Archive for August, 2009

Aug 30 2009

Causes of Parkinsons Disease

Published by admin under causes of Parkinson's

Question:

Do emotionally healthy, well loved people, who have had the advantage of diet, get Parkinson’s Disease.  I would love to know that.

Annette

Response:

What an interesting question. I asked John Coleman what factor was most important to his own recovery from Parkinson’s. His answer was learning how to love himself. Perhaps it is more a question of the love we send to ourselves rather than the love we receive from others.

How about people whose diets and nutrition have been excellent? Since stress and trauma contribute to the symptoms, my guess is that people whose diets are excellent and who love themselves may still have symptoms if they find themselves in a sustained state of stress and fear.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

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Aug 29 2009

Parkinsons Disease Symptoms

Published by admin under Toxins in the Body, symptoms

Question:

I wonder why some people can ingest so called toxins and never get Parkinson’s Disease, and other people like myself do.  It can’t be that simplistic. It has to be a combination many other factors.

Annette

Response:

I totally agree with you. There are a complicated set of factors at play which determine which people will experience more troubling symptoms.

We all ingest toxins every day – from the breaths we take to the food we eat to the toxic substances we put on our bodies as cleanses and washes. The body has a limited capacity to eliminate toxins. Only so many toxins can be discharged from our bodies in any given day. When the body gets too clogged with toxins, symptoms will present themselves for anyone.

I believe the symptoms of Parkinsons will present themselves for everyone whose system becomes “clogged up.” Everyone has experienced tremors at one time or another. Most people have felt a deep sense of depression. Everyone has experienced pain. Most people I know have been “frozen” in the sense that they are unable to take positive action. Most people have experienced balance problems at one time or another. Symptoms at any particular time may not be so problematic that a formal diagnosis of “parkinson’s” is offered, but symptoms nonetheless can present themselves for everyone from time to time.

When the body’s immune system, lymph system and elimination organs are healthy, the body releases toxins efficiently and expeditiously. When any of these systems are compromised, symptoms are likely to emerge.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

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Aug 28 2009

Origins of Parkinson’s

Published by admin under About Parkinson's Disease

Question:

I wonder when Parkinson’s Disease started? I wonder if it when the  industrial revolution began, in the late 18th century, or before that?

Annette

Response:

The individual who is credited with isolating the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease is James Parkinson who wrote an article entitled “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy” in 1817. Forty years later the symptoms of Parkinson’s were identified as “Parkinson’s Disease” by Jean Martin Charcot. His name is thus now used as the diagnostic term neurological diagnosis of symptoms by medical doctors.

Did the symptoms exist before then? Obviously we do not know for sure, but there is evidence in early writings of neurological problems that existed hundreds and hundreds of years previously. Since Parkinson’s is affected by stress, I suspect that the prevalence of Parkinson’s has been more pronounced during those periods of history which were tumultuous.

The neurological system is very delicate. It does not take much to challenge it. It would seem logical to me to conclude that the symptons were present in one form or another throughout history.

Keep in mind also that there is a very long list of symptoms which overlap with many other “diseases.” It is obvious that many of these symptoms have been present throughout history (e.g.: speech impairments, masked face, depression, constipation, etc.)

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Resources

Aqua Hydration Formulas

Memberships

John Coleman’s 12 Step Recovery Program

Books

Stop Parkin’ and Start Livin’

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Aug 27 2009

Parkinsons Disease and Dopamine

Published by admin under Dopamine

Question:

With respect to your nutrition supplements of folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, how do they help any further since the brain cells in the substantia nigra are already destroyed which has caused the Parkinson’s disease?

Kumar

Response:

Many people believe that the symptoms of Parkinsons are caused by the death of brain cells that do not produce dopamine. As I feel into this thought form, it carries me into the pit of depression. If there are no more cells to produce dopamine, then no more dopamine will be produced. I personally can not access any hope here!

This belief is clearly not the foundation of recovery. This belief is also blatantly false. First, the body has the capacity to make all the new cells we need. If there is a deficiency in the cells that produce dopamine, it is because there is no demand to produce dopamine for one reason or another. The body may be currently suspended in a perpetual state of fear. In this case, the body will be producing adrenaline and all the other stress related hormones. There may be little demand to manufacture dopamine.

Second, there are over 40 hormones in the body that must be balanced delicately balanced in any given moment. Dopamine is one of these hormones. Focus attention on creating hormonal balance throughout the body and all systems in the body will return to health and wellness.

It is more healing to acknowledge that the body is working perfectly. It may be presently out of balance as indicated by the presentation of specific symptoms.

My thinking is that it gets us no where to hold the thought that something is wrong with our bodies that must be fixed. In this case, the belief is that all the cells needed to produce dopamine are dead.

