My life has been blessed in many ways, and even to have a health condition is a variable to manage, not to tuck it away and ignore it. Almost 20 years ago, I developed a tremor in my left hand. At the time, I was in a dynamic, stressful period, and denial was front and centre.

A visit to the family doctor and a referral to a neurologist, along with Levodopa and Carbidopa taken as a regimen, was a foundation of managing Parkinson’s. A progressive neurological disorder that affects many between the ages of 50 and 60 years old. Symptoms that manifest earlier are known as young-onset, and older individuals are the population most affected. The problem is that the part of the brain that controls movement is affected, known as a Dopamine deficit.

Physical symptoms

• Tremor–involuntary trembling or shaking in a limb (hand or fingers) when at rest
• Slow movement (bradykinesia): the body progressively slows in performing activities of daily living (e.g., dressing), and walking pace slows. Increased difficulties getting out of a chair, a car, or a bed.
• Rigidity–stiffness of muscles anywhere in the body– creates pain and limits the range of motion.
• Postural instability–May develop a stoop, may have difficulties with walking and balance, with a higher risk of falls.

There are a number of other symptoms that also fit into the Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Cognitive symptoms

• Problem-solving and memory
• Speech and voice changes, i.e., slurring, decreased volume

Emotional symptoms

• Depression, anxiety, apathy

Autonomic symptoms

• Constipation
• Sleep impacts especially the REM cycles
• Muscle pain, excessive sweating, bladder dysfunction, and a lack of smell
• As one can see, many of the symptoms could be attributed to other conditions such as menopause, strokes, and aging, and these symptoms may have been there for a long time before a diagnosis was made.

Treatments

Medications are used to improve the symptoms (no cure) of Parkinson’s and are grouped as Dopamine replacements, i.e., Levodopa & Carbidopa, in various formats and dosages; mood stabilizers, i.e., Cymbalta and dopamine agonists, e.g., Pramipexole

Physical exercise, including aerobic, strength training, and balance skills, will optimize the body’s function.

An allied health team that would include an occupational therapist to adapt to changes in body function, and a speech pathologist to address changes in the voice.

Surgical option: if a patient meets the criteria, there is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)—two electrodes are placed in the subthalamic region of the brain and connected to a stimulator (electrical impulses) to help regulate physical symptoms. There are varying degrees of success with the surgical option. I am fortunate that the DBS was key to improved movement, improved voice, and better mood. I was able to return to golf and photography, and returned to work after 3-4 months.

Research is ongoing with a focus on early detection of Parkinson’s —biomarkers, new clinical trials for medications that can treat the condition, and delivery methods, i.e., infusion sets similar to those used for diabetes, whereby when a patient recognizes the off signs (dopamine-deficient), dosing can be increased. Parkinson’s is a dynamic condition; the factors of stress and infection may exacerbate your symptoms. A positive attitude is vital, and the loving support of friends and family is necessary.

The key is to build a team to watch over you, and you need to be its captain. By taking an active role, you are empowered to address a health condition — not a disease. I have no interest in being dis-eased. Now, where is my charger? It’s time to energize, Namaste.

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Tagged as: health mental-health parkinsons parkinsons-disease wellness

Paula M

Retired Registered Nurse (Non-practicing) Storyteller, Healer, Scribe, Transformational Leader