Parkinson's; My Newest Phase: First Jottings

This begins yet another journal. The email (above) of 12; 8/23 both explains the focus of this journal, and as well, was the content of the “announcement” I sent to family, friends and acquaintances. While hoping that it was not over dramatic, I felt it was both appropriate and necessary to let folks know of my condition so that they would not be surprised by some oddity that may develop as I don’t know what course or when, this condition may take. And, of course, it also precludes the necessity of so many phone conversations -which I’m not good at, and its in written form, my cup-o-tea; I suspect many would just say, ‘oh, just like him’. I hope.

The other focus of this journal will be to track the course of development of the condition from diagnosis (12; 8/20) through treatment, which I consider began with the screening on 12; 8/21 for the clinical trial of Preladenant. That was followed on 12; 8/23 by a dermatology assessment (Dr Michael Macaulay) to preclude, or note, skin cancer which may have precluded me from the trial. The next step now is for the MRI on 12; 8/27. I’ve been saying that my fear of this is that it may expose me as being empty of content. And then, if I have understood correctly, there are still a couple of screenings to go. The attending doctor in this trial is DR SOTIRIOS PARASHOS, and Dr Martha Nance; the coordinating nurse is Kathy Duderstadt (952-993-5495). The clinic is Struther’s Parkinson Clinic. If, for some reason, I’m not admitted to the trials, then, I believe the course of treatment would be Levadope administered by Dr Daniel Kuyper (952-993-5495).

I suspect too, that this is where I’ll record the impact of expected changes. Though saying this, let us keep in mind that I have already heard of two people well into their 90s living with PD. And so I do plan to keep up my other journals as well. I have toyed with the notion of blogging, either on Blogger or Google+, but I think not, as this interest can only extend so far. And, in the meantime, it is my “plan” to make my workout regimen even more regular than I have to date, and to keep it as rigorous as possible. Also, I do have other interests, many related to following life via the Internet, and I plan to increase my biking, and keep-up, better, the gardens.

So that’s my current condition and my current plan. More to follow.

12; 8/27

8am. Well, I am happy to say that almost everyone has responded to my letter (email), and the response, without exception, has been positive. Really, much more than I expected -though as I write that, I guess I’m not so sure that I had any expectations- for my intent was just to let folks know and thereby take myself and them “off the hook” for questions and explanations should we meet in the course of some ugly progression of this disease. Well I did accomplish my intent at least. And, I will say, it was nice to get the responses that came back.

Soon as I’m done with this entry I’m going to go to the Y for an early workout so as to get that exercise in before its time to go for the MRI. After that, depending on how that leaves me feeling, we’re heading UpNorth where I’ve got grass waiting to be cut, and where, tomorrow, I’ll try out a new barber that Anna thinks I should see (this sounds like some sort of training school program, and I reserve the right of refusal as I still have some pride).~~11:30am Had a good workout, though, to be honest, I only did a dozen -not 18- 40lb curls.~~In The New Yorker (Aug 27, 2012) reading a review of the biography of Stephan Zweig, “Three Lives” by Oliver Matuschek, the reviewer, Leo Carey, writes of one theme Zweig used as, “obsession that moves feverishly toward crisis”. And, yes, I hope to avoid obsession with this condition of Parkinson’s.

12; 8/29

3:30pm. On this hot and windy day UpNorth I’m taking what I consider to be my earned ease out on the upper deck, and while journaling, listening to the unearned music I’ve accumulated. ~ I’m using this space, this entry, to tell of my body at this time. That is because I received a call two days ago from Kathy Duderstadt, the RN, telling me that they need to do another blood test as the previous one yielded a result that indicated my blood was low on the coagulant reading. If that persists I may not qualify for a preladenant study. So I’ll go in the day after Labor Day for another blood draw. In the meantime I’ve discontinued my 81ml aspirin and the 400ml of daily ibuprophen. Now, what with my workouts at the Y and the cutting of the grass up here, my body is reporting sore, stiff muscles and aching arthritic joints. But, for now, its only a week. I suspect that when I review this situation with the clinic, they’ll say that the ibuprophen is ok; and if my coagulant report is so low using aspirin, I probably don’t need it. What I think I do need is the PD medication, even in trial form.~ And, there hasn’t been a call from the clinic regarding the MRI; I take that as a good sign.

