About Parkinsons Disease

Natural Options that Reverse Symptoms

Page 35 of 38

Change Your Brain

Here are some resources to share on how to change your brain:

https://www.befitoverfifty.com/pages/thera.htm?source=OverTo

Although the first part is “depressing” to read, the section on “Why Exercise Is So Important” is simple and motivating. There are yet more exercise programs for people with muscular and neurological disorders on this link, but I am not sure of their availability.

I am reading a new book (to me), Train Your MIND, Change Your BRAIN by Sharon Begley, (Ballantine). This is a survey of how the brain adapts to the kind of thinking we do and the feeling modes that we experience.

The Dalai Lama figures in this story with his patient challenge to neurological researchers on the reverse of the belief “the brain creates the mind or the mind is the result of brain activity”–doesn’t the mind affect the way the brain operates? Beliefs in science are hard to confront.

This book is about research on this confrontation. There are stories of experiments in re-training the thinking of people with depression and obsessive/compulsive disorders. As they corrected for their distorted thinking, they experienced relief, even when medication was supposed to give them relief. Re-training our thinking is crucial because our brains respond to the perception of our reality. The experiments related in the book can inspire ideas on working our own programs. Parkinson’s isn’t even mentioned, but strokes are.

The evidence shows that plasticity or brain/neural changing doesn’t occur only in childhood but throughout life. A Tibetan monk, whom the Dalai Lama knew, was imprisoned by the Chinese for 18 years, a time which included torture. When freed, he was found to be the same gentle, mentally sharp man that the Dalai once knew, just like he was before the imprisonment. Was he ever afraid? Yes, he was afraid that he would lose his compassion for the Chinese.

“Because of forgiveness, his bad experience with Chinese not got worse,” said the Dalai Lama.

This anecdote shows that mind is over matter. It is possible to change our brain when we train our mind. The book goes on to explore, from the Buddhist perspective, what mind is or does. The link between Buddhist thinking and scientific neurological research is attention and attention training.

Thanks for all that you do!

Alan

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Inspired to Create with Parkinsons

Rose gave me permission to post her inspired to create with Parkinsons account that I have posted below.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

I have been a songwriter for about 12 years. My Parkinson’s was diagnosed in Feb of 2009, however, my first symptoms were in Sept/Oct 2006. At that time, my songwriting kicked into a very high gear. Incredible hooks were just there. I began pursuing the craft like I have never done before. Going to Nashville every quarter to pitch my songs, attending every possible local songwriting event in AZ, networking like never before and writing some pretty cool music.

My husband was diagnosed with 4th stage small cell prostate cancer in Jan 2006. I was his 24/7 caregiver along with holding down a full time project manager job. I believe it was the stress I was experiencing at that time in my life that kicked off the Parkinsons. In October 2006, we moved to Columbia, SC to give my husband relief from the heat in AZ. He passed in Feb 2007. Now, here it is, almost Oct 2009. I am in the process of obtaining disability as my speech is very rapid and slurred, and impairs my ability to hold meetings via the phone or in person. There is also some seizures of the hands and there are days when the walking is a shuffle. Anyway, I am going to move back to Nashville, TN and write music full time.

The tremendous ‘push’ I gave to the music back in 2006 has paid off as I was  inspired to create with Parkinsons. I have my first cut of a song I co wrote with a Nashville writer. This is a major event for any songwriter. The CD is scheduled to be released in October of this year. I have also continued to slowly climb my way up this very high and steep mountain and am writing with writers that have major cuts. And let me tell you, talk about a fine line between genius and insanity.. these incredibly talented people are there..and damn, I fit in amazingly well..kind of scary really.

I feel so at peace with this decision. The finances will be tight, but hey, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are pretty tasty! I am driving to Nashville next weekend to pick out a rental home. As I pack up from my rental home here in Columbia, SC, I find myself purging so much stuff…the local Goodwill people wave as I drive up and the shredder is working OT. It’s almost like a cleansing of the soul. You know what I mean?

It was meant to be. My influence is my mother (who lives with me and is excited to be going back to Nashville). She was a songwriter, although she did not have a cut, she always made sure we had music in our lives. I learned accordion, self taught myself guitar and piano. In fact, your most recent article on drumming hit home as well. I was a professional drummer for many years! I found myself tapping out the paradiddles after I read your article the other night. It was soothing to the brain.

I find your articles most refreshing in that they hit home. I believe I was always ‘wired internally’ for Parkinson’s. Always needed less sleep than others, always about ’12 degrees off center’, always the ‘weird kid’, always not just thinking outside the box, but on some days ‘destroying the box’! It just found its way to the surface this year.

