Can You Live Well With PD?

On December 10, 2018 By skrischerIn Exercise, Inspiration, Living Well, Research & Clinical StudiesLeave a comment

With the World Parkinson’s Congress coming up in June, I have been considering submitting an abstract for the Poster Display at the Congress. One of the categories for submission is “Living Well With Parkinson’s Disease”. I started thinking about what works for me to live well with PD, and then decided to ask the 950+ members of a Women with PD Facebook group that I participate in, what works for them. On line, we often discuss different symptoms, medications, responses to medications, etc. But the women in this group also like to talk about the positive things in their lives.

In one long term study, Complementary & Alternative Medicine Care in Parkinson’s Disease, (CAM Care in PD), Dr. Laurie Mischley, of Bastyr University, is looking at people who are living well with PD with the hope of finding dietary and lifestyle factors associated with a slower disease progression. The twice annual survey asks about your diet, exercise, medications, alternative treatments, etc. If you are not familiar with her work, click on the link above to find out more about it and to sign up for her study.

I decided to take a slightly different angle and ask the women what THEY think helps them to live well with Parkinson’s. So I posted the following to the FB group in November:

Please list the top 3 things that help YOU to live well with Parkinson’s. Then the flip side – the top 3 things that are obstacles for you:
For example:
Positive: Exercise, Advocating for myself with my doctors, Friendships with other women with PD.
Negative: Poor sleep, Tremor gets in the way of doing things, Daytime fatigue

This is by no means a scientific study. As a blogger, I like to poll my readers occasionally on a topic that interests me. I look for trends in order to write about a topic. For this poll, I have about 60 responses so far,and it became clear very quickly that Exercise in any form is the most positive factor for living well. Friendships with other women with PD is also very important to them. Having friends with PD means that they have someone who knows how they are feeling and understands what they are going through. Interestingly, Family-including a supportive spouse- and Faith were tied for third.

On the negative side, Sleep problems, including insomnia, fatigue and more, was the overwhelming winner. Balance and Gait problems were second and Anxiety was third.

The one thing that was missing is “Staying Active”. Only a few people mentioned anything related to this. I realized that it was an important missing piece when I read Blogger Sherri Woodbridge’s Nov. 28 post in Parkinson’s News Today

She says: Being active involves more than movement on your part. It includes a state of mind to persevere, to keep putting one foot in front of the other, and to not give up even when you feel like quitting.

I could not say it better than this, and yes, this is the one thing that keeps me going. Since my husband retired 7 years ago, we have traveled extensively around the world. We go to the symphony, theater and sporting events, often with friends. We are active in our community and spend time with our children and grandchildren. And we both find time to exercise almost daily. He plays golf, I still play tennis. Sitting home and doing nothing is not an option for us. As a result, I do not feel the isolation and depression that plague many people with PD. I also feel good physically most of the time. My biggest problem is the fatigue from poor sleep. But I don’t let that stop me. I have learned my limits and will rest when I need to, especially when traveling. 10 years after my diagnosis, my progression is still slow and I have not had to change my lifestyle very much.

We are fortunate that today that our doctors encourage exercise and being active, something that Parkinson’s people were discouraged from doing in the not too distant past. For many of us, living an active life and exercise are the most important things that will make our lives better with PD. Even if you have limited mobility, try to get out and and do things, even if it is just going to a movie. You will find that the more you go out and do things you enjoy, the better you will feel.

If you would like to participate in my informal survey, please send an email to me at twitchywoman18@gmail.com. This is for all people with Parkinson’s only. No caregivers, please.

Some good reads for Parkies

On December 2, 2018December 4, 2018 By skrischerIn Book Reviews, Living Well1 Comment

I won’t sit back and allow Parkinson’s to destroy my world. I’ll learn the language, understand the context of my new reality, and then encourage others to thrive with me in this battle. Tim Hague

Over the years, I have read a number of books about Parkinson’s Disease. Some written by the “experts”, some by people with Parkinson’s telling their stories and even a few written by people trying to sell a “cure” to unsuspecting people who are desperately looking for an easy way to “get well.”

There are many books written by People with Parkinson’s, many of whom also write PD blogs. Some are good, some are dreadful. There is a saying about PD bloggers, that if you write a blog, you will write a book. I don’t necessarily agree with this because in today’s world of sound bites and short attention spans, many of us write about whatever interests us at the time we are writing a blog post. There is no narrative, just a collection of short essays (do they even qualify as essays anymore?) that don’t always fit together.