12; 8/31 Friday

4:45pm. Well, the attention to my PD has not subsided yet. My body continues to be sore in the absence of ibuprophen (but I am beginning to believe that even so, I may be able to tolerate -and do- more than I’ve thought without the medication; for I continue to do my workout routine at the gym, and I can cut the grass and do other chores, just more slowly). ~ Both Jacqueline and Sara have proactively sent me links; Jacqueline to a blog, and Sara to a book. Both of the references are interesting, but probably the blog a bit more so; I’ll follow it for awhile, at least while I try to get and set my own bearing. A prominent feature of both references that jump out at me is the notion of positivity: actively pursue your interests with as much passion as possible. To that end, and inspired particularly by the blog, I began toying once again with blogging -as opposed to just journaling- but I’m immediately struck by the notion that its “not me” to put myself out there like that. But, Whoa!, another idea struck me just as quickly: do a Google Docs journal, as I do anyway, and share it with those who might be interested. A private blog. But wait; I’d need to do invitations, and, I believe you can make a blog private. I think I’ll try that first.

12; 9/8 Saturday 9:45am.

So, on Tuesday the 4th I had another blood draw to test for the coagulant factor. The yield was ok, and I proceeded to the next, and much longer, appointment on Thursday, Sept 6. All of these appointments in the period of time are to assess my body for fitness to the clinical trial of preladenant. On Thursday the nurse encountered problems with their EKG machine, and so, repeated the process three times. Eventually they got a reading they felt was reliable, but it indicated some sort of anomaly. At this point the exam was halted, and I was referred back to my primary internist for further review. (I thought, ‘Oh no’. The clinic I’ve chosen as my “primary care provider” is a teaching clinic so my “primary” rotates in and then out, necessitating explanations. I suppose it to be good for me as well as good for their professional development. But ...) ~ The Struthers neurologist was able to get me an appointment almost right away on the 6th. At the primary care clinic (Creekside) the new resident -Dr, Matthew Gordon- took my story and explanation for urgency of this procedure. He promptly me got me hooked up to another EKG machine; the result was a confirmation of a small anomaly. He then, with interim consult, referred me for a stress test on Friday the 7th at Methodist Hospital. ~ Contrary to my expectations, the stress test was both thorough and exhausting (I was told that it is more so for those who exercise regularly). ~ So later yesterday, I received a call from the internist telling me that the results of the stress test were normal and that I should be ok for the parameters required by the clinical trial (there was no accounting for the anomaly shown by the EKG -just a verbal shrug- and I didn’t pursue the question).~~

I spoke by phone with Anna’s sister Julia yesterday when she called to talk with Anna, who was out shopping. Julia asked about my condition and situation, and after I updated her, she talked about her present experience of depression, which is now improving with the use of an antidepressant. But she spoke also of awareness of forgetfulness (at the end of our conversation she seemed to forget that she had called to talk with Anna). But that conversation did make me think. ~

One feature of the PD diagnosis process and the clinical trial exams is the recurring question(s) of suicide pertaining to an assessment for depression. My usual response is to (pretty much truthfully) deny such considerations, knowing they lead to alarm. But, ... After my conversation with Julia, I recalled my own fluctuation of feelings in the aftermath of the stress tests. I had gone to the Park-Nicollet Clinic in hope of setting-up an online account for “My Chart”. (I was thwarted). Enroute from my car to and through the clinic I found myself feeling wobbly in my walk and a bit disoriented, and not yet knowing the results of the stress test, thinking that all this procedure may be a bit much considering that there really is no cure. Then those depression related questions came back to me, and for a moment, I felt that I could be depressed about my own prospects; no recovery, just a downward, costly maintenance. As I headed home I did realize how good I felt about the moderate weather and the sunshine. Depression passed. ~

But then, what occurred to me further on from Julia’s call, is how the clinic, in monitoring me (us), keeps the question ever-present in my (our) mind(s), and hence, the ever-present notion of the possibility of depression and suicide. ~ Later yesterday, reading about Preladenant, it dawned on me that PD is the result, partially, of loss of dopamine. So is depression. Partially. So, I realize, it may be incumbent upon them -the clinic- to ask about depression and suicide, and that with this PD comes the vulnerability to that condition as well. And so, it is incumbent upon me to keep alert.