I continue with my challenges, but hey, it sure as heck beats the alternative.

Thank you for ALL that you do. You are truly an inspiration!!

A Parkie and proud of it!

Rose

I Never Saw It Coming

I never saw it coming.
My life’s been rearranged.
So altered, not original,
I’ll never be the same.

The breath I breathe reduced,
The functions that I had,
the limitations place on me,
sometimes, it makes me sad.

I struggle almost every day
to do those basic things.
Can never plan what I’ll do next,
not sure what next, life brings.

My heart still has the want to…
My head might misdirect,
but I get up, keep going.
My feelings I protect.

I’m not the kind to give up.
I’m not the kind to quit.
Sometimes, I’m very mobile.
Sometimes, I have to sit.

So, if your body’s healthy,
your mind is good and strong,
today’s the day, give life your all,
tomorrow, it could be gone.

Kenneth Allen Patrick
I Never Saw It Coming

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Dopamine and Parkinson’s Disease

 

You do not believe that dopamine and Parkinson’s disease are factors?

Do you not believe that there is physical damage to the part of the brain that produces Dopamine?

Do you not believe that the damage has been verified by examining brain tissue from deceased Parkinson’s patients?

“The body is not broken. The body is not diseased. It is simply out of balance”

Is the brain not part of the body? Is the brain just “out of balance”?

Dennis

Thanks so much for your e mail and your question. I know many people think the same way you think.

I am not a medical doctor. I am a researcher. I find that the Road to Recovery involves examining our thinking about “disease.” – any disease. In this case of course it is Parkinson’s Disease. If we focus on the “disease,” we are holding very negative thoughts about what is happening by thinking:

“My body is broken.”

Since thoughts can manifest anything our heart desires, holding this thought will insure that our body will forever remain broken.

What percent of the body is “broken” in the case of Parkinson’s? I assure you that answer varies widely across persons. My hunch is that a tiny proportion of cells are problematic: perhaps 1%; maybe 3% for some people. At least 97% of the cells are working perfectly. I would say that is close enough for me to say that the body is working perfectly. Speaking for myself, I get much more energy by focusing on what is working than what is not working.

You say that damage has been verified by autopsies. This is certainly true, but only in a minority of autopsies. For a majority of autopsies, they find no substantia nigra damage. Don’t take my word for it. Do your own research on the matter. I have been surprised myself to see how low the percent actually is.

My point is that you are holding the belief that cells in your brain are dead. It may be the case that a tiny fraction of cells in your brain are dead, but cells are dying throughout the body all the  time.  It is the natural process of life and death.

It is also possible you are one of the majority where there is no damage to your substantia nigra. There is no way to tell without an autopsy.

A third of the people who have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s are misdiagnosed. It happens. There is no definitive test for it. Perhaps you are one of the one third who have been misdiagnosed? There are certainly many possible causes for the symptoms. For example – perhaps toxins are the culprit and not cell damage in the substantia nigra.

Let’s say all of these speculations are wrong and that yes, you do have neural damage in the substantia nigra and that yes, you do have Parkinson’s Disease.

New cells can be created anywhere in the body anytime. If you happen to have an overabundance of dead cells in the substantia nigra for the moment, you can set your intention to grow new ones. If the body can make new cells, I would say it is working perfectly.

Here is the rub: If you focus on the dead cells (assuming they even exist) you are assuring that new cells will not be created. Your  thoughts are centered in a negative sphere. If you focus on the reality that your body can heal itself, it will heal itself.

This is what I have learned from my research. At the core of all healing are our thought forms. If you think your body is broken I can assure you it will remain “broken” and become more “broken.” If you believe your body can heal itself, new cells will be born, hormones will be balanced, and your body will return to health and wellness.

The most powerful force in the universe are thoughts. When we change how we think, we change the course of our lives. This is what motivated me to write Five Steps to Recovery which is all about how to transform our thoughts.

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

Interview with John Coleman ND

I received a copy of the e-mail below from Kumar which refers to my interview with John Coleman ND on my radio program.

Kumar has given me permission to  post his letter which was actually sent to John Coleman, ND. I love to post such letters – whether they are addressed to me or someone else.  It is energizing and motivating to see what other people are doing to get wonderful relief from their symptoms.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Dear John Coleman, ND:

I just heard the interview with Dr. Rodgers and the questions and answers. It was fascinating. I was happy you gave so much importance to meditation. I have been meditating for the last two decades, praying to the Lord in the form of devotional singing and giving importance to spiritual exercises under capable Masters but yet I was diagnosed to be suffering from PD about three years back. However I have continued all these along with medications which is syndopa plus(Levodopa 100mg + carbidopa 25 mg) 1.5 tablets four times a day and the dopamine agonist Ropark 2 mg three times a day as prescribed by the neuro physician.