If there is the demand to produce dopamine, the body will make the cells necessary to produce it. The body is working perfectly. It just sends us signals from time to time (as in the case of neurological challenges) which indicate an imbalance that needs to be corrected. It is possible a source of the imbalance comes from specific vitamin or mineral deficiences like B6 and B12 which help the body cope with stress and trauma. Many deficiencies can be the cause of imbalances. These are only two possibilities.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Pa

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Aug 26 2009

Recovery is a Process

Published by admin under recovery

What follows is an e-mail I received yesterday from Bobby who has fully recovered. It is truly inspiring.

I was just reading one of your articles about recovery is possible. Robert your articles are excellent and inspiring. There is no doubt that if one wants recovery and simply follows the suggestions you have outlined there will be recovery. This old paradigm of the diagnostic approach is sometimes hard to get around, people just don’t see the truth when it is in front of them. I wonder sometimes if a person has to have some sort of predisposition for truth in order to digest the changes in medicine. They are certainly taking place but never quickly.

Sometimes people write and ask me how I recovered from PD since I was diagnosed with advanced pd, I used to know what to say but anymore I am not sure. I want to say something that gives hope without concentrating on myself. These days I am starting to get a lot of professional types through the Bar Association and different doctors around here who knew me when I had the symptoms. I was recently asked to speak to a group of doctors about my recovery, I am not sure whether I should or not Robert. It is a lot like practicing law, once you say something they hang their hat on that when recover is more a process than just any one thing that I did. Mostly I did many of the things you advocate, in fact I have not found anyone else who articulates the things I believe strongly in. All I know to tell you my friend is your teaching is wonderful. I consider myself fortunate to have crossed your path.

Bobby

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Aug 26 2009

Constipation and Parkinson’s

Published by admin under constipation, hypnosis, reflexology

Follow-up Letter from Neita:

Pointers that I learned for myself after years of reading about mega doses of vitamins for healing, and then being a manager for a VitaminWorld store for several years, so I studied more: Acidophilus or Pro Biotics and/or papaya enzymes eaten after 2 protein meals a day helped a life long constipation problem, which I was able to pass on to my customers, helping lots of people.  The papaya is a digestive aid but it also works like a stool softner because the food is digested more properly.  You start off taking how many it says on the bottle and adjust for your needs.

I have also been into the self hypnosis for years so I can easily go deep with the new programs and it feels so good to relax so deeply.  When it is through, all the muscles in my shoulders and neck, which are so stiff, are relaxed and soft, which I forgot to explain in the other letter.  Amazing.

Thanks for helping unlearned people to open their minds.  Tell them they do not have to understand how these things work or believe they will, for them to work. They just do so just do it.

I also have been studying Reflexology for 30 years and doing a bit on myself for a few things at a time but not like I get now.  Also, a 30 minute treatment probably won’t give the results I got, so they need to look for one who really cares about people and works for their needs.  My first treatment was 2 hrs but the rest are about 1 hr and 15 min.  He works on the calves and arms and across the chest top(lympth glands), besides the feet and hands.  He is 70 years old. Hope his strength holds out as there is no one else here who would work like he does.

Guess you can tell I love to read and learn.

Thanks,

Neita

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Aug 25 2009

Reflexology and Parkinson’s Disease

A Letter from Neita:

Just started reading all your positive newsletters. Been diagnosed nearly a year, having tremors for 4 or 5 years in my hands. Had been exercising in a gym on treadmill and weight machines for 15 years and taking lots of more than minimum daily requirement vitamins.

I am 72, female, a good bit overweight but found myself slowing down. In November I had a big operation, went home and had to go back to hospital with infection coming from all my stitches in 3 days. Hospital and doctors had given me the big infection in my innards. Had a really hard time for 4 months.

Then, my psychiatrist, who had me on an antiphyscotic meds and was backing me off them because we thought it was causing the tremors, decided it wasn’t the meds so sent me to a neurologist when I had not exercised for 4 months and was still weak and just barely starting exercise again. So, the Parkinsons showed itself. Dr. said I do not blink my eyes as much as a NORMAL person, or have as  much facial expression as a NORMAL person. Oh My God, I am not normal anymore, how can I live??Joke,joke! Started taking Azilect right away.  Really don’t have any idea how well that is helping as of a month or 2 later.

I heard of a reflexologist in my neighborhood, who had learned it well to help his MS wife 15 years ago.  His first treatment was 2 hours.  With my first treatment, he gave me my life back.  My joints opened up like someone unscrewed them. I could really move my legs again on the treadmill.  Also, I got my personality back and could laugh and some things were funny now. I could think faster and to make matters not so good, my mouth started running again non-stop and I was awake when I got up in the morning first thing. I had come alive again.