12; 9/14 Friday. UpNorth. 11:40am.

Oh, how time goes by, especially when you’re busy with things to do, or just have things to do. I’m struck by the date today -how its now the middle of September already. Seems like we were so recently observing the mellow entry of Autumn with the transition from August to September, and now we’re in the middle of September. In any case, its a beautiful day today; currently at 62degrees, sunny and calm.

I have a number of things to do today including cutting a small portion of the lot, and getting some plants from home (day lillies, a tiger lily, siberian iris, and an amur maple) transplanted. I’d also like to re-start working on the walking sticks. And we’ve spent a good part of this morning already in going to the Y for our workouts. And, of course, I wanted to do exactly what I’m doing at this very moment. And this I’m doing here in the “New Phase” journal as I feel compelled to track the development and treatment of my PD. So that comes next, and before I go to the yard in this beautiful weather. But first before anything else, another pot of coffee, please.~~~

Ok, coffee’s making. ~ Yesterday I finally -after further exam- began the medicinal regime of the clinical trial for Preladenant. Because its a double-blind kind of trial I don’t know what I’m taking at the moment. But, of course, and just as I feared, I get the “feeling(s)” of a difference. Last night already, I thought I detected that the tremor condition was much reduced, though not absent entirely. And I sense that this morning as well. But of course, that’s what I was hoping to feel. But I also “feel” a different sense in my head; I might describe it as “more alertness”, or “something going on in there”. But, again, perhaps this is just what I was hoping for, and am bringing about psychologically. To my way of thinking, if it is the case that I’m “bringing about” these sensations by hopeful thinking, they won’t be sustained over time. Though I have no idea how much time is necessary for such a measure. But then, I suppose that the purpose of those many follow-up clinic visits I’ll be making, and all their questionnaires. In the meantime, I feel fine, prompted also by the combination of my morning workout, and this fine Autumnal day. ~~ Now its time for a bite to eat, then on to the yard and garden chores.

12; 9/17 Monday. UpNorth. 3:40pm.

Last Friday, a night and a day almost, after I began the medication trial, I wrote that I thought I felt better, felt the tremors diminished. I was wrong. It must have been hopeful thinking. For today -indeed, during the course of the weekend- the tremors are as lively as ever. Still, I did do my routine workout to exhaustion. But that reminds me to say that after having been off Ibuprophen for a couple of weeks, yesterday, Sunday, I succumbed to the pain in my body -joint and muscular- and returned to two tablets (400mg) in the morning. Now those I know are working.

12; 10/11 Thursday. UpNorth.

2:pm. I had another clinic appointment Tuesday for the med trials. The nurse pointed out that its been a month already. As they ask how I’m doing -its always the same questions so as to be consistent- I have to say, ‘I suppose I’m doing ok, for I really don’t know what to expect’. Unless the purpose of the medication is simply to stop the progression of the disease (and in that regard, too, I don’t know what to expect), I’d say that I don’t think its getting worse (yet?). But its not getting any better either. I suspect I’m in the placebo phase.

What has been nice is that Jacqueline (I believe, but wasn’t told) organized a long weekend visit by herself and Dan, and Sara from Sioux Falls, during which Conor took a day off, and Paul had off Columbus Day. Further, she organized a family portrait setting at our home, taken by Michael Crouser’s brother, Pete, also a photographer. Many of the shots came out well.

Jacqueline and Dan left on Tuesday mid-morning, and I had my appointment late morning. Then we came up to the lake yesterday, on Wednesday morning. That afternoon we raked pine needles as we waited for the repair guys to come fix the door. This morning I went out -it was a cold 39degrees- and blew the needles from the roofs of the house and garage. In my own good time, at my own good pace, I can still do stuff.

