows/up with the Neurologist every six…[Read more]

Hi Tina,

If you have the urge to write but typing is problematic, perhaps you could use one of the dictation aids – Dragon for instance.  Then you could get your thoughts down quickly.   This might be very helpful.

Try and find a Rock Steady Boxing group in your area – it is wonderful for the exercise component and also for the comraderie.  We are finding that you have to be pro-active and do some of your own research -as long as our sources are credible.

We are somewhat surprised that Family Physicians don’t seem to be aware of some of the well-known symptoms associated with Parkinson’s (loss of smell, sleep disorders included) that can be powerful clues and that they seemingly aren’t trained to make an assessment based on gait etc.  Your Neurologist and ours knew within a couple of minutes just…[Read more]

Hi Ally,

Yes, once we had a confirmation of the diagnosis, we could at least do some further research into what we could do on a personal level.  One of the first things we discovered on-line was the recommendation to join a Rock Steady Boxing group.  Fortunately for us, there is a group about a half an hour from us.  This form of exercise has be…[Read more]

My hyusband was noticing left-hand tremors for a couple of months before he brought it up to our doctor.  The doctor immediately said not to jump to any conclusions – that a tremor could have several causes.  He told him to come back in a few months.  My husband only lasted a couple more months before he went back to see him and asked for a re…[Read more]