Reflexology does a lympth drain and works on all the endrocrine glands. I did not know what all that meant until I had a lot of people coming to my home last month and I snapped that I had no DREAD about all I had to do so I snapped that reflexology, in giving me my life back, had dumped DEPRESSION, which I had not realized I had, probably because of all my exercise and it was lowgrade.

I have also found 3 really good hypnosis cd’s  that make me feel great after the wonderful deep relaxation  for the mind and muscles, and spine and nerves and having the juices flow in the proper amounts from all the right glands.  My chiropractor has a new machine called the Pro Adjuster which does great work, not like him just bending your body all around, which never worked for my back for years. I go there twice a month, all Medicare will allow, but maybe can get one more since the Parkinsons diagnosis.

I go to the reflexologist every 3 weeks, because I found out that if I wait 4 weeks, the tremors start a little bit again. Of course, I know that they will act up anyway if I get upset or excited!  I have already bought a few books about the first year, and optimal wellness, which with all the vitamin info and saying what exercise will do for PD, I realized why it did not show itself sooner for me.   Years ago, before lots of meds and info, my little Grandmother had Pd really bad.  My dr says with me starting it so late in years, I won’t ever be as bad as she was.

Dr. also warned me about all those places on the internet who want you to buy stuff.  Well, I may not buy all your stuff,unless you have a good hypnosis cd to fight PD, but I love positive information to help.  I do not want info about herbs because it will not be good for  a chemical imbalance in the brain and I could have more bad  episodes now that I am off the drugs. Hopefully , that part of my brain has healed itself as I am doing great in that area. Thank God, now that I have something else big to deal with. Also, thank God, that I am a Pollyana and look for the good. Not in denial, but don’t want to borrow trouble before it comes either.

Thanks for reading this.  I am still 72 going on 55, as most people never guess anywhere close to my age.  My spine is still straight with wonderful posture and I have almost no wrinkles for an old lady (another joke, as I don’t feel it).  And I am married to a young thing. He is all of 69, so that has been my joke for 22 years.  Thanks again.

Neita

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Aug 20 2009

Progression Tracker

Published by admin under symptom tracker

Comment:

Just diagnosed in July, and am positive and shooting for full recovery. Progression seems to be slow, however can’t find anywhere to compare progression to.

Terry

Response:

My suggestion is to compare your own progress against yourself. Forget about the progress of everyone else. This approach is called a “pre-post within subject design.” This is a  fancy, scientific  way of saying that you create a baseline of your symptoms and then track your symptoms over time.

The sample size is one – yourself. It is the most meaningful result you can ever get since your body is unique to itself.

Track your symptoms using the Parkinsons Recovery Symptom Tracker which will always be free to use and always accessible. It is easy to use. You will need register by entering an e mail address and password. It is anonymous, so no other information is required.

You then  log on to the Parkinsons Recovery Symptom Tracker and answer 39 questions about your symptoms. Once your personal baseline is established, you can answer the same questions over and over, giving you a plot of your progression over time.  Using  Parkinsons Recovery Symptom tracker regularly is a great way to celebrate your progress toward feeling better.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Resources

Aqua Hydration Formulas

Memberships

John Coleman’s 12 Step Recovery Program

Books

Stop Parkin’ and Start Livin’

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Aug 19 2009

Parkinsons and Exercise

Published by admin under Exercise and Parkinson's

Question:

Delay the Disease -Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease -  by David Zid – has been recommended to me.  I am  wondering however how I will know which exercises are the most helpful to me.  Wouldn’t this be the sort of
thing a PT (physical therapist) would be needed for?

Or not?

Peace,

Carol

Response:

I have heard reports back from people who tell me David Zid’s book has been helful, as is the work of  Kevin Lockette who is a physical therapist, Arieh Breslow who has developed a DVD on Tai Chi and Qi Gong and Kristina Mauak who has created a DVD on Qi Gong.

In my opinion, it is a smart  idea to involve a person like David, Kevin, Arieh or Kristina in tailoring an exercise program that suits your current needs. Coaches can help you sort out which exercises will be most helpful today and provide the personal support that can be so helpful. Each of the incredible professionals I listed above develop personalized exercise programs for people with the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

It is also about asking for help, which in itself is healing. You do not want to start with exercises that are too strenuous because you will likely get discouraged and quit. I believe the key is to find a form of exercise that you love to do. If it is a joyous activity, it will become and habit. Your body will love you for taking care of it every day.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.

Resources
Memberships
Books

© 2009 Parkinsons Recovery

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Aug 18 2009

What I Learned About Myself Since Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis

The following is an e mail from Terry I received permission to post.