I am feeling quite fine. Tremors have reduced significantly. I can walk at a stretch for 30 min with both arms swinging and climb staircases without any support since this was the severe problem I suffered with last month since I was falling backwards while climbing staircases and also while moving horizontally at home and other places. Add to this hallucinations and uneasy feeling on the back of the head which are no longer there.

The present improved condition is due to two weeks of hospitalization for drug optimization, physiotherapy done both at home and the hospital for coordination, balancing, muscle strengthening involving cycling, rowing, weight lifting for both arms and lower limbs and exercise on the tread mill for slow walking with longer steps. Beside these I have also been doing exercises prescribed by Dr. Roberts from the Internet which are also helpful. I taught some of these exercises to the physios attending on me.

I am eagerly waiting for the Aquas hydration formula which has not arrived yet even after 24 days after ordering the same. In the mean while I am trying my best to drink 8 glasses of water everyday.

I would like to share a simple technique here which we call evening cleaning. After the day’s work when we are relaxed, we seat ourselves in a comfortable seat erect and at a quiet place, take the thought once only in the beginning that all complexities, negativities, fears, darkness, grossness, disease and recently added toxins are leaving our body from behind in the form of smoke and sit quietly for 30 min using your will power but not meditating. You feel highly refreshed and empty after doing this.

I am in the process of writing my Life history in brief which I will send it to you after I have finished.

Once again, it was wonderful listening to you.

Kumar

Is there a Cure for Parkinsons?

Os there a cure for Parkinsons? The problem is that no one has been cured of Parkinson. I mean no one. Everyone talks about John Coleman but he is a Bowen therapist and uses his cure to promote his practice and generate income and clients.  Parkinsons happens in the brain and no amount of therapy is going to fix that, perhaps stem cell therapy in time.

Not the remedies that merely address and help control the symptoms. It is best to be honest and upfront about this I think. Otherwise Robert, please compile a list of people who have been cured of Parkinsons apart from John Coleman and distribute it and say what cured them.

Thanks

John

Response:

Thanks so much for sending in your question. John Coleman himself is very clear about not being “cured” himself. He is only symptom free. I personally do not find value in hanging my own thinking on “curing” anything.

John works hard every day at being symptom free. As a naturopath doctor he has helped many people feel better. Click on the arrow below to hear my interview with John Coleman ND on Parkinsons Recovery Radio:

There are so many stories out there and so many different programs and approaches that people adopt to get relief. The people I interview are not people who are “cured” to be sure. They are people who are leading full and complete lives. Most still have symptoms of one type of another but have found incredible ways to address them in one way or another.

I have included replays of interviews with persons that have celebrated successful recoveries here on the Parkinsons Recovery Blog. You can access all of them by clicking on the Pioneers of Recovery Category listing on this website. They are also included in my book Pioneers of Recovery.

I sent John Coleman your questions and comments above. He forwarded for posting the following thoughtful and informative response and has given me permission to post his response below.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Posted below is John Coleman’s response to John’s question above on is there a cure for Parkinson’s. 

Thank you for initiating this discussion on what it means to become free from symptoms of a diagnosed incurable disorder. Whenever I enter into a discussion on any subject, I find that it is best to make sure that the information I am using is accurate and clearly stated. Therefore, I would like to correct several misapprehensions on your part.

Is There a Cure for Parkinsons

1 have never claimed to be cured from any disease. I have never claimed to cure anybody. I have never claimed to have found a cure for Parkinson’s disease. So when you state that I use my cure to promote my practice and generate income and clients, and claimed to have cured others, you are deliberately misquoting all my published literature, my newspaper and radio interviews, and my websites.

2. My professional qualifications are rather more extensive than you have claimed. I am a qualified naturopath (known as a Naturopathic Doctor in USA and Naturopathic Physician in many European countries), having studied at two prominent Melbourne College’s. The Southern School of Natural Therapies and the Australian College of Naturopathic Medicine. I am accredited by all appropriate professional bodies, approved by the Australian government, accepted by professional insurance companies and many health insurance funds. I am also a qualified Bowen therapist, having qualified in basic Bowen therapy and Neurostructural Integration Technique. I also hold a certificate of massage.