For those of you who were diagnosed a while ago, there may be nothing new here, but I would love to hear any suggestions for books that I have missed. For those of you who are newly diagnosed, I hope that this will be give you a good place to start learning about how you can live well with PD.

I have listened to a number of these books on Audible, especially when they have been narrated by the author. Hearing it in their own voice often lends subtleties to the narrative that you don’t get just by reading the book. I also like to listen while I am out walking. Sometimes you have to keep going just to finish listening to a good chapter, so it can help you get closer to your exercise goal at the same time!

By the way, these make great gifts for People with Parkinson’s and/or their Care Partners.

New in 2018

Perseverance: The Seven Skills You Need to Survive, Thrive, and Accomplish More Than You Ever Imagined by Tim Hague – Hague was diagnosed with YOPD at age 46 and won Canada’s Amazing Race race with his son, Tim Jr., 3 years later. The highlight of the book is his blow by blow account of the Race, which he (and his opponents) never expected to win. Hague is truly inspirational in talking about how he lives his life to the fullest with PD. Listen to it if you can. Whether or not you have Parkinson’s, you will be inspired to live your best.

Parkinsonâs? Youâre kidding me, right?: One womanâs unshakeable belief in overcoming a shaky diagnosis!

Parkinson’s? You’re kidding me, right?: One woman’s unshakeable belief in overcoming a shaky diagnosis! by Sheryl Jedlinski. Jedlinski was one of the firstbloggers that I followed. Always informative, humorous and a good read. A great book for the newly diagnosed.

The Best from Previous Years:

Brain Storms: The Race to Unlock the Mysteries of Parkinson’s Disease by Jon Palfreman.

Brain Storms: The Race to Unlock the Mysteries of Parkinson's Disease Still my all time favorite. After his own diagnosis with PD, Palfreman, an awardscience journalist, wrote this insightful book about the doctors, researchers, and patients who continue to hunt for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. A must read for anyone with PD and their families.

Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist by Michael J Fox. I recommend listening to this book if you can. Fox is always inspirational and you can almost see the twinkle in his eye as he narrates the book.

Parkinson’s Diva by Dr. Maria de Leon. Fun, informative book for women Parkinson's Diva with PD by Dr. Maria who was a Movement Disorders Specialist before she was diagnosed with YOPD. We met three years ago at the Women & PD Initiative conference sponsored by the Parkinson’s Foundation and have become good friends. Maria tells it like it is, with lots of humor along the way. I challenge you to not laugh when you read about her experience after a massage.

Parkinson’s Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life: English Edition and 10 Breakthrough Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease: English Edition by Dr. Michael S. Okun. Two very good informative books written by the National Medical Director of the Parkinson’s Foundation.

I am looking forward to meeting more Parkinson’s authors at the World Parkinson’s Congress in June. I hope to find some new favorites to add to my list. The 7 books listed here should keep you busy reading until then. There are more listed under the heading My Books and Things I Like If you have a favorite that is not on my list, please let me know (preferably in the Comments so that others can see it).

Giving Thanks Once Again

On November 22, 2018 By skrischerIn Inspiration, Living Well3 Comments

Yes, it’s that time of year again. As we move into the holiday season, it is a good time to look back on the past year and reflect on the things that we can be thankful for. I know that for many people with Parkinson’s Disease and other chronic diseases, it is often difficult to find anything good in our lives. However, if we start by looking at the small things, we may see that there is much to be thankful for.

I saw this morning that Parkinson’s Life, from the UK, just reposted my blogpost from 3 years ago, about 10 things to be grateful for on Thanksgiving. So if they could use it again, I can. I reposted this 2 years ago with some changes. So here it is again, with a few more changes of course, because life has changed in the last 3 years.

10. Getting by on little sleep gives us much more time to spend playing games on our iPads in the middle of the night, while we are deluding ourselves into thinking that these games may actually help our brain cells regenerate. I have cut back on the games in the middle of the night, but sleep still eludes me. The latest research is showing that some of these brain games actually do help with memory.

Writing this blog is just one of my OCD behaviors.

9. We can blame our Obsessive/Compulsive behaviors (see #10) on our medications and the non-Parkies will believe us. Writing this blog is just one of my OCD behaviors. And because of this, I have begun writing letters to the editor and to others to express my opinion. And some have even been published. I have become much more vocal about many things.

8. Waking up at 5:00 am doesn’t seem so early anymore. But why am I always late to my 8:30 yoga class? (See #10. Still playing those stupid games on my iPad) Still waking up too early, but I get to walk my dog at dawn and enjoy the sunrise. And then I play those stupid games….. Still can’t seem to get to yoga on time, but we had another grandchild this year and I often talk to her mother as I am getting ready to leave. Besides, facetime with the grandchildren is much more important than being on time anywhere.

