Category Archives: recovery

Sue Richard’s Story of Recovery

Parkinsons Recovery challenges the false belief that Parkinson’s is a degenerative “disease” by documenting cases of individuals who have made remarkable recoveries. Some of the recoveries are complete in the sense that the person is symptom free today. Other recoveries are partial in the sense that the person has seen remarkable improvements. Both cases are documented in my book Pioneers of Recovery.

Once anyone realizes that people do recover, it is much easier to fully and completely believe in your heart and soul that the body knows how to heal itself.

I have another remarkable story of recovery for you: Sue Richards – who is my guest on the radio show Thursday – September 16th at 11:00 am pacific time.

One year ago she was using a walker, unable to work and seriously handicapped. Today Sue walks without a walker. She is ready to look for work. She is  functional.

How did Sue make this miracle happen? Hear her complete story by calling the following toll free phone number during the radio show: (877) 590-0733

Or, listen at your computer by visiting:

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

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Jump Start to Wellness
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinson’s Disease News

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

Momentum of Recovery

There is a momentum to recovery. Once you launch on the road to recovery – it has an inertia of its own. When you begin to feel a little bit better each and every day – you want to continue to feel better.

This divine force is fed and nurtured by being in the presence of others who are also on the road to recovery. Each and every one of us need to be nourished by the voices of others who are making it happen for themselves.

I now – at this hour – in this time – and at this place – call out to everyone who has a passion …

  • to get better –
  • to feel better –
  • to recover –

to join with me and others at the Parkinsons Recovery Jump Start to Recovery annual program in San Diego.

Jump Start to Wellness is a time to connect with others who are embracing the call to manifest their destiny – to create a life for themselves and their family that is divinely inspired – a life lived to the fullest in a body that is coming back into perfect balance and harmony.

We all know that the voice of hope is the call to recovery.

Listen to the many voices of hope who will gather at one place and one time – in San Diego October 18th – 20th.

Click on the registration page to claim your 50% discount by entering “jumpstartme”on the coupon code field of the shopping cart.

http://www.member.parkinsonsrecovery.com/discounts/jump%20start/index.html

Or, call toll free 1-877-526-4646 to register.

This special 50% discount opportunity expires on Friday, September 17th at midnight, as do the significantly  discounted  Parkinsons Recovery group rates at the Bahia Catamaban Resort Hotel in San Diego, California USA.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Jump Start to Wellness
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinson’s Disease News

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

Incredible People

Incredible People

By

Daniel Loney

I recently returned from a fantastic five week visit to the U.S. I had been invited by the Parkinson’s Recovery organization to give a series of Tai Chi workshops to Parkinson’s people during an eight day cruise to Alaska. After the cruise, I gave several workshops in Washington and Oregon on behalf of the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation.  And then, before returning to Israel, I spent a week in New York where I attended some dance sessions for Parkinson’s people, sponsored by the Mark Morris Dance Group.

One evening during the cruise, my brother and I were having dinner with Robert Rodgers and Deborah Russell, the founders of Parkinson’s Recovery.  In the course of our conversation, Robert turned to me and said,

“Danny, all week long people have been coming up to me and saying that the Tai Chi is great, but Danny is incredible.”

His words went straight to my heart.  I was fighting to keep back tears. Robert continued,

“When you do your Tai Chi, you do it with such passion that the room just explodes with a high frequency energy that draws other people in, prompting them to be involved.”

I was overwhelmed that I had such an impact on others.  Tai Chi is one of my passions in life.  When I am doing Tai Chi, I feel at my best.  I go deep into myself, to a place where Parkinson’s symptoms melt away.  Just as a painter expresses his inner most self through his painting, and a poet through his poetry; I express my inner most self through my Tai Chi.

This “frequency explosion”, or whatever you want to call it, repeated itself with every subsequent workshop that I did.  Participants’ faces would light up with smiles as they followed my movements.  At the conclusion of the Mercer Island workshop near Seattle, people were standing around in small groups, discussing the workshop. In one group, Bill Bell, president of the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation was commenting to others that the energy level in the room was so high that people could not keep from participating.  One woman in the group said that when we were doing our Qi Gong exercises, she felt as if I were lifting her hands for her.

There is certainly nothing special about me. If I am incredible, then it must be because I am surrounded by incredible people.  In fact, the Parkinson’s group on the cruise was filled with many incredible people who were taking active roles in finding relief and healing from their Parkinson’s symptoms. One such incredible person is Dave Yonce.  Talking with Dave is a wonderful experience.  He has a gentle personality and his life is packed with adventures.  He related to me how, in his younger years, he had walked and hitch hiked across North Africa and had tried to enter Israel. But, because there was no peace agreement at that time between Egypt and Israel, he was not permitted to cross the border.  Dave recently completed a walk across the Olympian Peninsula in the state of Washington, a trek of more than fifty miles (80 kilometers).  I looked at Dave wondering how on earth he had accomplished that task, as Dave had marked trembling in both hands and certainly did not look able to do such a feat.