3. My charitable work within society is well documented. I received a Tattersalls award for my work in founding Very Special Kids (a support group for families whose children face life-threatening disorders), a professional excellence award from the Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association for community education (most offered without charge and/or at my expense), and was a finalist in the Pride Of Australia Medal Courage Awards in 2007 for my work with Very Special Kids and my recovery from Parkinson’s disease. All those in charge of presenting these awards are intelligent, professional people, and investigated my history and claims thoroughly before offering the awards.

4. I have lectured to a number of conferences that address the question – is there a cure for Parkinsons – including an international conference on Parkinsons disease, and have conducted workshops for health professionals in several countries instructing them on my research into recovery from incurable disorders. Offering this information around the world has cost me many thousands of dollars of my own money.

5. While there are many medical practitioners who find my ideas unacceptable, there are also a number of prominent neurologists who encourage their patients diagnosed with Parkinsons or multiple sclerosis to work with me

Now that we have brought some accuracy to the discussion, let me say that I agree totally with you that day is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. In fact, there is no cure for any disease.

We can, however, create an environment in which our body can become free from symptoms. That is the story of my recovery. I created an environment in and around my nerve cells that allows me to live a life with no symptoms of Parkinsons disease or multi-system atrophy, providing I continue to be conscientious in taking care of my health.

You are correct that the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease originate in the brain. If you wish to educate your self more about this and discover answers to the question – is there a cure for Parkinsons –  you will do well to read The Biology of Belief (Prof. Bruce Lipton),  Saving Your Brain (Dr. Jeff Victoroff), When The Body Says No(Dr. Gabor Mat), The Brain That Changes Itself (Dr. Norman Doidge).

These books will give you a thorough grounding in the fairly basic science you need to understand this process. Once you have read these books, I am sure that you will understand that Western medicine can currently only offers temporary control of Parkinsons symptoms, while my work is focused on addressing the cause of the symptoms.

If you look into the process of stem cell research and development, you will also understand that the only change required to change a stem cell from its immature state into a cell producing dopamine is a change of environment (this is what they do in the laboratory at vast expense). This change is possible within our brain, and you will understand that this is the prime focus of all my work.

If you choose to read all my work with an open mind, you will see that Bowen therapy, while a useful and important therapy, constitutes only about 3% of the recovery process. There are some homeopathic remedies that support another 13%, but more than 80% of the recovery process comes from within the individual, the changes they are prepared to make to their life and attitude, and these changes cost little or nothing.

I am very grateful that you have given me this opportunity to clarify my position on the question: is there a cure for Parkinsons. Many people have the same question 

I wish you all the best in finding ways to improve your health, and trust that you will be surrounded with love and joy in the days to come.

Best wishes

John Coleman ND
www.returntostillness.com.au
www.parkinsonsrecoveryprogram.com

Denture Cream Poisoning

Is denture cream poisoning contributing to your Parkinsons symptoms? Perhaps there are other toxins you are unknowingly being exposed to?

Consider the possibility that something you have been exposed to over the years is the primary cause of your Parkinson’s symptoms.

  • Perhaps it is something you put on your body like soaps or shampoos or toothpaste.
  • Perhaps it is something you are exposed to like the toxic laundry detergent you use to wash your clothes.
  • Perhaps the culprit is the food you eat because it contains MSG or other additives.
  • Or, perhaps it is the denture cream you use.

OK. I know many people have no worries about denture cream poisoning because they have no need to use denture cream, but stay with me here. This is just an illustration of an important idea which I believe affects every person in a body today. I have concluded from my own extensive research this includes everyone unless there are aliens walking in our neighborhoods we cannot see.

What is the big deal with denture cream? It can cause a toxic exposure to zinc which depletes the levels copper in the body. The body needs the correct balance of zinc and copper to function.

What is the consequence? According to a number of law suits that were recently filed against denture manufacturers, the side effects are:

  • numbness or tingling at the extremities
  • reduction in movement of extremities
  • pain in the extremities
  • episodes of stumbling while walking
  • poor balance
  • Decrease in stride of walking
  • blood pressure issues
  • constipation
  • sexual dysfunction

The list of side affects above are also include in the list of side effects associated with Parkinson’s which is actually very long and very extensive. If you use denture cream regularly, I suggest that you conduct your own independent research and sort out the issues for yourself. Ask your doctor about denture creams.

If you do not use denture cream, this recent string of law suits raises a different question: Are you being exposed to toxic levels of zinc through daily exposure to other toxins? Perhaps over the years with regular use, a toxic build up has formed in your own body.