7. I can do things with my left hand now that I would not have been able to do if that damn tremor in my right hand didn’t act up when I am trying to do something like eating, writing, brushing my teeth……you fill in the blanks. Fortunately Sinimet has been very effective for me and I am right-handed again. Yeah! Another thing to be thankful for. Sinimet is still my saviour!!!

6. Living with PD has taught me to be more pro-active about my health. I keep up with the latest research and always go to my doctor with a list of questions and concerns. This is probably the most important thing that I have learned in the last few years. My internist jokes that I know more about PD than he does.

5. All of the new friends that I have made who also have PD. We can laugh and cry together about things that non-Parkies would never understand. Last January I started a group for women with PD in the Los Angeles area. As we have gotten to know each other, friendships have blossomed. We really do have a special bond because of PD. This really is a special bond. We found each other because of PD, and we are there to support each other cope with PD and other issues. More importantly, we also get to celebrate many good things together.

4. Fortunately I have a slowly progressing form of PD, which is controlled by meds. Better living through Chemistry is my mantra. And my progression continues to be very slow. And for that I am very thankful. The progression is still slow. I was diagnosed about 10 years ago, and I am very thankful and grateful that I really haven’t had to change much in my life because of Parkinson’s.

3. Laughing with PD. When all else fails, I can always blame stupid things I do on that !?@$# tremor. Enough said…..

2. Loving with PD means cherishing the life my husband and I have together and making adjustments as we need to when that @$#% Tremor gets in the way again. Our third grandchild was born in July, adding to the joy in our family. We are truly blessed. My husband, my daughters and their families give me the greatest joy. Our fourth grandchild was born this year, and I am most thankful that I can still sit on the floor and play with all of our grandchildren.

1. Living with PD has enabled me to reach out to others like you, hopefully making all of our lives just a little bit better. I thank all of you for your support over the last year and I hope that we will continue the dialogue for many years to come. Thank you! Your ongoing support of this blog has been a giant dopamine boost for me. Looking forward to sharing my thoughts with you again in the coming year.

imgres

One last thank you: Thanks to all of you, Twitchy Woman was listed first in Everyday Health’s 10 Parkinson’s Disease Blogs to Help You Stay Fit and Positive and received recognition for the third year in a row from Feedspot, ranked #30 in their top 50 Parkinson’s blogs.

Blame it on Parkinson’s? Or Not?

On November 7, 2018November 10, 2018 By skrischerIn Inspiration, Living Well, Parkinsons Disease1 Comment

So many symptoms of Parkinson’s are similar to the aches and pains that come with aging. Sometimes it is difficult to determine what may be the cause of a new symptom. So when I started noticing that my depth perception was off a couple of years ago, I blamed it on PD. Those haloes that started to appear around street lights at night – PD. And the moon began to bloom, surrounded by what appeared to be petals – PD. After all, Parkinson’s can cause vision problems such as dry eyes, which I had,

and blurry or double vision. The blink reflex can be slowed down, leading to less blinking and dry eyes. One of the first things one neurologist said to me is that when I entered his office “he saw it in my eyes”, when I asked why, he said that I did not blink enough.

So let’s backtrack to 20 years ago. I was fortunate enough to have Lasik surgery to correct my vision. I had been wearing glasses since I was 10, contact lenses since I was 13. Imagine waking up the morning after surgery and being able to see the alarm clock for the first time in almost 40 years without glasses. Lasik surgery changed my life and my vision was stable for many years. So when pesky symptoms such as dry eyes started to become annoying, I assumed I could blame it on Parkinson’s.

Then I started having other problems. My depth perception seemed off at times. And for some reason, I no longer needed to use reading glasses. I liked that, but had no idea why this changed. About 1 1/2 years ago I went to get my eyes checked to find out what was going on. My optometrist noticed a cataract forming in my left eye, which accounted for the depth perception problems. And because my vision was different in each eye, reading became easier. So I was wrong. This was not a PD issue. It was an aging problem. Everyone eventually developes cataracts, which cloud the lens in your cornea, often distorting everything you see around you. This accounted for the haloes I was seeing instead of stoplights, and for the flowery moon.

Within 1 1/2 years, cataracts in both eyes progressed faster than we both expected, making night driving almost impossible, even with glasses. And I kept forgetting to put on my glasses. After 20 years of not wearing them, I could not get used to wearing glasses again, so I often took them off and then forgot where I put them (many times they were on top of my head). Kind of like walking into a room and forgetting why you came there.

