Category Archives: Thoughts and Parkinsons

Mantras for Health

Thanks for all you do in educating us about Parkinson’s.  Here’s some positive quotes I tell myself everyday:

  1. I’m going to beat the snot out of this puppy.
  2. I won’t need no stinkin’ wheelchair or walker.
  3. Stem cell research WILL find a cure in my lifetime.
  4. Drugs are good.
  5. I thank God everyday for having chosen me to have Parkinson’s.  Hey, 1 out of 100..I’m pretty special!
  6. Michael J. Fox and Dr. Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.  are our champions!
  7. I’m proud to be a Parkie.
  8. Buttons suck!  Use Velcro!
  9. A dulled sense of smell can be a very good thing in a crowded elevator!
  10. I am here for a purpose..God is great!

Rose

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

Pain and Parkinson’s Disease

Question:

Although this topic may have come up before, we haven’t gotten yet a satisfactory answer.  The question is whether you have found pain to be a significant symptom in people with other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and if so, what they do to find relief.

The second question is whether in people who take L-dopa, it is common for them to feel worse 20-45 min after taking the medication before finding relief.  Any suggestions or information you have on these two related questions would be very much appreciated.

Response:

Pain:

Yes, I have received many reports from people who report pain is a very troubling symptom for them among others. First, from what I have learned, people get relief from pain by meditating. Meditation allows them to override all of the thinking that surrounds the “meaning” of the pain. We all put a head on top of our head, which makes the experience worse. That is one reason I have been motivated to record the weekly series of meditations.

Second, my observation is that there is typically a thought form that is buried beneath the pain. Once that is cleared and released, the pain resolves. I will be interviewing Deborah Russell on the radio program next month who will be explaining how quantum healing is useful in this regard.

Third, a source of the pain is often unreleased trauma. Using one body therapy or another (we use cranio-sacral) helps with releasing trauma. Other therapies are helpful as well. Once the trauma is released, the pain resolves (if trauma is the primary causal factor)

Fourth, I just interviewed Lee Bender this morning who has had a considerble challenge with pain over the years. It is interesting you just happened to write in today! Go to Lee’s website and you will see what he does to get relief from his pain. I will be airing his interview next month.

Timing of Medications

As for the timing of the medications – this  is a tough one. Most people tell me that when they work closely with their doctor, they can adjust their medications so that the down time is minimized. I wonder about the reason for the emergence of pain before the meditations kick in. Perhaps the body is in a suspended state of withdrawal until the  new dose starts to work. Perhaps there is a temporary flare up of inflammation.

I hope others have their own two cents to offer so we can shed some light on this particular challenge.

Power of the Mind to Heal

Question:

I am so glad to have found your website! I came across it through Google last week and have subscribed to your daily newsletter and have received 3 so far! They are awesome!

I have a diagnosis of early PD. Very early. But I am intrigued by the power of the mind to handle my recovery and total deliverance and healing from symptoms and PD! I am young in my quest. Can you please tell me how or where I might find your thoughts on how this works? You know, putting into practice whatever is necessary for my body to begin healing itself? What is the process? What other parts need to happen?

I am anxious to learn more. Can you please direct me, help me?

Thank you so much for all you do!

Beverly

Response:

Thanks so much for your thoughtful letter. It makes my day! You will find a constant stream of support for your recovery at Parkinsons Recovery. There are numerous sources of support.

You will see the stream of my thinking about all aspects of Parkinson’s symptoms from entries in the newsletters and my weekly radio program. If you listen to this week’s radio program, you will be inspired about the prospects for leading a full life. You can always call in to hear the program (347-945-5358) or listen on your computer by visiting :

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

I also post answers to questions I receive on the Parkinsons Recovery blog  as you see here at https://blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com

I have published one book which address the underlying issue of transforming thought forms which is entitled Five Steps to Recovery. I had intended to finish my own book about Parkinsons (The Road to Recovery) this past month, but day to day business interfered. This book will be released soon.

Always remember that the body does know how to heal itself. It is truly the miracle of all miracles.

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

I Have Parkinsons But Parkinsons Does Not Have Me

I have a heads up on the most fascinating interview you
will hear on my radio program Thursday (June 18th). Leif
Ogard has had Parkinsons for 21 years. What is so special
about that?

Leif feels great – not just good – but great. Most “well”
people can’t say this!. He has incredible energy and owns
his own business which he started after his diagnosis.
By the way, his business is thriving. Leif considers
himself healthy in every respect.

This is a remarkable interview for reasons you will better
understand when you hear the program Thursday. Leif offers
genuinely helpful insights and suggestions. His comments
will be especially helpful for anyone who has been
recently diagnosed.