In June 2008 I sought medical attention for the chronic fatigue and depression I was feeling after losing my job of 18 years, a close friend, my beloved cat and my apartment.  On September 17, 2008 a neurologist told me that I have Parkinson’s Disease.  This beginning of my PD journey, barring a cure, will last the rest of my life.  There’s always the optimistic hope that a cure will be found, but realistically, we will he fighting this thing for years to come.  Yes, we will continue to benefit from new treatments, drugs, perhaps surgery, gene therapy and results of all kinds of research.  But it’s not going to be over tomorrow.  So dealing with the emotional side of having PD is something I need to face.  I learned a lot about the condition itself and its various treatments, but some of the most important discoveries I made were not about PD itself.  Here are some of the things I learned about myself and others in my first 9 months of PD.

1.   Attitude is important.  Striving to maintain a positive attitude will affect my experience with Parkinson’s.  For sure, facing up to the consequences of PD and dealing with the issues it presents effectively will be the key to maintaining a positive attitude that is vitally important.

2.   PD is not my life.  I have PD and I am now realizing it is inevitably going to have a significant effect on my life, but I am working hard to not have it be the one focus of my life.  I am going to carry on doing things I enjoy and although these may be affected by my condition, I am working on a balance.  For as long as I am able, I will not let it be the one dominating thing in my life, as it was when I first was diagnosed.

3.   I am in this for the long haul.  At first I was in denial after the diagnosis then I was hungry for information wanting to know as much as possible about PD.  After a short period of time, reading everything I could on PD, I suffered from information overload and now pace myself a little better.

4.   I have to help others come to terms with my PD.  To me, telling family and friends about my diagnosis of PD has been the most difficult thing of all.  I was emotional and nervous at first knowing that the news would be a shock to them.  I find that most people know little about PD and you have to explain it.  I tell them “it is what Michael J. Fox and Mohammad Ali have”.  Their attitudes vary from genuine concern and support, to not knowing what to say and coming out with something like, “Oh, well, the treatments are very good these days,” and not really wanting to talk about it.  After my immediate family knew about it, it became easier for me to let a select few friends know.  Each person I tell, hearing my diagnosis of PD, for the first time is clearly quite difficult for some.  I find myself feeling sorry for them having to deal with the news and end up being supportive towards them when perhaps it ought to be the other way around.

5.   Some people never ask how I am.  Some do take the trouble to inquire, but I get the feeling that only some really want the true answer.  Perhaps those who don’t ask look at me and make their own assessment.  Some avoid  the subject finding it difficult to deal with the problems I’m encountering, maybe not knowing what to say.  Some ask my sister when they find it difficult to ask me.

6.   Unemployed.  In April 2008 I was fired from my job of 18 years, in one telephone conversation, by the owner of the company.  She told me some clients said that I did not look “happy” and the tone in my voice was not “friendly”.  She suggested that I look for another type of work that I truly would like.  This was a shock to me.  I asked her if I could take some time off because I felt it might be the tress of the soft economy that I was feeling.  She said no.  At this time I had no idea that I might be ill and my employer did not know either.  I went from being praised for years as a top sales producer and being told I was like “family”, to getting kicked to the curb in one unexpected telephone conversation.  What is upsetting to me is that she did not stand by me or try to provide guidance to meet the client’s needs.  This was a wakeup call for me leading me into an immediate depression.   At least it made me seek medical help which lead me down the road to my diagnosis of PD.

7.   Pride can get in the way.  Help is available but having been a self sufficient single working female possessing a certain pride in self reliance, requesting help can be difficult.  Family and friends are encouraging me to ask for help with some of the things I used to do but are now much more difficult.  For now I will still try to manage, but eventually there will be a time I will need help with daily living activities.

8.   Will receiving help knock my confidence?  When the time comes that I need help, will it make me feel less able?  Will it affect my confidence?  Will this change my attitude as someone who strives to achieve things, to someone who doesn’t push themselves at all?  These are thoughts I wrestle with.

9.   The one upside to having PD.  For me it is that I have met and made friends with a group of people whom I would have never met otherwise, and who have helped me see the way forward.  I hope I have helped a little as well.  It is the blitz mentality.  I suppose, comrades in adversity.  It makes the whole experience somewhat bearable to see others who are more seriously affected than me, continuing to live their lives and not feel sorry for them, and fighting their illness with dignity and inner strength.

10.  I know I am not alone.  There are doctors, nurses, therapists, researchers, my support group “Parkinson’s Resource Organization”, friends and family members all available to help.  And there are other people, just like me who are facing the challenge of PD, not by chance, but because the lottery that selected me, also came up with their number.  Somehow I think if we all put our heads together we can make the journey we face easier to cope with and we might have some fun along the way.

Terry

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