So to make a long story short, after 1 1/2 years and 3 eyeglass prescription changes later, my optometrist decided that it was time to get rid of the cataracts. While I was having trouble seeing out, he was having trouble seeing into my eyes. He then referred me to the same eye surgeon who had done my Lasik surgery. The interesting thing about Cataract surgery is that it is mandated by Medicare that you must have only one eye done at a time, with a minimum of two weeks in between. Which means being sedated lightly (not totally asleep) by an anesthesiologist twice within a few weeks. You need to be somewhat awake but relaxed during the first part of the procedure, so that you can watch the psychedelic light show going on in your eye.

In the last few weeks there have been some concerns raised in the Parkinsons community about anesthesia and PD. All I can tell you is that I had no problems with having anesthesia. If you are considering any surgery and have questions about this, I would suggest that you speak to your Movement Disorders Specialist or Neurologist about the pros and cons of having anesthesia with PD.

As for my eyes, I can see again! And now I can turn those fun purple prescription glasses into fun purple sunglasses.

How Are Women with Parkinson’s Different than Men?

On November 2, 2018November 7, 2018 By skrischerIn Education & Advocacy, Inspiration, Living Well, Parkinsons Disease, Research & Clinical Studies1 Comment

What image comes to mind when you hear someone has Parkinson’s Disease? I am sure it is not what you would have seen in Houston at the Women and PD TALK National Forum last week.

In a little over 2 years from concept to fruition, the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Women and PD TALK initiative held 10 regional Forums in the past year, and a final National Forum in Houston last week. Three years ago, at the Parkinsons Disease Foundation’s (now Parkinsons Foundation) Women & PD Initiative conference that I was privileged to attend, one of the key take-aways was that there are disparities in research and care between women and men with PD. To date, there had not been any studies to look seriously at these disparities and we wanted to know what could be done to improve the care and treatment of women with PD. A year later, Ronnie Todaro, VP at the Foundation who had led the Women & PD Initiative, applied for a PCORI (Patient Centered Outcome Research Institute) grant to help fund Women & PD TALK.

Because the grant required patient involvement, I was honored to be named a co-lead on the project, along with Dr. Allison Willis, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. We worked with Megan Feeney, M.P.H.
Manager, Community Engagement at the Parkinson’s Foundation to put everything in place for this initiative.

There were 10 regional forums, with sites chosen to represent large urban areas as well as more rural areas. Each forum leadership team included a Woman with Parkinson’s, a Movement Disorders Specialist or Neurologist and an Allied Health Professional. About 40 participants, both women with PD and Health Professionals attended each of the full day events. Breakout groups at the forums gave valuable information on Risk, Symptoms, Treatment and Care.

50 people, about a third of them women with Parkinson’s Disease, gathered in Houston at the National Forum to go over the findings from the 10 forums and begin to set some goals and create recommendations and action plans. There is too much to report here now, but there will be some specific recommendations to improve the care and treatment of women with Parkinson’s in the final report.

Meeting with such strong women, both people with Parkinson’s and health professionals, makes me proud to be a part of the PD community and inspires and empowers me to do more. Kelly W

What was most interesting to me is that while there are definitely differences in symptoms and reactions to medications, many of the disparities were more cultural and social. Just a few examples:

There are a significant number of women with PD who are caregivers, taking care of children, elderly parents or sick spouses and there is no one to take care of them.
Women tend to go to their doctor’s appointments alone, while men do not. In fact, women go alone to most things related to PD.
Women do not go to support groups as often as men. Some reported that when they went, they were asked who they were taking care of. No one believed that they were the one with PD.
Being treated dismissively by doctors. Told it was all in their heads, and in many cases, especially for younger women, it was because of hormones.
Women need to connect to other women with Parkinson’s. There was a lot of talk about the need for mentors to be paired with the newly diagnosed, to make the disease less frightening and be there for them when needed.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!!!! We can’t say it enough.
And finally, can we get rid of that awful caricature of a man hunched over with PD and replace it with the photo above of 11 amazing women with Parkinson’s?

Thank you Ronnie, Megan and Dr. Allison for giving me the opportunity to be an integral part of this team.

A full report will be issued, with specific recommendations and strategies to improve the lives of women with Parkinson’s Disease, sometime in the spring of 2019. I am looking forward to sharing it with you. In the meantime, click here for the link for the press release about Women and PD TALK.