Category: Parkinsons Disease Information (Page 14 of 16)

Elisabeth is interested in selling her used Theracycle. See her offer below.

Robert Rodgers PhDs
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

“It’s heavy so hopefully somebody in the San Francisco Bay area  would be interested. There is presently a THERACYCLE 100 on e-bay for $2,700. I would not charged that much. The cycle is in very good condition and we never had any problems with it. If you are interested email me at: elisabethstromberg@sbcglobal.net.”

Thank you again,
Elisabeth

For more information about CBD for Parkinson’s visit: http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com/cbd

Now here is a natural, free therapy that may well be worth giving your serious attention. As you can see from the feedback from Bill below. he found it to be useful.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease 

Hi Robert-

For me Inclined Bed Therapy really shows great promise. I have inclined the bed I sleep in for about a week now and have already seen definite improvement in some areas:

• Deeper, more restful sleep.
•  Fewer trips to bathroom at night to pee.
• Reduced lower leg swelling (edema)–this was an early PD symptom for me although I didn’t know it at the time.

I will send you a more complete report in a couple of weeks when more time has passed and I have more experience with this change.

Thank you so much for bringing this idea to my attention.

Bill

My name is Wally I’m 23 year old from Australia. My father has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. For the past 6 years we have tried multiple medications; even had surgery where they put a pump to his stomach connected to a needle witch injects him with the medication. Nothing has worked and he is getting worse. I just watched your video about the coconut oil and will get him onto it. Should I just rub his whole body with it head to toe? And make my mum cook food with it?

Thanks a lot

Wally

Hi Wally:

It is exciting to discover there are so many simple therapies that can make a huge difference to people who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. For the full scoop on how you can use coconut oil, I recommend that you listen to the recording of my  interview below with Dr. Bruce Fife, ND, who – in my opinion – is the “go to” doctor when it comes to any and all questions about the use of coconut oil (whether applying it to the skin or eating it).

I personally love putting coconut oil all over my body after showers and using it for cooking . Food tastes so delicious when coconut oil is used.

May your father see improvements in his health with each passing day.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons Recovery

I Have a Parkinson’s Challenge

By Dwight E. Roth 

When referring to my own Parkinson’s I prefer not to use the word disease.  I do not feel at dis-ease with my health.   If my symptoms become severe maybe I will use the word, disease.  For the present I prefer to say I have Parkinson’s Challenge (PC) – a summons, a call to learn about the nature of Parkinson’s for others and myself.

People with Parkinson’s (PWP) typically become depressed when diagnosed as having PD by a neurologist.  Many neurologists are not very helpful   — they tend to say upon diagnosis, “Here is a prescription.  See you in three months.”   This is tragic because there are a wide variety of services that benefit PWP.  Most people are not aware of this. When depressed it is hard to look for these resources. Somewhere I read that about forty percent of PWP do not seek any service/treatment after being diagnosed.

When I was diagnosed in January of 2013 I was not depressed but I was frustrated by made my doctor because he gave me only a pharmaceutical prescription.   I wanted more for myself and I wanted to be an advocate for others PWP.   I quickly searched for another neurologist and found one in Wichita, KS.     A few months ago she moved to another state and I found someone to take her place.

  My new neurologist is holistic in her approach to PD and paid close attention  in our first meeting when I said I practice reflexology on my hands and feet (I was trained as a reflexologist by the  International Institute of Reflexology  http://reflexology-usa.net/).   Likewise she was interested in my taking lessons to help my balance through BAL/A/V/X http://www.bal-a-vis-x.com/.    The latter since its beginning thirty years ago has been for youth with special needs.  The creator / director of this program, an older adult himself, a long time professional educator (and in my view mystic/shaman) is beginning to see how  BAL/A/V/X might help in balance problems for people late life. I think that reflexology and Bal/A/V/X are helpful to me –at little cost and no side effects.                                                                                                  

    In my Parkinson Challenge in Wichita I have been served well by physical and occupational therapists.  Of all treatment for my PC these workers have been the most important.  They have taught me the necessity of specific exercises for Parkinson’s – especially use of a treadmill helpful for stamina, stretching, stride/gait, balance, etc. 