13; 3/8 Friday afternoon (4:30pm) UpNorth; Pandora (Electronica)

We did go to the Brainerd “Y” this morning, then to the new cosmetology school for a haircut (they’re inexpensive and we offer our heads for their learning). I haven’t journaled yet today, nor done my writing exercise, so... I’ve come here to begin to rethink that notion that “I won’t be defined by (age, Parkinson’s Disease, arthritis, diminishing sight,or whatever)”. I’m beginning to think that’s silly denial. Its as though, in my case, none of those things affect, or effect, how I approach matters of interest in my life.

It is true that my personality (INTP) predisposes me to many attributes of my behavior. I am, indeed introverted (and like that preference); I like to consider information and options privately, and I like considering options and resources before committing. And I am, for sure, guided thoughtful reasoning, even if my logic isn’t always complete. And true enough, exercising my preferences, probably slows me down. But such exercises don’t make my vision blurry, my joints ache, or my walking and movements slow, stiff, shaky, wobbly and wooden. My personality preference supported my playing of racquetball, photography, and essay writing. My physical condition militates against all three.

But on the up side, racquetball is really the only thing I had to completely quit. And even at that, there are many guys who were not able to play with enjoyment until age sixty-nine. I had much enjoyment and satisfaction playing through the years, not to mention the camaraderie and friendships that developed. I am very grateful for my racquetball experience. And now I still get much pleasure from my physical exercise routine at the “Y”; pleasure from the pain. And as the Winter passes away I will still ride bike. I have not given up photography; indeed, thanks to Anna and Jacqueline I have two new digital cameras to get used to. And as for essaying, well, I never did follow-through on that with the determination required. But instead, I have pursued journaling with some regularity, and that’s right next to the personal essay in genre-speak. And with the tools I have in this Mini and the Google and MS products, I still can fire-up a desire to essay. If I want to. But there are hurdles. There is real discomfort and pain. Cautionary movement.

(13; 3/9) I guess that with this entry -begun yesterday but unfinished- I was crying and complaining; pitying myself. Well, I back to finish off this entry by accepting that that is indeed how I feel now and then, but that I do realize its up to me to continue to make the necessary efforts required of whatever I want to undertake. And, yes, we all age into limitations that we must accept and move on. So, on this conclusion I’m going now to my essay folder and pick out an unfinished draft, or maybe even start anew, and just hope that my typing skill will still improve as I go. Bye.

13; 3/3 Sunday evening at home.

I have another med trial clinic appointment on the 15th of this month. That will mark the midpoint of the trial, and the time when the medication will be switched to whatever I’m not getting now (recall that this is a double-blind study). As to my condition now, I’m not sure exactly; and that, in part, is why I want to do these journal entries; hoping that the process of writing will help me better know and express how I am.

I do know that I am tired of it. But I can’t really say that I am any worse than five months ago. With some exceptions. I do drool more readily know; this has become something I must be steadily on guard against. And my walking has become -at least I sense- more wobbly. But I can’t say my speech is any worse -and, it may have improved, and I don’t sense the tremors any worse than 5-6 months ago. I do think, though, that I have a more pronounced sense of my brain being “loose” in my head when I am jarred or moving too swiftly. And also, I am very aware of sleepiness overcoming me, especially as I read; though, not to put me to sleep for an hour or more as the doctor inquires about, but rather 5-10 minutes satisfies and refreshes.

In an effort to “get my mind around” this condition I’ve done a bit more reading here regarding the Lewy bodies produced by the alpha-synuclein intraneuronal inclusion proteins that destroy and fill the dopamine-producing neuro cells. Also, here I’ve read of how those proteins aggregate. There seems to be no stopping the process, and no going back. Just a bit depressing; but not, depression. Yet.