I interviewed Leif because he has just published his new
book, “I have Parkinsons But Parkinsons Does Not Have me.”
Believe me when I tell you that his life is true to the title
of his book.

If you are in a place in your life where you could use a
motivational boast and a strong dose of hope, join me Thursday
for this live event. If you can’t join us live, you can always
download the recording of the program here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

It is an amazing interview. You can connect to the radio
program through the website from anywhere in the world or
you can call the following phone number to hear the
program: 347-945-5358 (USA).

I am on the air live every Thursday morning at 11:00 am
pacific time.You can always hear the programs from your
computer no matter where you live in the world by visiting
my radio show website page.

Or, you can always hear my internet radio programs by calling
this phone number 347-945-5358. The number is always the
same from week to week.

Listen to Parkinsons Recovery on Blog Talk Radio

I hope you can join us. You will not be disappointed.

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

Brain Cell Regeneration

Question:

In several of your articles about Parkinson’s, it is stated as fact that by the time one experiences the first symptoms of Parkinson’s, 60-80% of the brain cells in the Substantia Nigra area of the brain have been destroyed. If this is a medical fact then how does it stand to reason that the body is merely out of balance or suffering from toxins?

I believe that the body can be out of balance but has it suffered the reality of irreversible damage?  It is important to have a positive outlook but I also think it is important to be realistic.

I hope I do not sound overly direct because I appreciate all you are doing and have found much of your information to be thought provoking and helpful.

Thanks,  A.G.

Response:

The estimate that 80% of the dopamine producing cells have been destroyed comes from autopsies of people found to have degradation in the substantia nigra. A startling proportion of persons are misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s – estimates vary from 25% to 33%. It is a tough diagnosis to make and it is easy for doctors to miss the mark on this call.

This means that although the person has symptoms that are like the symptoms of Parkinson’s, they are not being driven by a dopamine deficiency. It may simply be that the myelin sheath coverings around the neurons are clogged by toxins or obstructed by trauma to the tissues. Or, other factors may be at play.

I personally believe that we find ourselves trotting down a dead end alley much too often if the “problem” of Parkinson’s is defined as a dopamine deficiency. The body can always produce sufficient dopamine under the proper conditions. And, the body can always generate new cells and rejuvenate itself. Healing becomes possible when the symptoms are viewed in a broader context of health and wellness rather than death and destruction.

At the most basic level, all healing rests on the foundation of thought forms. When we focus on what is not possible, nothing becomes possible. When we set out intention for change and renewal, anything is possible.

You encourage me to edit my own writing. I think it is a mistake to focus on the cells that have been destroyed in the body. Cells are being born every micro second.  The body can reconstruct anything – cells, neural pathways, tissues – you name it. When we focus on what has been destroyed, we have sunk into the negative thought form trap which leads us into nagging thoughts that recovery is impossible. This is why work at our Parkinsons Center in Olympia now focuses on releasing negative thought forms and why I wrote the Five Steps to Recovery.

Thanks for the reminder. The body can and does rejuvenate itself.

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

How do I Jump Start My Recovery Program?

Question:

As I told you on the broadcast you held this week past:  I AM LISTENING TO YOU!  I am tired if feeling bad EVERYDAY!!
 
Since reading this today I WANT TO GET OFF MY ARTIFICIAL MEDS but don’t know exactly what to replace them.  I have beefed up my immune system starting 1-3 months with CoQ10-12mgs/daily, Vit E- 32mgs/daily; Vit C-300mgs/ daily along with MACUNA – 50% L-Dopa……….ALL NATURAL MEDS provided by God…. I am currently on Carbidopa-Levodopa – 50/200 4Xdaily, Mirapex-1.5mg/3 X daily, Benicar (B/P) 40/12.5mg daily………….how do I do this safely to not FREEZE, SHAKE to death, toes CURLING UNDER to lots of pain thigh and knee pain,,,,,,,etc…….
 
I have begun MOSTLY vegetarian diet, high fiber, fish, eat most daily intake of protein end of day, etc……..
 
I hear so much – even following Michael J Fox these past couple weeks on television – but feel mainly confused BUT DETERMINED to RECOVER FROM PARKINSONS.
 
I have very little money due to EXTRAORDINARY business / personal financial loss so I have difficulty even committing to John Coleman’s $49/ 12-step deal.
 
 Are you in a position to advise me how I can JUST START recovery now ——– rather than later?
 
Regards
Joan

Response:

You have taken the most important step. You have set the clear intention to heal. Our thoughts are the most powerful force in the universe, so by eliminating negative thought forms and establishing for yourself a clear commitment to heal, good things are happening.