The next morning I understood how he had walked such a distance.  As the ship docked at Ketchikan, my brother and I disembarked to walk around and see the town.  After walking some distance, we stopped to rest and take some pictures.  Suddenly, I noticed Dave and his wife walking in our direction.  As a Tai Chi instructor, I pay particular attention to people’s posture, how they move their bodies and how they walk.  As I watched Dave approach, I was witnessing one of the most astounding acts of movement I have ever seen.  Dave was gliding along, with big strides, effortlessly and efficiently moving his body.  As he floated by, he moved like a graceful crane as if he was skimming on top of water.  Dave smiled at us as he passed and I turned my head staring at him as he disappeared off in the distance.  Later, we managed to catch up with Dave.  I noticed him through the window of a small café, comfortably parked at a table having a bite to eat.  He looked relaxed, comfortable, and energized as he smiled through the window at me.  By that time, I was sweaty and exhausted after clomping along trying to keep pace with my brother.  I have since tried many times to replicate Dave’s walk, but to no success.  I hope that I will see Dave again so that I can study his walk in greater detail.

While I was at a Parkinson’s dance class in New York, I met another incredible person, Pamela Quinn.  Pamela is a professional dancer who developed the symptoms of Parkinson’s at a young age.  She is currently 55 years old and has had Parkinson’s for fifteen years.  As she started teaching her class, there was that same explosion of energy that Robert had described about my classes.  Participants were smiling and laughing and enjoying themselves.  I was deeply moved as I watched her guide the class through her routines. She had such grace and poise.  Pam is extremely innovative in her approach and has developed many exercises that address specific Parkinson’s symptoms.  I had taken my camera along, but I was so mesmerized by Pam’s passion and positive energy that I completely forgot to take the pictures.

So what made my visit to the States so special?  It was special because I discovered that each one and every one of us has the opportunity to become incredible. I learned that we become incredible by living and investing ourselves to the fullest of our abilities in pursuit of our passions in life. And when we begin to share our passion with others, we release explosive high frequency energy that brings healing, encouragement, comfort, and joy to everyone around us.

Links:

Parkinson’s Recovery Home

http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Parkinson’s Recovery Radio Blog     http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

Pamela Quinn:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHXP0xjxnq8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhxtqwHO9Tg

My Old Energy Has Returned

I was diagnosed early stage PD last January and have been on Sinemet ever since. I wasn”t seeing any definitive response to the med which my doctor saw as troubling, suspecting that might mean I had Parkinson’s plus… a grimmer diagnosis that simple Parkinsons. We worked up to 7 pills per day, which is a lot to start off with.

I felt better but honestly I myself wasn”t 100% sure it was because of the meds, because by that time (now i was 6 months post dx) I had gone beyond the shock and initial depression I had experienced upon initial diagnosis and was heavily into alternative treatments… (acupuncture, Chinese herbs, massage, exercise, twice weekly yoga, rest, meditation, Reiki, etc). reading your book was extremely helpful and inspiring. Facing my own deeper negative thought patterns was critical… particularly the belief that i wasn”t really ever going to recover.

My old energy has returned. Although I am not symptom free I do feel better as I learn how to take charge of my health more and more every day. Slowly I have come to believe in my capacity to recover. what a journey!

2 months ago I started gradually reducing my daily Sinemet from the peak of 7 pills to now 3, ramping it down half a pill per week. I plan on continuing this as long as I feel well, intending to get off it altogether several more weeks from now. Obviously  I am pleased with this development,  and recognize there will likely be more hurdles to overcome as I go forward. the point is I am ready for the challenge.

Dan

Now is the Time to Decide

I have talked with many of you who I know have been thinking about attending this year’s Parkinsons Recovery Jump Start to Wellness program. This year’s 2 1/2 day program will be held in San Diego, California October 18th – 20th.

I know October seems a long time away, but now is the time to decide whether you will be joining us so you can get the best travel deal possible.  Some  people waited until the last minute to decide and paid a premium for travel.

Can’t decide whether you want to attend?  Check out the group picture of the individuals who attended the 2009 Jump Start to Wellness program.

I discussed the intent and design of Jump Start to Wellness during my radio show today.You can get the scoop by visiting:

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

For more information about Jump Start to Wellness, click HERE or call me at our toll free phone number: 10877-526-4646.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
1-877-526-4646 (Toll Free)

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Jump Start to Wellness
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

Exciting News of Recovery

Good morning Robert.

I am as high as the 4th of July – no pun intended. I saw my neurologist yesterday – he is the head of the Movement Disorder Clinic in Vancouver, BC. They could find very few symptoms of Parkinson’s and were quite amazed. He said that the neurosurgeon who will call me about DBS surgery will probably say that I am doing too well!

I did keep asking them if they wanted to know why I was doing so well and I mentioned antioxidants, change in attitude, changes in diet and increased exercises … There were two nurses in the room who are also with this program and at the end of the appointment I asked them if they wanted to talk with me but they declined. I just hope that I have planted some seeds for change here.