For, on the other hand, I have been able to continue my physical exercise workouts (gross muscular and aerobic) at the “Y”, and even increase them a bit. (A few weeks ago, after watching the guys play racquetball on a Wednesday, I was so enthused that I went on my own the following day, and just knocked the ball around the court for about forty-five minutes. That evening and the next day I was, once again, so sore in my muscles and joints, that I recalled then what it was that supported me leaving the game behind. (But I will say that, on my own, I didn’t hit the ball too badly). So my gross movement ability is somewhat encouraging.

Yet my handwriting gets evermore worse; thankfully, I have my HP Mini and Google. I am now looking forward to the better weather of Spring and Summer. I received for my birthday two new cameras, one, a slightly used Nikon (P60) that Jacqueline brought up for me, and, unbeknownst to her, a Canon that I had set my sights on and Anna bought for me. Having puttered around the house with them I now look forward to getting out on my bike and around the city to see what I can do to justify these cameras. They both have a stability feature!

And then, there is the yard and garden. I do look forward to these works. This year I’m going to again give a try at the Canna plants. I like their leaf and flower. Saving the tubers over the Winter has always been the problem. But now I’m borrowing an idea from Chuck, racquetball player, that calls for a small light bulb in an insulated box in the garage. O, Winter does get long (even though I use the weather of Winter to justify my time indoors).

And so it is, the PD symptoms persist, and perhaps some increase; I’m tired of the symptoms, but also getting used to them. I can still do what’s necessary; can still do much of what I like, and some of what I don’t like.

13; 3/19 Tuesday afternoon (3:30pm) Home.

I had my mid-way (through the medication study trial of one year length) exam on last Friday, 15 March. To Anna’s question as to what he thought, the doc could only say that it appears to him that the disease is progressing. Otherwise, I’m in acceptable health.

Journaling is for me both a means of expression, and a way to work things out. And this comes importantly now in light of my Parkinson’s condition which I, too, sense is progressing in intensity.

Caveat: When my father was in the dying process from his cancer condition, I recall calling my sisters who lived out of state to forewarn them of his imminent death so that they could come home before he died if they wished, or could. He didn’t die just then, he hung on for several months. When my mother was in a similar condition, I was more restrained but still premature.

Now, first and foremost, I find the prevalence and intensity of the tremors is increasing, as is the realization that this disease is both incurable and progressive. There’s no going back, no getting better. Additionally, my gait is becoming more wobbly, and even my walk about the house or wherever I am is becoming more “wooden”, more shuffling. A bit more drooling. Also I am aware that the tremor now seems to be pervading my inner body as well; it makes me feel as though I’m shaking with cold or excitement, which I am not. And, I think, I’m getting more bothered by what I describe as my “gyroscope being off kilt”; a balance issue. Finally, for the past couple of weeks I’ve noticed what I think of as slight pressure headaches that come and go. In addition to the conditions of PD, my arthritis is not getting any less; I’m feeling those aches evermore, and my muscles seem to get sore and exhausted more easily.

I do continue my workout routine -my regimen- at the “Y” with a persistent vigor, and I am looking forward to better weather for biking. When I bike, it is my plan now to go on somewhat longer excursions about the city with my cameras. And, of course, there is the gardening to anticipate. (This year I am going to try once again to grow Canna; the trick is saving their tubers over the Winter, but I now have a plan for that.)

I just learned a few minutes ago by a call from ParkNicollet Dermatology clinic that the mole that was extracted from my back on the 14th and sent for testing has been determined to be benign.

13; 3/20 Wednesday evening (8:30pm) Home.

Fleeting incidents of headaches and pressure again today. But a good workout at the Y left me feeling reinvigorated. On the issue of balance/gyro, it occurred to me today that it seems as if the gyro itself in my head is off-kilt, loose or wobbly.

13; 3/22 Friday morning (7:15am) Home.

And then, just like that, this morning I feel great. Wouldn’t know there was any condition ‘cept for a bit of arthritis. I woke at 5:30a.m. knowing I wouldn’t get back to sleep, so I rose feeling refreshed. And, I woke with anticipation that the weather today is forecast to rise above 32 and stay there for a string of days. Well, here’s to a good day.