I personally have a rather simplistic approach to toxins. I never use a product that contains ingredients with long, complicated names that sound ominous. Look at the ingredients in everything you touch, everything you put onto your body and everything you put in your body this week. When you are about to use it, take a minute to read the ingredients. You may be surprised to discover you have been adding a little poison to your body every day.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Thoughts about Parkinsons

I surely appreciate all the info I receive from you regarding PD, however, it now has become overwhelming due to emails “everyday” from you. You emails remind me of my thoughts about Parkinsons. They can have a negative effect because I am reminded “every single day” that I have PD.

I need a stretch of days where I can enjoy that time not being reminded constantly that I am living with PD. Don’t get me wrong, you are providing a wonderful site and I am grateful for your dedication but I just need those few days without the reminder.

Thank you & be well.

Michael

I have been perplexed about this issue too recently. When I do not send an e mail out every day, people write and tell me that they miss it. When I do send out emails daily, some people unsubscribe to the e-mails because they are overwhelmed with too much information. In light of your input, I will reduce the sending frequency and see if I can hit a middle point.

If you are not currently receiving the free Parkinsons Recovery newsletter, you can sign up by entering your e mail address to receive the newsletters on the right side of this blog

I know many other people who are dragged down into a ditch of depression when they connect themselves with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. When thoughts about Parkinsons surface, you are immediately reminded of the belief most people have that recovery is impossible.

My suggestion is to challenge this belief that you probably hold (along with millions of others). Think of the symptoms as messages your body sends about certain imbalances in your body that merit attention. The symptoms are information that can help you figure out what is needed to bring your body back into balance.

At the core of all symptoms are seed thoughts that feed the symptoms. A big part of returning to balance is to release, remove, eject and shield yourself from holding the negative seed thought that you have a disease which means you are destined to get “progressively worse.”

It is not true. When we believe it is true, the thought will manifest. When we hold the belief that recovery is possible, symptoms dissolve in their own way and time. My book Five Steps to Recovery provides the tools to transform thoughts that are not in your best and highest good (such as the thought so many hold near and dear to their heart that Parkinsons is degenerative. It does not have to be!

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Mantras for Health

Rose gave me permission to post her Mantras for health on the Parkinsons Recovery blog here.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Thanks for all you do in educating us about Parkinson’s. Here’s some mantras forMantras for Health health 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

Exciting News about Recovery Progress

What follows is a letter which reports exciting progress of recovery that I have permission to post. This letter was a most wonderful and very unexpected birthday present that I received several days ago.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

I just wanted to share with you that my neurologist was completely impressed with your website. We went online during my appt.

He is awesome- absolutely the most open M.D. I have ever met. I said you weren’t saying that this was a cure for Parkinson’s, but that you were saying a person could become symptom free and he said,

“Yes you can!”

He mentioned that many of his patients ask him what they can do to reduce symptoms and he tells them good nutrition, exercise, meditate, etc. That is the beauty of your site. You have done all the work and a wonderful job organizing everything — all we have to do is turn the computer on! The first thing he said to me is,

“Have you been working out a lot? You look great!”

That felt really good. I have made vast improvements in such a short time. However, I need to keep working hard and reduce my meds more as I am having a lot of very restricting dyskinesia again – that is my signal to reduce.

My doctor was also impressed with my med reduction. I have totally eliminated 3 drugs and reduced one, I have cut my l-dopa (mucuna) dose by 50% 1st than another 25% of that and now it’s time again. I just want to thank you for all that you have done and are doing- remember to take a break sometime!

Sincerely,

Turtle

Parkinsons Progress Report

Nita gave me permission to post her email below here.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Dear Robert

If it’s of any interest I can report that I consulted John Coleman last December, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s a month earlier and have been on the aquas and other supplements since then. I refuse to take the mainstream drugs and from the outset decided to treat Parky as a temporary condition until my body regains its overall health.

Although my symptoms have varied and my condition has gone up and down over the last few months I like to think that I am improving and am delighted that for the last five days in a row I have had next to no symptoms.I am so grateful to live in the same city as and have easy access to John, and I am also most grateful to you for the enormous effort support and dedication without which most of us would find life a lot more difficult. I wish you and all your subscribers health and happiness.

Regards

Nita

When Parkinsons Disease Started

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

Annette

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

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

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

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

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Recovery is a Process

What follows is an e-mail I have permission to post from Bobby who has fully recovered. It is truly inspiring and reveals the reality of how recovery is a process.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

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

Sometimes people write and ask me how I recovered from PD since I was diagnosed with advanced pd, I used to know what to say but anymore I am not sure. I want to say something that gives hope without concentrating on myself. These days I am starting to get a lot of professional types through the Bar Association and different doctors around here who knew me when I had the symptoms.