I thought you two would be interested in the remarks of my holistic physiotherapist who I have been seeing for 12 years – she has been super for me.

Marilyn, huge congratulations! That is fantastic news and I know you will find the people who are receptive to your message to pass it on to. You’ve done great healing with your intention, positivity and openness to what is possible.

You’re a great role model of the healing journey and I’m very appreciative that you have shared part of your journey with me.


Thank you.

Warmth and Light,

Sharon

Adopt the Placebo Effect as a Potent Therapy

Question:

I read the book of Dr J. Coleman [Stop Parkin and Start Livin]  as well as many other books & it is encouraging to know we can recover. I understood that 90% of the work is to nurture healthy beliefs, to find & release known & unknown negative images – bottom line to change the mind. It is a daily routine to maintain the focus on wellness & recovery while we are feeling symptomatic. I must confess it is a tough journey but it is worth it. I choose this path & GOD is helping.

I don’t like the way the drugs make me feel & my plan is to reduce the doses when I am ready. I started to take regularly FAVA BEANS as part of my diet, also taking 3 serving of fish/week pm. I cannot describe my way any further because we are told there is no specific programme, everything must be individualized.

at last my question for Dr. Rodgers – What is the best way to trigger a placebo EFFECT & maintain it to reach the recovery.

Thank you for your work

Abi

Response:

I agree totally that the key is a transformation of our negative thoughts. I believe this transformation was so critical to recovery that I recently published my book, Five Steps to Recovery, and recorded meditations that go along with the book that say absolutely nothing about therapies that can help and everything about the five critical steps that are necessary to transform thought forms.

The placebo effect is simply a way of installing the belief that you are going to get better. You have already triggered a placebo for yourself by virtue of your acknowledgment that thoughts are the difference that makes the difference to recovery.

The formidable challenge turns on the second part of your question: How do you maintain the belief that recovery is possible, especially when symptoms can flare at any moment. It is easy to switch a positive
outlook into a negative one in a matter of seconds.

The key is to acknowledge that maintaining the belief that recovery is happening is a moment to moment process. We all can choose in any given moment to criticize, judge and be negative about our situation or to instill thoughts that embrace hope, new possibilities, new visions and new life for ourselves and our family.

We have over 60,000 thoughts a day.  An interesting twist for most of us is that 90% of those thoughts are the same thoughts we had yesterday, the day before and a year ago. We trash ourselves with negative thoughts day in and day out.

Simply put, we humans are really not very creative when it comes to the thoughts that we express to ourselves. Perhaps we have an affinity for being redundant. Perhaps we get negative pleasure in beating up on ourselves.

A practice that works is to recognize the hamster wheel of negative thinking when it starts to turn – to acknowledge the power of negative thought forms when they rear their ugly head – and to release, remove, detach and eject and shield those thoughts from pestering us again. The challenge is to hop off of the hamster wheel and hop onto a vehicle that takes us on a road we do want to travel, the Road to Recovery.

Maintaining the beliefs that will make us well depends on a steady focus and unwavering intention. Day by day negativity is released, allowing new possibilities to become manifest. This is not an easy process. It takes time and focus. But, it is doable.

At Parkinsons Recovery we devote time and attention to helping people who attend our Jump Start to Wellness programs with just this type of transformation. It makes the difference between coming back into balance and nurturing the spirit of our souls or sustaining a state of disharmony that nurtures the symptoms of discomfort and disease.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Jump Start to Wellness
Parkinsons Recovery Radio CDs
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinsons Recovery Radio Network

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

Roller Coaster Ride

Gabby gave me permission to post her e mail to me today in response to one of my newsletters. May her strength and courage be an inspiration to us all.

Robert Rodgers, PhD

Thanks Robert for this much needed inspiration. I got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes because it felt like you were describing me to a T. I feel like I’m on a roller coaster and never know what to expect from one day to the next.

On good days I feel great (like the old me) and sometimes even catch myself wondering whether my diagnosis was accurate. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, I’ll have a few really bad days, my tremors will get worse and my chest muscles are in such pain I struggle to breathe. Having historically been a very healthy and active person who has also been a bit of a control freak, I am struggling to adjust to my new life of uncertainty.

Having said that I am very spiritual and know that God has literally carried me this last year. I also believe very much in the power of our minds and as a single mom of 2 teenagers I just have to cope. It has helped me to remain as positive as possible, put my head down and just push through, taking one day at a time and knowing that God is there to help me when the going gets tough.

I have just recently started a new job which is extremely pressurized and stressful and I am really struggling to keep my head above water but don’t really have a choice. I have been quite concerned about the effect this is having on my condition but your email has encouraged me to just remain positive and believe that I can cope and I will be okay!

Thank you.

Gabby

Another on the Road to Recovery

Just a quick note to tell you that after the cruise I was feeling so much better that I went off Sinemet

It’s been 20 days and so far I’m feeling better and better.  I think I’m on the right track. I also think it’s because I learned useful information  from your Jump Start Program and the cruise.  I wanted to thank you again for your efforts

Thanks and I’ll  keep you updated

Tom Harrelson

One More Letter from One Who is Recovering

You are getting some fascinating letters from others who are recovering – so good to know. I have quit leading 2 groups in the valley and now have more time to recover.