13; 3/23 Saturday morning (9:15) Home.

Just to note quickly that a few days ago, as I sat in my reading chair, I noticed a muscle twitch. Then again last evening I noticed it again, but what came to mind was that its a spasm, and then I realized that I was sitting watching TV and that I had noticed it several times recently but not paid attention to it. But what brought it to mind worth mentioning here, is that its only been in right m. tricipitis brachii (or maybe the bicep).

13; 4/1 Monday morning (9:50) Home.

On Friday the 29th, when I had my most recent medical/study review, I felt especially good, and felt the same a day later on Saturday. But yesterday (Easter) and last night were a different story. By the time I crawled into bed shortly after 9pm I could just as well have been dieing -and felt better. The day began at 5am as I got ready, then took, Paul; and his family to the airport at 5:45 for their flight to Washington, DC. When I returned I hurriedly showered to be ready for 7am Sunrise Services Mass. Following that I launched into making my breakfast (Anna had not wanted pancakes as would be usual, and so made her own), followed by quiet comfort with coffee and the newspaper. There seemed no need for lunch, but I did have a carrot and half a peanut butter sandwich. Then, just after 1pm, I realised that I had forgotten to take my two morning pills. After some deliberation about the matter with Anna, I determined that I could -and did- take them then. It was sometime after that, that I began to feel a bit extra wobbly and off-kilt; the gyro was off again. I did bike (to get some exercise and air) to Paul’s house to put out his trash bin. After that came a pork roast dinner followed by two servings of tiara masu. No alcohol then or Friday; one beer on Saturday night. Then came bedtime and what seemed like a full night of dreaming -me, who never notices dreams. And the theme was a confusion of medications, one that would surely lead to suicide. My conclusion is that it was all a result of some combination medication being taken late, and too much food. This morning -back on schedule, and with a lighter diet in mind for the day (and a workout this afternoon)- I feel fine again.

13; 4/4 Thursday morning (9:15) Home.

Once again, I’ve felt well these past several days, and thought I ought to say so. Having said that, I will still complain of the arthritis and the wobbly walk. (And the ever-so-slight passing headaches; I wonder if those are even headaches; they pass quite quickly.) Meds are taken on time, and routine workouts are on schedule and vigorous as usual; indeed, meeting with Chuck on Tuesday, I got in an extra workout this week. Today is a “recovery” day.

13; 4/11 Thursday late afternoon (4:45) UpNorth

I’ve been up here almost a week now -since last Saturday. Suddenly it occurred to me today to take myself into account (as if I don’t anyway). I realized that I’ve been feeling pretty good (except for last night after the recognition dinner Mike O’Brien and I attended; over ate heavy church food). The tremor in my arm and leg still come on, and I get those twinges of headaches or “fullness”-of-head. And, of course writing, utensil-using, and walking are still problematic. But otherwise I would have to say I don’t think I’m worsening. And, I’ve continued my workouts as routine. I’m just sayin’.

13; 7/16 Tuesday, 4pm. UpNorth

Subsequent to the last time I wrote here, shortly thereafter -about the third week in April- I received a call from the nurse at Struthers Clinic to let me know that the medication trial I was undergoing for Parkinson’s Disease had been cancelled immediately as the researchers deemed it to be inefficacious. That left me with the neurologist’s opinion that I would be a candidate for the “usually” prescribed medication. Out of concern for both, side-effects and the possibility of new trials, I have declined medication. While I don’t feel any better having been on the trial meds, nor much worse since the diagnosis, I sense that I can get along without medication for now. I am conscious, however, that tiredness sets comes upon me requiring those short ten-minute naps more frequently, and that my automatic standing-walking posture is, bent. I am also aware the the arm tremor may be increasing in frequency and intensity. It does seem to me that I am slowing down, as if it takes longer for the thought of moving (a limb, my mouth, etc) to execute in to an actual movement. Like, too often, living in slow-motion. Additionally, (pertinent to writing/typing) the arthritis seems to have become more intense, and pervasive. I now experience pain in my left wrist and forearm that I attribute to arthritis. ~ I have discontinued the regimen of Red Yeast Rice just recently after reading a couple articles about possible side-effects. I will continue to be mindful of my diet, and work-&-exercise as regularly as possible. ~ And on that note, I have lost weight as, as I was attempting to do; down now to 176+, with a goal of 175 +/- a couple of pounds.

