Natural Options that Reverse Symptoms

Author: manabunnow4zph (Page 27 of 37)

Enhanced Tremor Using a Computer

Does anyone with Parkinsons experience enhanced symptoms when using a computer or a cell phone. I often experience enhanced tremor and I am wondering if it is purely stress related or something more insidious, especially given the increasing evidence of links to health problems from overuse of cell phones.

Maree

Response:

Yes indeed. I have heard many reports from individuals who can not even get near a computer due to heightened electromagnetic sensitivity. You are not alone!

How about it out there? Who else experiences enhanced tremors when using a computer?

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Agent Orange and Parkinsons

Randy asks an important question about exposure to Agent Orange and Parkinsons.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons
http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

In some of the research I have been doing I discovered that there is a connection between agent orange and Parkinsonism. When we were at the last symposium, I think that I asked the question whether any of the Parkinsons patients grew up on farms or came into contact with insecticides and pesticides. Now I would include the question to include if any of these folks served in southeast Asia between 1961 and 1967.

Randy Mentzer

Lessons After Living with Parkinsons for Eleven Years

What follows is an inspiration listing of eleven lessons learned by Lynn after living with Parkinson’s 11 years.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease


After living with this condition for over 11 years, I have learned:

a) Not to blame every health misstep on Parkinson’s. In fact, now I look at every other reason first.

b) Not to think I am deteriorating or the PD is getting “worse”. It just is what it is. I don’t believe in giving it too much power.

c) Not to believe everything a Dr tells me.

d) To follow my own path, when something feels good or right to me regardless of the opinion of others.

e) That laughter, singing and dancing are beneficial in the treatment of this condition.

f) To respect everyone’s right to do what they think is best for them. They are usually right.

g) To be positive (for the most part), there already are cures in the form of homeopathy, a stroke, I once heard of someone who had a back operation and as a side benefit, was cured of PD.

h) That being aware and proactive in my treatment is a must.

i) To be gracious in receiving. (This is a hard one to learn)

j) I dislike being called a “Parky”. I am a person. If you label me, you negate me. (that’s from Konrad Lorenz).

k) I don’t have a disease (the visual of which is something that’s eating away at me). I have a condition, as the Chinese Medicine Doctors put it.

Lynn

Qigong for Parkinsons

Below is a replay of my interview on Parkinsons Recovery Radio with  Master Mingtong Gu who discused qigong for Parkinsons and is the founder of The Chi Center located in Sonoma County, California. The center offers online and in-person courses, workshops, events and retreats in Wisdom Healing Qigong.

Master Mingtong Gu, founder of The Chi Center has helped his students in their Parkinson’s recovery and explains how the practice can help you. Master Gu trained in Wisdom Healing Qigong at the largest Qigong medicine-less hospital in China.

Qigong for Parkinsons

Wisdom Healing Qigong is the form of medical Qigong that matches ancient movements, meditation and sounds to fit modern medical conditions. Qigong for Parkinsons is very beneficial. It reconnects the mind and the body— helping the mind focus, the brain build neural connections, the body move, the heart find joy.

Neuroscience is now able to map the changes in the brain from a practice like Qigong. Master Gu  offers online courses so that people of all ages with challenging health conditions can practice anywhere. He leads the only North American WHQ Retreats modeled on China’s successful program, offering 5-30 day intensive practice for chronic and acute conditions, including Parkinson’s. The Chi Center is located in Sonoma County CA. www.chicenter.com

Master Gu trained with Grandmasters in China and Tibet, including Grandmaster Ming Pang, the founder of Wisdom Healing Qigong. He is the author of the Pure Qi Online Courses and the books Wisdom Healing Qigong and Sound Healing Technologies. He was recognized by the 13th World Congress on Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine with Qigong Master of the Year award.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

 

 

Does Carbidopa/Levodopa Hamper Recovery?

I use carbidopa/levodopa daily and have for about 4 years. I’ve tried with out the medication for about 2 weeks on two separate occasions recently. Unfortunately I was shocked at how difficult all movement was without it. But I’m concerned. Does Carbidopa/Levodopa hamper recovery? Any data on this?

Pat

The challenge with taking medication is that over time, a higher dosage is needed to achieve the same benefit. Eventually, increases in dosage have no added impact and begin making matters worse. It is not that the medications make the situation worse. It is just that they stop offering the benefit originally intended by you and your doctor.

As in your case, let me stress that users can celebrate symptom relief and are able to function again. It helps you feel better now. The trick is to begin exploring the cause of your symptoms and begin with therapies that address them. For example, if toxins are a cause, being a detox program in close consultation with your doctor.

My research reveals that it is not advisable to stop taking any prescription medication – to go “cold turkey.” The side effects of withdrawal can be troublesome.