Suzanne Jonas’s Cd’s are marvelous and make a real difference. Randy Mentzer is helping with nutrition, medications and supplements.

The biggest change was the experience on the cruise of a deep knowing that I am getting better. I won’t be at Jump Start in Oct, though – too close to Mom’s big birthday bash. It will be a 3 day affair with over 120 people invited, she is so pumped. I do know where I get my stick to it attitude and she really enjoyed meeting you and the group. Thanks for making her feel special.

Marilyn

Parkinsons Disease Progression

Below is a letter I received from Dirk who describes the exciting progress of recovery of his wife. Please take not that “progression” in this case – as with so many other stories I document here on the Parkinsons Recovery blog -  is toward recovery, not deterioration. Veronika is clearly on the road to recovery.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

.Dear Robert,

You are doing a great job. Compared to a year ago, Veronika is doing somewhat better. She has more energy, the lip curling disappeared, her arms are moving better when walking, so we are optimistic and believe that the turnaround – similar to Nathan Zakheim – is forthcoming but might be a year or two away. [Nathans’ story of recovery is documented in Pioneers of Recovery].

Our diet is 70% raw and we bought recently a water ionizer (Kangen Water) that might also help with her osteoporosis.

She is now for one year on Dr. Paneri’s medicine. A friend of ours from Vancouver, who has also PD and is on Dr. Paneri’s medicine, confirmed that it is working. Last winter – because of a postal error – he was for one month without ajurvedic medicine and felt lousy and as soon he got new supplies his condition bettered. He went last summer over to India and spend a few weeks around Dr. Paneri. He told me that he met quite a few patients who were definitely on the road to recovery.

I am doing everything I can to help her and get her body in a condition to heal itself. But there are still some issues from her abusive childhood experiences that might be the root cause of her PD. Earlier this year we were listening in Puerto Vallarta to your interviews
[http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery] and I have to dig those ones out again, that were dealing with psychological damage.

It is too bad that – so far – we were not able to attend one of your seminars [Jump Start to Wellness]. But we will make it one of these days.

Thank you  again.

Cheers,

Dirk

Spiritual Growth from Parkinson’s

I have just returned from a trip to the Rocky Mountains in Jasper Alberta – attending a friend’s daughter’s wedding. It was a 9 hour car ride that I was dreading that turned out very positive. I took along Suzanne’s Cd’s and my portable player, drank in the splendor and generally felt very well.

How do I  tell people about the spiritual growth that is happening for me that is making all the difference. Physical symptoms just seem to be insignificant – the peace and joy I am experiencing is awesome.

Thank you for the cruise and your program. I very much felt a community of people committed to Recovering and also supporting each other – a solid foundation. I am no longer frantic to tell my story, rather I will spend my time doing the work I need to and sharing with those who are interested – it is so freeing up.

Marilyn

Story of Recovery from Parkinson’s Disease by Detoxing Lead, Arsenic and Mercury

Joan has given me permission to post this most remarkable story about her recent recovery.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Hello Robert,

It has been a while since we communicated but with reasons. Shortly after you were here in Lexington, I went somewhere into a tremendous panic situation finally diagnosed as “Panic Disorder”. As usual, I wanted NO DRUGS and it took a bit to locate natural products to manage and stop this thing! It was not a kind place to be and it took a grave toll on me. So………I got SERIOUS! I wanted NO MORE OF THIS AND NO MORE PARKINSON’S DISEASE!

I searched for and found a Medical Doctor who practiced natural therapies……yes “cures” and “recoveries”! Thank God he is only a short 30-minute drive from me in a lovely small town called Midway, Kentucky. His clinic is Midway Center for Integrative Medicine, 129 Winter Street, www.themidwaycenter.com . He has helped me, Robert!

I went to him with HOPE and came away with real facts for recovery. He diagnosed me  with LEAD, ARSENIC, AND MERCURY poisoning in my whole nervous system from simple blood tests and I am NOW ON MY WAY TO RECOVERY!! When I said to him,

“You mean I do not have Parkinsons?!!”

His reply was direct and loaded with impact! His reply,

“Don’t put a label on it!”

He placed me on a full detox program with nutritional supplements to increase my health that had been so damaged by doctors who only treated my SYMPTOMS and never the CAUSE!! I have seen seven neurologists in seven years of dealing with this horrid “disease” who all ended up with the same position. MRI, Cat Scan, and diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. When I finally asked the last one at the University of Kentucky Neurological Institute to do a toxicology test, she refused saying it would do no good because I have the disease. THIS IS SAD!! So many people……..such a dastardly disease……….and with doctors who won’t even TRY to step outside their boxes of comfort and paychecks!!

On March 23 I went to Dr. Roach the first time. He did blood work and diagnosed the CAUSE of my nervous system that was a mess from being attacked by poisons. He started me on certain few supplements ahead of getting the results back from the Lab and I began to FEEL BETTER inside a week! Just FEELING BETTER increased my HOPE and my TRUST in a Doctor was finally beginning to grow. See the comparisons listed here in less than two months recovery!!!