13; 8/5 Monday, 1pm. Home.

While perusing a recent notice from the Michael J Fox Trial Finder I came across a reference to the blog of the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease written by Jon Palfreman.

13; 8/6 Tuesday, 7pm Home.

One thing leading to another, I got on a streak, initially looking for blogs of those people who might have -and write about- PD, but that quickly turned into a search for sites of resources and expertise on the matter of PD. Now (8/9), having read through bits and pieces of various blogs (thinking that it might inspire me to do the same), I don’t believe I’ll be doing that unless someone or something can convince me of the value. So for the time being at least I’ll stick to this more personal journal. ~ But what I did get out of that search effort was a list of blogs and resources that I can follow if I’ so inclined. I’ve listed them and their links in the two tables above.

13; 9/11 Wednesday, 10:45am UpNorth

So, pushed by the tiresome frequency of needing bladder relief, and recalling the recent (a year ago) report from a former supervisor on a condition he had attended to (bladder stones), I made an appointment this morning with the urology clinic at Park-Nicollet. This bladder pressure requiring relief every two hours (sometimes less) is just too much a nuisance, and I don’t want it to turn into an embarrassment or a debilitating problem. ~~ As for the Parkinson’s, that progresses I guess, as I really don’t know what to expect. But I have read (amongst recent references) of the possibility of a coming med trial for a medication that crosses the blood-brain barrier. ~ As part of the progression (I guess, again) I’ve noticed now that not only do I make a lot of saliva, but now it seems to be becoming thicker in consistency. I think I’ve found some relief for the saliva condition by holding two coffee beans in my mouth much as some guys use “chew”. A toothpick also seems to work. ~~ Gotta go cut the grass.

13; 9/25 Wednesday, 3pm. UpNorth

On 9/23 I did see Dr Borkon at Park-Nicollet Urology. Prior to meeting him the nurse did a sonogram scan of my bladder after I had given a urine sample and emptied the bladder per instructions. The reading, the Dr reported, was that I had completely emptied my bladder, and he saw no indication of stones. (So, that was my second relief.) He said he could write a prescription but cautioned that it may have side-effects that include “dry-mouth” (thinking of Anna’s suffering with that condition, I would refuse that medication until matters become drastic). He said, also, that I might talk to the neurologist about medicating the PD as PD can cause this bladder condition of increased frequency (I can only think that I may have read that in some of the literature). ~ I will make an appointment to talk to the neurologist about the meds and their effects, and the effect of PD on the bladder. But I am leery that it is time for me to consider medicating. While I do notice the symptoms of tremor, impeded walking, clumsiness, slowness, blahness, sore head balance deficiency more and more, still, I think I can orient and function well-enough that I needn’t add side-effects to my overall condition.

13; 10/25 Friday, 4:15pm. UpNorth

Now yesterday was a bad day; a zombie day. I know it was also a “workout recovery” day (the day after my Y workouts my joints are stiff and muscles taut-to-sore). But my gait was more unstable, I had a feeling that my gyros were off, there were periods of soreness in my head, and my brain again felt loose. ~~ A couple of weeks ago I had a realization: it seems that if I’m less bothered by the PD (gait, balance, etc), then the aging problems (arthritis, joints, eyes) are more significant. Who says this disease, the aging condition, doesn’t define a person?

13; 11/20 Wednesday, 7:30pm. Home

In the course of my workout at the Y today it dawned on me that I’m not enduring so well at the current weights on the resistance machines, nor on the elliptical either. I may have to consider reducing the weights and increasing the reps. But I don’t know what I’ll do about the cardio workout on the elliptical machine; I’ ll experiment, because you know, I dare not quit.

Parkinson's; My Newest Phase

Monday, January 24, 2022

First Jottings

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