One of my occupational therapists (WWSD) seeing my interest in dance suggested I attend the Dance for PD program in Brooklyn, N.Y.  I did so and it was a great experience.  Positive outcomes for PWP who dance in a structured class include: improved motor control, decreased rigidity, increased balance, reduced risk of falling, and improved self-concept. 

Most physical exercise rearranges the neurological pathways.  For me, dance is the best way to do this.  Thus it was that in 2014 I teamed with a professional dancer, Danika Bielek, director of the Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts to create Rhythm Connections – a dance program for people with mobility challenges http://www.thekansan.com/article/20150905/NEWS/150909620.  We have led workshops in five PD support groups in central Kansas.  Additionally, we had our first class at the Academy this fall.  Eight individuals participated in this class that met for ten weeks, one hour weekly.  Danika meets each Saturday at the Kidron–Bethel Retirement Community for one hour.  We have received excellent feedback regarding our work. 

I did not ask for Parkinson’s.  Now, that I have it, as said above, I see it as a Challenge – a call. This summons is to learn as much as I can about PD to help others and myself, especially to create new neurological pathways. https://images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=A0LEVvqAOHRWUHUAmQwnnIlQ?p=neeurological+pathways&fr=yhs-mozilla-002&fr2=piv-web&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-002.  Creation of these pathways, help counter the neurodegenerative that is basic to PD.   I want to help PWP to see that they have a responsibility to slow the breakdown of their system of nerves and muscles. 

In my PC I am learning so much about the amazing human brain.  I am meeting wonderful, exciting people – professional health care workers and PWP. 

I realize that my Parkinson’s symptoms could drastically worsen.  In that case I hope I can take the view suggested by Wendy Lustbader regarding the meaning of frailty. She said according to a Sufi idea two curtains separate the individual from the sacred – security and health. If  developed advanced PD after tried all forms of appropriate health care technology and found that I was frail, I hope would exp.erience the sacred in its mystery, wonder, and love.  And, maybe a bit of holy foolery to make others and myself laugh for if  can laugh at something problematic, chances are you have conquered it.

I am becoming interested in teaching ways to improve balance and how to fall to lessen broken bones, especially hips.  Hopefully, I will do so through instructions from Danika and the BAL/A/V/X program. 

 My Parkinson Challenge is expanding.  It is exciting.  It is as if I am receiving a first rate graduate school education where I simultaneously professor and student – somewhere past the borders of academia as we know it.   The PC summons is fascinating.    Sunnum bonum –Mysterium magnum

Sources

http://www.parkinsonsdisease-guidebook.com/

Wendy Lustbader, (1999).  “Thoughts on the Meaning of Frailty”,  Journal of the American Society on Aging.  Winter, pp. 21-24.

Experience Relief from Parkinson’s Symptoms

What is virtually guaranteed to experience relief from Parkinson’s symptoms? Answer: Reduce stress. When stress sizzles, symptoms are bound to flare up. The strong correlation between stress and Parkinson’s symptoms is scary.

What can you do today to experience a reversal of your Parkinson’s symptoms? The answer is clear: Reduce your stress level. How in the world do you accomplish such a formidable agenda?

I have asked countless individuals who currently experience Parkinson’s symptoms about what stresses them out. The most frequent response has been: Dealing with difficult people stresses them out the most.

I took this insight to heart and developed a new online Udemy course: How to Deal with Difficult People. Content of the course provides practical ways to reduce the stress that is fueled by dealing with the difficult people in your life.

Check out my new course! Here is a link that includes a 50% discount on the course tuition.

https://www.udemy.com/how-to-deal-with-difficult-people/?couponCode=how-to-reduce-stress

Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Much of my work at Parkinsons Recovery over the past decade has been dedicated to identifying all sorts of options that are helping people reverse their symptoms. This has been important work and it seems I am the only researcher in the world doing this type of research. Everyone else is very focused on a narrow issue (as was I when employed as a professor). If you do not focus narrowly as a  professor, you do not get promoted or tenured. I succeed with the promotions and tenure but contributed little to the world in terms of insights and revelations.

What is my revelation this week?  I believe we do not need to struggle for the answer. The journey down the road to recovery need not be a war of us against a “disease.” I believe the answer comes quite naturally and effortlessly as long as we allow it to float in and “have its way.”

What do I mean here? If we are struggling to find a solution, we are activating all of the hormones and systems in our bodies that sustain neurological problems. If we are always on the go – searching and struggling to solve the problem – our bodies are never able to hang back and get the rest and space that it needs to heal.