March 23 SYMPTOMS

• wheelchair bound and I was seriously considering a nursing home
• basic frozen body, total weakness, inability to move at all most times
• severe toes spasms and cramps
• tremors so massive my body, at times, would violently shake to almost injury
• slurred speech and drooling
• unable to stand or walk beyond 10 feet
• been to emergency room for panic attacks and inability to move while standing
three times since September 2009
• disinterest, not able to even go to Christmas with my family
• all the other stuff that goes along with this “disease’

APRIL 30 SYMPTOMS

•  No wheelchair since April 20! Though for very long days I take it in case of need
• freezing gone……….some minor feelings come and go throughout the day and
getting better; toes improved 60%; mild weakness
• tremors down to ZERO!
• No slurred speech; no drooling
• I walk everywhere……….even though it is often painful and at times I have to sit a
bit longer than I want to give my body time of recovery from the minor freezes
• on my first visit, Dr Roach told me (on my 3rd visit) that he thought my IQ was
really low………but on this 3rd visit April 20, he said my brain is “just fine!’

I told him about you, Robert. He would very much like to communicate with you! I hope you can as THIS IS THE KIND OF DOCTOR NEEDED IN THIS PROFESSION WHERE NO SCIENCE-BACKED M.D. HAS A DESIRE TO TREAT THE CAUSE AND NOT JUST SYMPTOMS OF ALL DISEASES!

Robert, he says 6 months to two years should see me recovered! I WILL TAKE THIS DIAGNOSIS ANY DAY!!

Joan

Power Within to Get Relief from the Symptoms of Parkinson’s

I received the e mail below last night from Danny. It makes my heart sing to know that my new book, Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease [http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me]  is having a positive impact on people who are on the Road to Recovery.

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

Your book, Road to Recovery is absolutely phenomenal.  I’ve only read the first 50 pages and I can’t put it down.  I had to force myself to take a break and write you this email.  During my 10+ years with Parkinson’s, I have had doctors, family members, support group friends and personal friends insisting that with Parkinson’s I will get progressively worse as time goes by until I am eventually completely disabled.
.

How refreshing to finally find someone who tells me that that is not necessarily the case, that I have the power within me to relieve my symptoms and to heal myself. I have always felt deep down that it is possible to get better and as you know I have made much progress in that direction through the use of tai chi.

In your book, you provide proof that it is indeed possible through a myriad of alternative approaches, with the research and stories of people who have been successful.You provide the information in such a positive and optimistic light, allowing the reader to experiment, discover, and develop his own Road to Recovery that is suitable for his own individual journey.

You encourage us to live life to the fullest, using our creative powers to experience the wonderful things that life has to offer us.  These are indeed the best years of our lives.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Danny

Five Steps to Recovery

Perhaps the most formidable challenge for everyone on the road to recovery is to persist, stay on track and maintain the commitment that is needed to recover. This I must say is no minor challenge. People
tell me consistently that when they take a vacation from eating healthy food, exercising or abandoning therapies that help them, their symptoms worsen. Guaranteed.

How does anyone maintain the focus that is needed to stay on track? It certainly helps to have a daily infusion of hope which is why I invented the member website and the Parkinsons Weekly Reader.

New Year’s resolutions can also certainly help us all sustain the discipline and commitment that is so critical to a recovery program.

My exciting announcement for the New Year is that I just released my book, Five Steps to Recovery, as a paperback. Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease was released Christmas. It has been an exciting
month for me and Parkinsons Recovery.

Until now, Five Steps to Recovery has only been available as a download (or desktop). I kept promising many of you that the print book would be available soon (but it has been six months). Five Steps to Recovery lays out the five steps  that are necessary to transform negative thought forms into positive ones. When we hold positive thoughts moment to moment, day in and day out, we can manifest whatever our heart desires – health, wellness,
abundance, happiness, joy – you name it.

You can find out more about Five Steps to Recovery and how to order the paperback by visiting:

http://www.fivestepstorecovery.com

Information on ordering Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease is here:

http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Recovery Blocks from Family Systems

Have you been trying one therapy after another with some success, but still see no profound improvement in your symptoms? Are you at your wits end with experimenting? Have you spent tons money on therapies but do not feel substantially better? Have you started to believe that recovery is impossible for anyone with Parkinson’s?

There may be a dynamic at play here which is below the surface and entirely unconscious. A hidden dynamic in the family system from long ago and far away may be impeding your recovery. How can this happen? How can an ancestor you never met and know nothing about influence your health today?