I was recently asked to speak to a group of doctors about my recovery, I am not sure whether I should or not Robert. It is a lot like practicing law, once you say something they hang their hat on that when recover is more a process than just any one thing that I did. Mostly I did many of the things you advocate, in fact I have not found anyone else who articulates the things I believe strongly in. All I know to tell you my friend is your teaching is wonderful. I consider myself fortunate to have crossed your path.

Bobby

What I Learned About Myself Since Parkinsons

The following is an e mail I received from Terry who discusses “what I learned about myself since Parkinsons”. She gave me permission to post her correspondence here.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

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 Parkinsons Disease. This beginning of my PD journey, barring a cure, will last the rest of my life. There is 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 is 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 theWhat I Learned About Myself Since Parkinsons 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 Parkinsons. 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 do not ask look at me and make their own assessment. Some avoid the subject finding it difficult to deal with the problems I am 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 clients 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 does not 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, 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.

And there you have it. Up to this point this is what what I learned about myself since Parkinsons.

Terry

Bach Flower Essences

Alan gave me permission to post his experience with Bach Flower essences as therapies for his symptoms.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

While I’ve had to just live with my symptoms sometimes, I’ve also made some good strides with the Bach flower essences–just two of them. I saw a list of 17 essences (in boiled liquid form taken in drops) in a book on detox by Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald. For my use selection, I used the light chair/heavy chair method, mentioned by the psychic woman a few weeks ago in your interviews, naming each one and then seeing what the chair response would be rather than figuring out intellectually what me emotional symptoms were. From her, Lenore, I learned that the universe is made a certain way, meaning that our steps are just before us. Although I’ve noticed these flower essences in my reading for some years, I knew nothing about them and didn’t care to–too complicated! When they were needed, I learned enough about them in just a few days to employ them exactly as I need them for benefit. A woman in a chat room I visited was schooled in Bach, and I asked her the questions that I needed to. I read on websites suggested by Fitzgerald and found a documentary about Bach on youtube that is out of this world. The universe is made a certain way.

I have a stone collection and inherited some of it from my Grandfather’s collection in 1998. I had put an opal near my computer monitor, just because I like having favorite rocks around. On a particularly difficult day, I thought, “doesn’t this stone have some particular type of energy? I wonder what it is.” (I used to be into the energy of stones). I looked for it in Love is in the Earth. Sure enough, this particular stone is called “fire opal”. It doesn’t have iridescence, but it is bright orange. The last item mentioned in the reference as far as energy is concerned was (is used) “to assist in the recovery from Parkinson’s disease.” This didn’t surprise me because “the universe is made a certain way.” What did surprise me was the language of “recovery from Parkinson’s disease,” language like you use, while this book is from 1995! I’ve decided to sleep with the opal, having it near my pillow.

I work in a church as a music director, and my symptoms are quite public. It was a victory for me tonight to take part in an annual potluck, be sociable with a strong enough voice, get up from the table, walk, return, and eat without anyone seeming to notice symptoms. All I ever say to questions is, “I have some problems in my nervous system, and I hope to recover.” Tonight, there were no questions. I know that I have emotionally changed for the better, and that has helped everything.

For those who might have questions, the Bach flower essences affect the emotions only with no guarantee that physical healing will result. It was Edward Bach’s genius to notice that one’s emotional disposition has a lot to do with the course of physical healing. This was observed when two people would have the same disease or two returning British soldiers would come back from WW I with the same type of injury. One would heal easily and rapidly; the other would have a difficult time in the healing of the same problem! Bach took his research into the emotional dimension of his patients to try to help those who had difficulty in healing. I am grateful to him.

I am also grateful to you for setting a style of research into the Parkinson’s recovery field.

Thank you.

Alan

Recovery is Happening for Me

Below is an email I received from Monica who explains how “recovery is happening for me”.  She gave me permission to post her inspiring account.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery 

So thankful for your site !!! It seems the drugs are surrounding me, wanting me to cave in and take them…..its like a cloud that wont go away Inspiration that comes from the other side of the coin is fewer and farther away.