Believe me when I say that the body really does know how to heal. Just give your body the power to heal and let recovery unfold gently in its own time. Focus on the health side rather than the disease side.

Yes, it may take a little time to come back into balance. No one ever said (certainly not me) that the body can heal quickly or instantly.  Allow it a little time and patience. Then, relish in the signals and signs of recovery as they unfold gradually and effortless over the coming months.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease 

I’m very sorry I was unable to get to the seminar due to financial difficulty, however, I listened to your radio show on Trauma and believe that it played a major part in my PD

I’m having a little challenge in your website with connecting to the online course. I have purchased 3 of your books, but would like to further my efforts into getting the trauma under control. Is there an access to instructions on your site with a program I can do. Finances have been stretched with medical bills and supplements that its difficult for me to join a therapy program that is expensive. I was going to do Qigong or boxing at a facility but the cost would break me, so I’m doing some on you tube. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it. I have to beat this……

Trish

Hi Trish:

I have created a 50% discount coupon for the online Jump Start to Recovery course which covers the same topics we just finished working with at the Alderbrook Jump Start program that concluded yesterday. There is an extended section in the course that identifies ways to release trauma. Many of the  methods I suggest are free to do.

I decided to put the content up onto an online course because Udemy (the company that maintains the course) offers a lifetime access. It is the best deal in town to be sure. If you are having problems signing up for the online course,  keep in mind that you first have to sign up with Udemy by entering your email and creating a password. The second step is to register for the course. You can get started by clicking on the link for the course that includes the discount: Jump Start to Recovery Online Course.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Below is an email I have permission to post from Larry who was told he has symptoms of early Parkinsonism. As reported in his email to me below Larry has a fascinating account about his journey down the road to recovery. Did he have Parkinsons or …?

Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Hello, Robert.

In September 2014 a neurologist concluded that I exhibited symptoms of early Parkinsonism, which I understand could well be the initial stages of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This followed a brain scan that discounted other explanations: tumour, aneurism, stroke. The diagnosis explained symptoms of slowly-increasing severity that I first became aware of some two years (?) earlier.

Those symptoms (mainly evident in my left hand) are declining finger dexterity – speed, strength, and proprioception, the effects of which are difficulty touch typing, tying laces, fastening buttons, using cutlery, etcetera and ad nauseam.

The neurologist concluded this no-hope-diagnosis with the cheerful thought that because I was at the time 74, I would likely die of some other ailment before the PD symptoms became debilitating, and should they worsen, there was always the promise relief by drugs.

Now, one year later, he has decided that because my symptoms have not worsened in the slightest that I don’t have PD after all! In fact, I am remarkably fit for my age. (I played ice hockey last winter and tennis this summer.) As for my “symptoms”, well, he has no explanation.”

Larry

Cause of Parkinsons Disease is Multifaceted

My research over the past decade has revealed many surprising conditions that cause the symptoms which include (but are certainly not limited to) toxins, infections, trauma, stress and thoughts that we rattle around our heads that are not conducing to recovery. I discuss all of these issues and more during the radio show today.

Hello Robert: This is all mew to us. My 62 year old fiance has insulin dependent diabetes and severe neuropathy in his feet from the diabetes and he has started having jumpy hands, fingers, legs, and other areas of jumpiness in his body such as his eyes twitching and shoulders jumping and some twitching of muscles. He takes morphine for severe chronic arthritis pain in his low back and tailbone. He takes reglin for diabetic slow stomach emptying. He also takes oxycontin for breakthrough pain. His balance issues was caused form the diabeteic neuropathy which he had way before the jumpey problems started. He did not have the jumpy problems until about 6 months ago and it is progressively getting worse a little at a time but is not severe yet. It is not constant but he does jump and twitch in his sleep too as I have noticed this when he is asleep.