I interview Dee Yoh , family constellation facilitator, who explains how this can happen and have a compelling impact on a person with Parkinson’s. Visit: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

 

Recovery is Happening for Me

I received permission from Monica to posted her e mail to me yesterday:
I, LIKE YOU, HAD NEVER BEEN ENOUGH FOR MYSELF.  MY BODY EXPRESSED THIS AT AGE 50 WITH SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS.  DEEP INSIDE I WAS SO TIRED OF BEING DRIVEN AND WHEN DIAGNOSED WAS RELIEVED TO HAVE  AN EXCUSE TO GET OFF THE MERRY-GO-ROUND. AFTER    5 YRS I AM HAPPY TO BE A MORE REAL ME.  IN MAY 09 I DECLARED MYSELF TO RECOVERY.  IN JULY 09 I BEGAN AQUAS.

IN OCT 09 I SHARED WITH JOHN COLEMAN MY PROGRESS AND TOOK EVEN MORE SERIOUSLY THE PRACTICE OF SELF-LOVE.  IM SEEING TEENY TINY IMPROVEMENTS THAT I ATTRIBUTE TO CHANGED THOUGHT FORMS.  ABOUT A MONTH AGO I MADE AN APPT TO SEE ABOUT STARTING PD MEDS IN DEC.  WHY?  BECAUSE MY RIGHT FOOT WAS STICKING TO THE GROUND A LITTLE MORE THAN  I WAS COMFORTABLE WITH.  I DECIDED TO BE IN A FEAR STATE OVER THIS INSTEAD OF THE IDEA THAT THIS TOO SHALL PASS.  IT PASSED.  IM IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY. IM STILL GOING TO SEE ABOUT MEDS….ALTHOUGH TAKING DOPAMINE CAPSULES HAS HELPED ME I THINK.

I THINK HAVING A MORE RELAXED FORGIVING OF SYMPTOM FLAREUPS IS THE KEY THOUGH.  THE OLD FEAR-BASED, DRIVEN, IM NOT ENOUGH EGO, IM REALIZING MAKES SYMPTOMS WORSE THAN THEY WOULD BE OTHERWISE.  OLD HABITS DONT SERVE ME AT ALL…
YOUR SELF INTERVIEW HAD A PROFOUND EFFECT ON MY WAY OF THINKING AND  I THANK YOU DEEPLY.

MONICA
When Monica sent me an e mail today giving permission to post her e mail, she added the following exciting news:
TODAY IS ANOTHER GREAT DAY AND IM SSOO HAPPY……IM ON A HIGH..RECOVERY IS HAPPENING FOR ME
Monica

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources

Jump Start to Wellness
Parkinsons Recovery Weekly Reader
Parkinsons Recovery Chat RoomSymptom Tracker
Parkinsons Recovery Radio Network
Aqua Hydration Formulas

Books

Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons
Stop Parkin’ and Start Livin’

Experience of a Lifetime at Jump Start

My mission at Jump Start to Wellness November 30th (Monday) and December 1st (Tuesday)  is to help everyone who attends get a jump start on their recovery from the symptoms of Parkinson’s. This means there are no PowerPoint presentations.  There are no boring lectures by professors. This is no regurgitation by me from the books I have written about Parkinson’s or the meditations I have recorded.

Rather, Jump Start is a two day event to be experienced.  Are allergies to certain foods creating problems for you?  Find at at Jump Start.  Are toxins creating havoc with your neurological system? Come to Jump Start. If trauma is the cause, how can you release the trauma that is stored in your tissues? Come to Jump Start. You get to sort out what you need to feel better.

Don’t get me wrong. We are not diagnosing anything here. After all, we are not medical doctors. Rather, we help you figure out for yourself the answers. I believe your body knows the answers. Our job is to help you figure out for yourself  how to hear what your body needs now. Your body has all the answers. You just have to figure out how to listen.

Jump Start to Wellness is a truly transformative experience. If you are determined to get a jump start on your own road to recovery, it is the place to be on November 30th.

Discover more by visiting http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com/jumpstart.html

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
www.Parkinsons Recovery

Cure for Parkinson’s

Question:

Outside of John Coleman and Nathan Zakheim, have you interviewed or met anyone else who has fully recovered (symptom free) from PD?  If so, could you tell me who they are and what they did to recover.

Thanks.

Carl

Response:

As you state above, I have interviewed two people who declare they are “symptom free” after having advanced symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. They are John Coleman, ND and Nathan Zakheim. I included interviews with both persons in Pioneers of Recovery.

I document many other stories of recovery here on the blog and on my radio program. Generally, most people report symptoms that fluctuate widely that involve symptom free periods and periods when symptoms flare (usually connected to stress).

Before pondering your question I had planned to do just as you suggest. My initial idea was to maintain a count of people who are symptom free and those whose symptoms are improving. I talk with many people who are feeling much better, but I do not have their permission to tell their stories or even add them to the count. The only stories I can report during the radio program interviews and the e mails are by people who give me permission to post them (with their first names only).

Thanks to your question, I have decided not to construct a “count” on the basis of symptoms as a function of whether they fully or partially resolved.  I realize now that such a “count” would place the emphasis on the wrong side of the coin – on the goal of becoming symptom free. What is the  problem with this emphasis? You are most likely thinking, “Isn’t that the whole point of recovery?”