A neuro that I saw yesterday, who disqualified me for a Q-10 clinical trial, just about persuaded me that I was doing disservice to myself by not beginning drugs soon. I asked him a stupid question about whether he knew of anyone who had recovered..He said no. I forgot that he is in the prescription business and that probably seeing my recovery symptoms would made him uncomfortable…

I am 6 yrs with unmedicated symptoms and doing just fine. I am focused on makingrecovery is happening for me new neural pathways for balance right now through specific exercise, visualization and emotional freedom technique. Every year that I am in med free recovery, I celebrate. It is hard work. Recovery is happening for me…

Monica

Recovery Poem

Tuetle sent me this recovery poem she wrote and gave me permission
to post it here on the Parkinsons Recovery blog.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Pd is reversible, Yes, it is true!
No longer a need to be sad or blue
What works for me may not work for you
We can recover when we try things new

Neurons firing as new pathways are made
We all believe, feel secure, not let our hopes fade
As our brains and our bodies change in so many ways
Mobility, balance, joy, we will praise

Negative thoughts may creep in and creep out
We can make it if we throw out our doubt
Waking up, decided that this is all real
No more worries about some crazy new deal

So goodbye Stalevo, Requip, C-R
We will not need you, we know who you are
Healing takes time, energy, and will
We have learned the answers do not live in a pill

Science is searching, their motion is slow
Look- we have things to do, and places to go
Our journey begins now, for you and for me
We simply can not wait till we are one-hundred and three!

New spirit, new hope, new habits!! Freedom!!, we will say!
As the symptoms of Parkinsons pack their bags and go away!
We will heal and recover the skies will be blue
As we live in each moment, we will know that we grew!

Turtle

Thanks to Turtle for allowing me to post her recovery poem which
is an inspiration to us all.

Resistance to Change

There is usually one black sheep in any family. Black sheep insist on doing things differently. Their family believes their way is weird, unsafe, unsound and just plain stupid. Resistance to change in all families is strong.

I am the black sheep of my family. I am always trying out new therapies of one type or another. My current goal is to reverse the color of my graying hair back to black.

New therapies are continuously being introduced. It is likely that some of them will help. I figure, why not give them a try? They are natural, noninvasive and safe to try. What is there to lose? I have only one life to live and it does not last forever.

Reactions I get are blank stares and questions.

Is there any research to indicate this will help?

Why do you want to pursue a therapy that your doctor
does not even know about?

In short, there is usually significant criticism from family members if the black sheep of the family decides to branch out and try out treatments or therapies other than prescription drugs and/or surgeries. Resistance to change is indeed usually very intense.

Are you the black sheep of your family? If so, I need to clue you in to the reactions you can expect from your family when you announce you are pursuing therapies that re not familiar to medical doctors or approved by the FDA.

So you are going to try tai chi? Isn’t that a weird
eastern thing?

You want to eat differently? What is this? You don’t like
my cooking?

You really shouldn’t exercise. You may hurt yourself.

Sound familiar?

From my extensive interviews with persons who have the symptoms of Parkinson’s, a family drama often unfolds when the black sheep announces they are branching out of the family mold and trying other things.

Why do family members get so upset with the black sheep of the family in such cases, especially when the treatments they have been trying are not working? My answer to this puzzle is that you are challenging their limiting beliefs about illness and recovery.

Family members may very well have bothersome symptoms of their own. They hopefully have taken the smart step by seeking the advice from the specialty of western medicine. If they are not considering other specialties that have the potential to provide relief however, they have given up their power of control over their own destiny. They have resigned themselves to being told what to do.

It is frighting for anyone to acknowledge they have given up the power of choice, especially when it comes to their own health and well being. Learning that someone else in the family
is stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility for their own health elicits deep questions about the decisions they have made regarding their own health care. It is tough for all of us to face the truth of our actions. Denial runs deep in everyone.

Of course people in your family will react strongly if a black sheep of the family branches out of the grip of mainstream medical care and begins to take control over their own health. This act in itself raises questions about the power of choice everyone else has given up with regard to their own health care. No one likes to confront the reality they have given up all power of choice to someone else.

The secret to recovery is to take control over your recovery program. Defy resistance to change. You know the best way to proceed. Other people – whether family or friends – do not. We are all different with different needs.

Incidentally, the color is my hair is turning back to black from gray. I am doing it naturally – no dyes involved. Isn’t that cool? I suppose I could turn it back to black with hair dyes, but then I would be giving myself an overdose of toxins.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Medical Specialities for Parkinsons

There are many alternatives to consider when searching for therapies and treatments that provide relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s. I will preview both Western and Eastern medical specialties for Parkinsons several by way of opening up ideas for where you can search to find relief.

Western Medical Specialities for Parkinsons

Western medical specialties for ParkinsonsOne of the places that is familiar to most people today is western medicine, a specialty among many other possible specialties that can be considered. Western medicine treats symptoms with prescription drugs and surgery. This approach for treating illness has become a commonly accepted method of treating disease for about 100 years now.