Healing does not happen tomorrow or next year. It is happening now, in this very moment. It happens as a benefit of your thoughts and your actions. Stay tuned to my weekly radio program. You will hear suggestions there that will help you now. Your body knows how to heal itself. You just have to listen.

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

Cause of Parkinson’s Disease

Questions

What correlation is there between Candida and Parkinson’s Disease?

There is no direct evidence of a connection, but I personally believe there is a significant link. Thought forms have a pronounced influence on symptoms. When we carry consciously or unconsciously many negative thought forms, it will be virtually impossible to recover.

The little, live critters that reside in our bodies from candida are nourished by negative thought forms. Get rid of the candida and it will be a whole lot easier to dump your negative thought forms. There are marvelous gentle detox programs that can help release candida. Why not go for it?

How much do genetics play in a disease such as PD? I was diagnosed with PD two years ago. I lost a son to suicide and a year later had all of my amalgam dental fillings removed and replaced with porcelain fillings? About 6 months after, I began noticing symptoms that concerned me. My father had PD following a fall where he hit his head pretty hard. He had a long fierce battle with PD for 20 years, and I took care of him for much of that time.

Estimates vary, but fro 12-17% of people with Parkinsons’s are found to have a genetic link. Researchers have found over 10 genes that have some link to Parkinsons. There is a lot of interest in one gene in particular.

The question for you is the possibility that you may have taken on the diseases of prior family members out of love. I will be interviewing soon Dee Yoh, a family constellation facilitator, who will explain to everyone how the process of taking on disease out of love works. I hope you can join us for that discussion. If you would like to be a guest for that teleseminar, let me know.

I am so grateful for the information I have come to read about the possibility of full recovery of PD symptoms by getting the body back into balance. I have enjoyed this site immensely and appreciate the wealth of information it contains, and the fact that it is updated continuously.

Thanks for your kind words. That make my day and help to keep my own thoughts positive.

I would like to begin tracking my symptoms so that I can begin the 12 step program and track my progress, however the tracking program is not up and running? Do you know when that will be available?

Oh yes, the tracking program is up and running. Go to http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com and click on symptom tracker icon. Click register. Enter a username and password. You are good to go.

Thank you so much for all you have done to give those of us HOPE where none was thought possible.

With faith anything is possible!

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

© 2009 Parkinsons Recovery

Energy Work Done to Relieve Symptoms of Parkinson’s

Question:

I was diagnosed with parkinson’s about a year ago and began treatment with levodopa about 6 months ago.  Symptoms have been alleviated. I also began craniosacral massage about the same time as the levodopa.  So, of course now I cannot tell  which has been helpful.
 
My question however is about the scheduling of craniosacral massage:  should I expect to have massage treatments on a periodic basis whenever symptoms worsen or should I schedule sessions on a regular basis regardless of symptoms?  In other words, do conditions alleviated by craniosacral massage recur?
 
Thank you for all you do.

Carol

Response:

Decisions about the timing of any treatment – in this case craniosacral therapy – are in large part a function of the purpose you wish the therapy to serve. The answer is actually rooted in the thought which underpins your decision to do the therapy.

Is the purpose to alleviate symptoms? If so, the intent is not to heal the underlying cause of the symptoms. It is probably best to go when pain surfaces or symptoms flare. Recognize here that you are in a negative cycle. You have embraced the thought form that you will not get better, so the best you can do for yourself is to address symptoms as best you can.

As I write this I can feel a very low energy and energy to this plan of action. And, if this is the purpose, you will be seeing a craniosacral therapist for the rest of your life.

Is the purpose to heal the underlying cause of the symptoms? If so, the challenge is to work with a craniosacral therapist so that you can unwind and release the trauma that is trapped at the cellular level in your body. If you set your intention to heal and release the trauma, you will gradually feel better and better, though you may have setbacks here and there as your body adjusts. Once the trauma is released and the tension in the body has been unwound, you do not have to continue getting regular treatments. Only if you are re traumatized will additional treatments be necessary.

This needs to be a gentle and gradual process, with no reason to rush it or nudge it forward faster than your body can tolerate. As I write this paragraph, I can feel a very high level of energy and hope exudes every cell of my body.

How often should you go? Your body will give you the answer. Just ask it.

So, the answer depends on the thought form that is motivating the interest in doing the therapy. I am doing a series of teleseminars on how our thoughts determine whether or not we will heal. Everyone is welcome – Thursdays at 11:00 pacific time. Specifics are posted on the blog I entered here February 2nd. Just scroll down a few pages.  

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
 
© 2009 Parkinsons Recovery