All successful recovery programs hinge on maintaining a healthy inventory of positive thoughts. The challenge for all of us is that our egos entangle us in a nightmare of negative thoughts throughout the day which trips us up and creates mobility difficulties.

We get angry:

Why am I not feeling better today?

We get frustrated:

Why did a new symptom flare up today? I have suffered long enough.

We get impatient:

Why do I have nothing to show from my hard work?

We get fearful:

Why does my family believe I will get worse and worse. Is it true Parkinson’s is “progressive”?

We get depressed:

Why should I bother trying anything new? Nothing is working out.

We get mental:

Where is the evidence for recovery?

I could continue with 100 pages of questions inspired by our cleaver egos, but you get the point from the short list above. Our egos keep us stuck in the mud. It happens to all of us. No one in a body escapes.

Here is the rub. When our thoughts throughout the day are intent on eliminating symptoms or becoming “symptom free” we give energy to what we do not wish to manifest. If we agonize about becoming symptom free, any hope of recovery will inevitably backfire. We get the opposite of what we want. We give energy to what we do not want. If a majority of thoughts during the day focus on becoming symptom free, we nurture the sympt0ms, guaranteeing they will continue to pester us.

I admit this sounds counter intuitive, so let me explain. Focusing on becoming “symptom free” suspends you in a space of negative thinking that hangs out in collective consciousness. Every thought has a frequency. Those that center around “eliminating symptoms” are low frequency thoughts that can never manifest health and wellness. Rather, such thoughts sustain disease and illness. The thought

I want to be symptom free”

focuses on what you do not want rather than what you do want to manifest.

A key to recovery is to take control over our thoughts moment to moment. As I wrote Five Steps to Recovery (which is all about transforming our thoughts), I monitored my own thoughts each day.

Geez. I could not believe what I discovered. I roll the same negative thoughts around my head every day. The number of new thoughts was unbelievably tiny when compared to the thousands of negative thoughts I recycled every day. It was if I was living the same day over and over as I  listened to the same  record of depressing songs.

Have you ever seen the movie Groundhog Day where Bill Murray re-lives the same  day every fricking day? The trap of negative thinking is just like the nightmare Bill Murray faced every day.  You might as well read the same book every day of your life, year after year. The first day the book is  interesting. After several months (much less decades) the book gets pretty darn boring.  The juices of life get drained very quickly.

When I keep recycling the same negative thoughts, I have no prayer of changing any circumstance in my life. I certainly have no hope of reversing a chronic set of symptoms.

Among those who occupy a body, who is “symptom free”? I suggest that the honest answer is no one. Not me. Not you. Not anyone who occupies a human body. Everyone experiences symptoms most days: perhaps a new ache, perhaps a familiar digestive challenge, perhaps depression, perhaps low energy, perhaps a sprain, perhaps anxiety.

What is the Count of Your Symptoms?

When I preview the list of symptoms that are associated with people who have the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, they include just about everything wrong that can happen to a person. Perhaps this sounds outrageous, but it is true.

Below is a streamlined list of symptoms reported by persons who have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. A “streamlined list” means I have not included every symptom that people with Parkinson’s tell me they have experienced. As you read down the list, make a mental count of  which ones you have experienced at some point in your life time.

  • Stiffness
  • Numbness
  • Cramps
  • Balance
  • Depression
  • Repeating yourself
  • Anxiety
  • Apathy
  • Swallowing
  • Walking difficulties
  • Standing up straight
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Urinating
  • Tremors
  • Drooling
  • Faintness on rising
  • Dizziness
  • Excessive sweating
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Insomnia
  • Memory loss
  • Weight loss
  • Skin rashes
  • Restlessness
  • Memory challenges
  • Rigid muscles
  • Muscle spasms
  • Joint pain
  • Nightmares
  • Hallucinations
  • Bruising
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Speech/voice changes
  • Difficulty with stairs
  • Frequent urination
  • Circulation issues
  • Haggard look
  • Headaches
  • Arm/leg heaviness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Full body weakness
  • Pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Red rash
  • Arm/leg rigidity
  • Social smiling
  • Swollen ankles
  • Chest tightness
  • Tingling
  • Tremors
  • Warmth in body parts
  • Weak muscles

I do not know what your count is, but I have personally experienced all of the symptoms in the list above at one point or another in my lifetime.  I do not have the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.

How about now – in this very moment as I write these words? What symptoms am I experiencing  in this moment?

  1. I have incredible stiffness in my shoulders which always happens when I write every day.
  2. I have ringing in my ears which I have learned to ignore.
  3. I have an ache in the middle of my spine (T4-T5).
  4. My throat is restricted.
  5. I had memory loss a few minutes ago when I could not remember how to spell a word.
  6. I had a tinge of tingling in my left little finger a few moments ago.

My list of symptoms above pertains only to this single moment. I will not bore you with a list of my personal symptoms from this morning or yesterday, but I can assure you my list of symptoms differs from day to day.
This is normal for most people unless you are superman or superwoman. (I do not have any research evidence on Batman or Batwoman).