It is losing some of its popularity because of the side effects of the medicines and the consequences of surgeries. It is important to remember, however, that the mainstream medication specialty is precisely what some people need to jump start their recovery program.

Thank goodness the western medicine specialty is stringently regulated. Prescription medicines make molecular changes to the cellular structure of the body. Most prescription medicines have side effects. This is why Federal Drug Administration (or a similar agency in other countries) legally regulates the prescription and sale of all prescription drugs. Stringent certifications are required for the medical doctors who prescribe the meditations and for the pharmacists who sell them.

The standard treatment approach in western medicine is to perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the symptom. Unfortunately administration of the tests can of course take months and require considerable expense. Unfortunately, the diagnostic tests sometimes cause illnesses in their own right.

After determining a diagnosis, the standard approach is to prescribe medications or surgery. If the medications and/or surgery succeed in alleviating the symptoms, the treatment is declared a success. If unsuccessful, the treatment is suspended in search of an alternative drugs or surgeries that are hoped will provide relief. Sometimes medical doctors have to go back to the drawing board to consider other diagnoses. Some people have a long list of diagnoses for a variety of symptom sets.

The western approach to medicine works beautifully for some people and some symptoms. For other people and other symptoms, such treatments can be disappointing. Many people prefer this specialty over other alternatives. Others use both.

Eastern Medical Specialties for Parkinsons

There are also a wide variety of other specialties that offer the potential to provide reliefEastern Medical specialties for Parkinsons which rely on natural methods to heal the body. An advantage of such specialties is that they have been practiced for many thousands of years with great success. The worst side effect you are likely to experience when using natural therapies is improved health on some level.

The number of specialties other than western medicine is extensive: homeopathy, acupuncture, herbs, meditation, energy healing, physical therapy, tai chi, qigong, naturopathy, exercise, hypnosis, counseling therapy, nutrition, body work – you name it. This is the short list.

Most of these specialties have been practiced for thousands and thousands of years. The standard approach to illness in the United States was to use homeopathic remedies until the beginning of the 20th century, a time when most of us today were not living.

Many people get a huge advantage when they use a combination of specialties. Why? When used in combination, the benefits from using the treatments from more than one specialty are usually synergistic.

In the countless interviews I do with individuals who have the symptoms of Parkinson’s I am overwhelmed with what people do that helps – not just a little – but a lot.

May you open the door to consider what all specialties have to offer. That is what I have been doing with my own research strategy and I am unearthing unbelievable discoveries which you can read about in the Parkinsons Recovery blog.

Join me with investigating other specialties that have the potential to help you feel a lot better. The people who are getting great relief from their symptoms are willing to experiment with many different specialties. The sky is the limit. The potential for healing is limitless.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

ADA Protections for Parkinsons Disease

Hi Robert,  I am currently overwhelmed with an urgent problem which occupies all my time. My employer is going to fire me no later than September due to a combination of factors and my illness. I am interested in learning about  ADA protections for Parkinsons disease

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease two and half years ago; but the employer doesn’t know what my diagnose is. I have received a very bad but unfair performance evaluation this week to obviously lay grounds for my firing. So I need to urgently find out what options may I have under the circumstances: am I protected by the ADA, can I stay or should I go, can I get the employer’s permanent disability insurance, and so on.

I am currently looking for a good lawyer in the disability/job problem area preferably with experience in PD cases. I wonder if different Parkinson foundations/associations may have appropriate attorneys. Excuse me for bothering you with my problem, at the same time I would very much appreciate your advice.

Thank you very much.

Best regards,

Gene

Thanks so much for your e mail. What a formidable challenge the universe has concocted for you! I do know that the provisions of the American Disability Act provide strong protections. The employer must have 15 employees. If they are large enough, they must provide special equipment if needed, extra breaks, alter the work environment, adjust schedules, etc.

If you haven’t already done so, type in the words “ADA protection Parkinsons Disease” in your search engine and see what comes up. I sense getting the assistance of a lawyer at this point would be strongly advisable.

I also know that there are advocates who have Parkinsons and have become experts in this area. If you would like, I can post your question on the blog. Maybe we will get a comment or two from advocates.

The best outcome is to resolve the symptoms so that the issue becomes mute. Stress aggravates them, so with the stress you are under, it will be a challenge to see relief from your symptoms until you see relief on the horizon.

It feels like you have sunk into the template that you are stuck with the symptoms. It is easy to sink into that dark and dreary place. Use your intention to shift into a better place, a place where you know in your heart that you can heal.

Of course, the other issue the universe may be confronting you with – is this the job of your dreams? Or, is there something else you are being called to do?

All the best,

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004

 

 

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