If you decide to reduce the medication after consulting with your doctor it is critical to do so slowly and gradually. Compounding pharmacists are an ideal resource who can help you reduce the dosage very gradually so that the reduction does not trigger strong side effects.

A number of persons have reported that medications have helped them get back on their feet so that they could begin doing what is required to reverse the symptoms. Once other options are found that address the causes of your symptoms, many people find they do not need to take as much medication and some have been successful with weaning off of them completely. This of course is a slow process that needs to be pursued mindfully.

In the end, when it comes to the question of – does Carbidopa/Levodopa hamper recovery- it is a question of balance. There are a multitude of therapeutic options that are helping people reverse their symptoms. Once options in addition to the medication are identified and found to facilitate a reversal of symptoms, most people find it is possible to begin reducing their medication dosage very gradually in close consultation with their doctor and their compounding pharmacist.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Pioneers of Recovery

Side Effects of Parkinson’s Medications

Writing for my partner, H, 55, who was diagnosed with PD about 6 yrs ago. Went on Sinemet last Sept when his body went rigid. I “re-met” him in October and  immediately began researching alternatives.

H asked me to move in last Jan to assist with his care.  Since then, we have both turned our eating and exercise habits around 360*, his esp from the comfort of a steady diet of Coke, cookies and pizza to Dr. Wahl’s suggestions, tons of greens and veggies, no sugar/no wheat/little dairy.

Exercise has increased to nearly daily walks, up to 4 mi, though it requires all his concentration to keep his right foot from dragging.

Body work — foot holding and gentle massage, Bowen as best I can understand it from books (no local practitioner).

All of this seemed to have a positive effect on his symptoms, several weeks with many good tremor-free days, mood elevated and better sleep until a few days ago when his tremors became suddenly more violent and muscles knotted again. The massage gives him relief from the tremors for a few hours.

Is it possible that the 4 Sinemet he’s been taking daily might now be causing the same  symptoms they were supposed to help?

Nancy

Response:

I extracted the following information on side effects for Sinemet, a Parkinson’s medication, from www.drugs.com which is quoted below. There is quite a bit more information on the website you may also want to study.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Sinemet” 

“Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; blood in vomit; chest pain; confusion; depression; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; muscle pain or unusual stiffness; new or increased involuntary movements; severe abdominal pain; severe light headedness or fainting; sore throat; thoughts of suicide; unexplained fever or sweating; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or painful movements or spasms of the face, eyelids, mouth, tongue, arms, hands, or legs; vision changes (blurred or double vision); yellowing of the skin or eyes.”

“Nervous system effects occur in as many as 50% of treated patients on long-term therapy and include involuntary movements and mental status changes most frequently. The types of involuntary movements due to levodopa have been characterized as choreiform, dystonic and dyskinetic. Fluctuations in motor function occur frequently and often increase as the duration of therapy increases.”

“This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.”

My reading of the above side effects suggests that the answer to your question is yes – it is possible that the medication might be causing the same symptoms they were developed to help. Of course we do not know whether this is happening in your partner’s case.

The reason the FDA is involved in regulating prescription medications is to insure that the side effects are well documented. As you will be able to see from a review of the side effects that are reported in the drugs.com website, the documentation on possible outcomes is exhaustive.

It is important to keep in mind that everyone’s body is different. There will be a wide variety of reactions to any medication – some good and some adverse. My research reveals that Sinemet does provide relief for some people, but for other people it can cause side effects that can be worse than the symptoms they were supposed to address. This is really not that different from using any prescription medication regardless of the reason for its use.

It would be a good idea at this point to get a follow-up consultation with your doctor who will be in a position to evaluate what is really happening here and possibly suggest alternative courses of treatment.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Pioneers of Recovery

Little Appetite Since Starting to Use Sinemet

I have had “diagnosed” Parkinson’s for about 5 years. I have been on Sinemet for about one year. I have had trouble keeping weight on. In fact I have lost about 13 pounds, probably due to the fact that I have had little appetite since starting to use Sinemet.

Also, I often get “stomach aches” after eating and have to lie down. I can’t pinpoint any particular food that causes this distress. Have you come across this situation in your very many conversations with people who have Parkinson?  

Thank you so much for your help.  

Sydelle

Response:

Everyone responds differently to medications. Each body is uniquely configured. That is what makes each person so very special.

Sinemet is certainly at the top of the list in terms of preferred medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s and it has been shown to help many people. My research reveals it is not necessarily a good solution for everyone.

You ask if I have come across a situation similar to yours in my research. Yes, some people are unable to tolerate Sinemet. It would be very advisable to discuss the symptoms you are experiencing with your neurologist as soon as possible. They are the experts on prescription medications that can be taken to address the various symptoms of Parkinsons.