The body gives us a continuous feed of information. When we listen to the moment to moment information our bodies send us, we are in a much better position to make the adjustments that are needed for our body come back into balance. Instead of wishing I want to be “symptom free”, the better wish in my book of wishes is to be “symptom rich”.

If I were “symptom free” for one day, the likelihood my body would be out of balance is reasonably high. If I were symptom free for two days the likelihood my body would be out of balance is extremely high. If I were symptom free for a week, I dare say the probability my body would be out of balance would be assured. My personal mantra is thus:

Bring the symptoms on.

Don’t get me wrong. I do not like them one bit. I also do not know what I would do without them. I need the  information they give me to hang around the earth for a little longer.

If all of my thoughts zero in on the goal of becoming “symptom free,, there is no time or energy left to think about what I want to create in my life. I really do want to figure out what my soul needs to do in my life before my time is up. But if I choose to spend the rest of my day worrying about just one of my symptoms – say not being able to spell a word this morning – there will be no time in my day to ask my soul what it needs for nourishment. I am choosing to spend my time luxuriating in Worry Land which I visit frequently. Of course the process is repeated tomorrow as I worry about not being able to remember what I was worrying about the day before.  And so the process unfolds day after day as my enthusiasm for life diminishes.

If I focus my thoughts  on becoming “symptom free”,

  • I am not listening to my body.
  • I am detached from my body.
  • I am not connecting with the essence of who I am.

Because I am disconnected with my body, my symptoms in the moment will be sure to fester as other symptoms surface.

As I write this paragraph, I am not even aware of any of the symptoms that I listed a few minutes ago that were pestering me. I am not aware of them because my attention is focused in the moment on writing which is a true love of my life. Focus on writing and my energy sores. Focus on getting rid of my symptoms and my energy slides into the sewer.

How Do I Shift My Thinking

Bodies get out of balance. It happens. It happens to everyone.  The body always strives to return to balance. The natural state for the body is health and wellness, not disease and illness. How do I shift my hamster wheel of negative thinking which I have been riding on since childhood?

First, I recognize I can choose the thoughts I wish to think. I am the master of my own thoughts. I can spend my day fighting against the symptoms of the day because I am determined to be “symptom free.” Or, I can nourish my body with positive thoughts that will nourish my life force. I can write. I can dream. I can forward plan my life so that I am living the life I choose to live.

Second, I change my thinking habits. I can forward plan my day as the first activity of my day. It is 7:30 am. I have just woken up.

  • How do I want to spend my time today?
  • What do I want to accomplish?
  • What do I want to see happen?
  • What do I want to see happen in my life today?
  • What do I want to see happen in my life this month?
  • What do I want to see happen in my life this year and next year?

The more I can detail out what I want my future to look like, the more I can

  • sense it,
  • feel it,
  • taste it,
  • hear it,
  • see it,

The more energy the thought will amass to manifest. If I spend my day contemplating what I do not want to experience (like symptoms), my life lacks focus. My energy is drained. My life force is diminished. My body feels clogged down with dead energy.  I am able to manifest nothing other than feed the entrapment of my own ego which fuels my illness.

Thanks for asking the question. It has helped my realize that if I begin counting the number of people who are “symptom free”, I will be oiling everyone’s hamster wheel of  negative thinking.  When suspended in a space of negative thought forms, no one is in a position to manifest balance and harmony in their life.

I get energy from forward planning my life. I lose energy from addicting myself to negative, depressing thoughts  that drag me down into the pit of dark depression. My ego is always inviting me into the “mind sewer” of negative thinking.

I have decided it is my best interest to refuse the invitations. Mind sewers smell bad. Mind sewers are stagnant. Mind sewers breed disease. Mind sewers promote illness.  They are not a good place to live.

I choose to whisk away all the negativity in my thoughts. I do not have any control over ending wars in the middle east or curbing drug related deaths in New York City. I can control what I choose to think.

When I choose to focus my thoughts during the day on what I want to accomplish during my lifetime, I feel lighter, more alive, more energetic and more powerful. When my mind becomes a fertile garden of positive thoughts, miracles do happen. Often.

I will expand on these ideas during Jump Start to Wellness which will be held November 30th and December 1st at the Little Creek Resort Hotel in Shelton, Washington.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
© 2009 Parkinsons Recovery

Stress and Parkinson’s Disease

I am in England and have been reading your messages for a while and they are a great help to me. I was diagnosed last year but have steadfastly refused to accept anything other than that I am going to get better eventually.

I think my problem has been great stress over a long period of time starting with the way my mother treated me. I went to a dowser who suggested I needed to remodel the way my unconscious mind works. I have been having hypnotherapy for about 2 months but have not finished yet. However I already feel I am improving. It is difficult for me to assess because in the middle I decided I needed a kick start to make me feel better so I could build on something so  I have been taking Amantadine for about 6 weeks – I think I am still seeing gradual improvement. I also take various supplements. I haven’t yet asked my body what it needs but I will be putting it to the test.

Anyway I just wanted to say thanks for all the e-mails – I look forward to them.

Annie