[Paul D Lefebvre]

I believe my PD was caused by a genetic mutation.

[Paul D Lefebvre]

I first noticed physical problems on the racquetball court. I would follow the ball but would not / could not move to setup a return. Sometimes the ball would actually hit me! And when I did hit the ball for a return, I either had little power or a very bad shot, or both. I thought I was experiencing sudden onset aging. I had a hunch it was a neurological problem, and made an appointment with the neurology clinic. The first neurologist I saw, said quickly that she wanted me to see a movement neurologist. I did, and it took him minutes to diagnose me. Later, after learning more about PD, I realized that I had had symptoms about six years previously, when I was finding difficulty with my gait. I had attributed that to changing eyesight and the wrong glasses.

[Paul D Lefebvre]

Jean, you seem to have a regimen that I would find impossible. I say, ‘more power to you’ for that effort. Do you find relief, reward, after you’ve finished?

I feel overwhelmed by the remaining obligations and expectations of my pre-diagnosis life. Thinking about those obligations and expectations (especially in bed at night) brings on much anxiety. As for thoughts on exercise, my greatest difficulty is apathy. Apathy applies to those daily obligations and expectations as well. But, specifically with regard to exercise, I find myself mired in care-less feeling. It is extremely hard to get myself up and out of the house to go to the gym. Once I am there, changed into my shorts, shirt and shoes, and actually on the equipment, I go through the exercises well enough. It’s getting ready and getting there that is problematic.

To the extent that I can overcome the apathy (I try to keep a schedule of 3x/week, M-W-F), I do that by self-talk well ahead of time, telling myself how good it is for me, and where would I be if I weren’t working out. (My wife is another motivator; she goes to the gym faithfully 3x/week.) I use the same technique (self-talk) in preparatiations for other obligations and expectations.

My routine is to use the stationary recumbent bike for 20 minutes, followed by a series of resistance machines, and then a stop in the steam room. I’m usually totally exhausted by the time I get home, and often fall asleep for 10-20 minutes in a chair. I’m no good for chores until the next day. But I do feel better ( I tell myself). It’s been suggested that I would benefit from a less rigorous workout, but I have a hard time bringing myself to that. I believe that the value of the exercise regimen is that it pumps blood and fresh oxygen through the body, the brain in particular, and that that is what is revitalizing. I also believe that pumping the blood through my body helps relieve arthritis pain. So does Tylenol.