Do you think he has Parkinsons Disease? We are very concerned about this, but he does not I am writing to you as I am very concerned for him. Will Parkinsons take his life and does it cause Alzhemiers Disease which I know can eventually take a persons life. How advanced are the drugs for Parkinsons as far as slowing or stopping Parkinsons Disease? How much and for how long do these drugs slow the progression of Parkinsons Disease? Which drugs do you think are the best on the market to use for Parkinsons Disease. Are their any other disease that this could be besides Parkinsons. Any help you can give me is very much appreciated as I don’t want to loose him as he is my whole life. We both met after we had both gone through bad divorces and have only been together 11 yrs and I would like to spend many more years with him. By the way I am 60 and he is 62. Do you think if he had bariatric surgery for weight loss ( he is about 310lbs and 6 foot 2 inches tall) and we have read that gastric bypass surgery will put the diabetes in remisssion as long as he adheres to the eating program after the surgery for good. I am going to have the surgery and I think it will help him too. Any help or information you can give us is very much appreciated.

Sincerely

Andrea

Response to your jumpy hands question follows ,,,

You have ask a series of questions that involve diagnosing and treating conditions medically with medications and surgeries. I am not the resource who can answer these types of questions which should be addressed to a medical doctor.

From the perspective of a researcher, I have two observations to offer. First, I would recommend that you investigate the side effects of the medications he is taking. Some of his current issues may be due to side effects. Keep in mind there is no research that reports side effects when two medications are used in conjunction with one another, much less more than two medications. The medications themselves combine together to create unreported side effects. Making matters even more complicated, the effects of medications differ depending on the person. Some people can tolerate them. Others cannot.

My second observation to your jumpy hands question is to suggest you take a different perspective. All of your questions address the treatment of symptoms. If you want to be together for another 30 years, think about finding and treating what is causing the symptoms. When it comes to reversing the symptoms of diabetes, diet changes do the trick. Change what you eat every day and you will be dazzled at the result.

Best of luck to the two of you and may you be together for another 30 years.

Robert Rodgers PhD
What is wrong with Me? 
Seven Secrets to Healing

.

Hi Robert: First of all, let me congratulate you for your nice work. It helps me a lot. though, I have 2 questions I could not find any answer in your blog about depression and Parkinsons.

1. You mention your book relating a few people that have recovered. And you also mention you are a researcher. I wonder if you have some data (bigger than these 11 people) that have completely or almost completely recovered. And where to find these data.

There are actually two Pioneers of Recovery books: A first set and a second set. I used to be a quantitative researcher and did analyses of huge data sets. I decided that was only proving the obvious.

I have switched over the past decade to qualitative or case study research. You get to hear the full story from each person about how they reversed their symptoms. A relatively small number of people are willing to tell their stories, but I can assure you that I hear reports from many people who have been successful in their healing journey. I might add – what does it matter anyway? Isn’t the most important issue for you to find the cause and heal it?

2. Also, and most important, how to deal with the depression related to PD? where to find it in your blog?

On the blog: click on the category listed in the right column entitled “depression help.” The posts that related to depression will pop up.

thanks again for your comments about depression and Parkinsons.
Eneas

You are most welcome Eneas.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery 
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Subscribe to the Parkinsons Recovery Newsletter: http://robert_12.subscribemenow.com

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Qigong and Parkinson’s

I am committed to a wellness model…I especially am exploring qigong at least 2 hrs/day for the past 10 mo.

I would like to titrate off of my daily 5 to 6 Sinemets (25/100mg) as well as my 1 mg of Azilect. I have limited myself to 4 Sinemets/day the last three. So far, OK.

Also it seems to me that there are stores of dopamine in the body as I take mylast sinemet at 6:30, sleep from 11 pm ’til about 4 am. I do about 90 min of Qigong and feel the most normal. What’s perplexing is that I can feel so good after about ten hours of last sinemet???? Are you aware of why this occurs? …when the 1/2 life, I believe is abou 90 minutes.???? I am grateful for your sharing of what has worked for others.

Blessings, John

Hi John:

Congratulations on your incredible wellness program! Hooray I say!

The thinking about the medication in your question focuses on the effects of medications independent of any other interventions or therapies the person is doing. Your body naturally makes dopamine when you practice Qigong. This is why our ancestors practiced Qigong for thousands of years! It is a tried and true therapy to be sure. I suspect that you are able to take less medication because your body is able to manufacture more of it naturally.

My suggestion for you is to watch my discussion below on the causes of Parkinson’s disease symptoms. As a researcher I have concluded that the causes are many and multi-faceted. If the intent is to suppress symptoms, flooding the body with more dopamine is the standard, tried and true approach that works more often than not. If you are interested in healing from the inside out, the focus turns on a very different journey to discover and treat the causes.

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Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

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