And, of course they are the individuals who are qualified and trained to help you solve this problem. Neurologists attended school for years to learn how to help people just like you who have experienced the side effects of medications.

Since the appetite and digestive issues began after starting the medication, my guess is that these symptoms are likely due to the medication. Your doctor could determine this for certain.

The FDA does a good job of identifying and publicizing all possible side effects from medications. Below is a short list of side effects from Sinemet which I extracted from a search on the internet. It is a good idea to do your own search as well:

Side effects of Sinemet May Be Reasons for Little Appetite Since Starting to Use Sinemet

Confusion; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; taste changes; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; urinary tract infection; vomiting.

Gastrointestinal

Exacerbation of preexisting ulcer disease with severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding has been reported.

Gastrointestinal side effects including nausea and vomiting are the most common adverse gastrointestinal effects of levodopa. Anorexia and, rarely, gastrointestinal hemorrhage have been reported.

As you can see – the symptoms you currently experience are contained in the listing of some possible side effects. Your doctor is the best resource to solve this problem.

My research has revealed that some people supplement their prescription medications with natural sources of dopamine. One such source is discussed on the fava bean website:

www.favabeans.parkinsonsrecovery.com.

Aunt Bean describes in detail preparation of a fava bean tincture that makes it possible for a suppression of her Parkinsons symptoms. –

In summary, it appears as though your body is telling you that this particular treatment option may not be the best for your body.  Discuss the problem with your doctor and explore other options with their assistance. If you decide to begin making a natural source of dopamine as Aunt Bean does, you will need to work very closely with your doctor. While fava beans and Mucuna are natural sources of dopamine, they are still medications which will influence the effectiveness of whatever other medications you may decide to take after consulting with your doctor.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Pioneers of Recovery

Pain on Both Shoulders

I am in the first stage of Parkinson’s disease, but lately I have excruciating pain on both shoulders. The neurologist said it is not the disease. I am wondering if it is arthritis or what

Eva

Clearly, the pain on  both shoulders is creating a significant challenge at this time regardless of whatever name that might be attached to it. I think it helps to acknowledge your body is sending out a signal that something is out of balance and merits a little tender loving care.

I think it is wise to let the doctors apply labels to what is happening which is necessary for them to prescribe medications. That is what they are trained to do.

Do people who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinsons experience excruciating pain too? Yes, some clearly do and it is one of their primary symptoms. To acknowledge this, I invite you to click on the category to the right of this blog entitled “Pain” and you will see a number of other people have written in with a similar question. Of course, you will also see the responses I have formulated, which in general suggest a number of approaches that have been successful for other people.

There are other options that can be entertained which involve delving into the underling cause of  pain on both shoulders.  For example, consider the possibility you are taking on too much responsibility on your shoulders. That would certainly create the pain that you describe above. Once you have some idea of the underlying cause of the pain – you can pursue therapies that are well equipped to address the problem.

Know that there are many options available. You are invited to read some of the other discussion on pain here by clicking on the category pain to the right. Keep scrolling down – this post will be at the top once you click on the category to the right.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Pioneers of Recovery

Mucuna

I recently started taking NOW brand Mucuna (120mg LDopa) along with my 1/2 Sinemet tablet in 4-hour intervals. Its been only 3 weeks, but I can feel the Mucuna working, even with the Sinemet dosage halved! I also ordered ZANDOPA from India. Can you comment on these 2 products? 

Thanks.

Javier

It is wonderful to hear that the source of mucuna (which is a natural source of dopamine) which you have discovered seems to be helping significantly. Hooray! From interviews I have done with herbalists, there are few, if any, commercial sources of high quality Mucuna that are available.

Andrew Bentley, a herbalist who was featured in the 2009 edition of Pioneers of Recovery, reports that he does not prescribe Mucuna for his patients because he is unable to find a supply that is reliable. What he looks for is Mucuna that is grown in the wild which he has been unable to find anywhere in the world.

I have even had calls from some people who report that their supply of Mucuna had been working beautifully for them until they received a re- shipment – which fizzled. As you can see, reports are scattered all over the place.

I do not have any recommendations for a reliable source of Mucuna for these reasons. If sounds like your source may be a goldmine. I hope it continues to be useful.

A companion source of dopamine can be derived from fava bean plants.  Aunt Bean offers instructions on how to make their own dopamine at home from the sprouts of fava beans (or the tips if you have a garden). Her homemade tincture offers wonderful relief from her own symptoms of Parkinsons. Claim a free handbook that describes how to make the tincture on the Parkinsons Recovery Fava bean website:
https://www.favabeans.parkinsonsrecovery.com

I do not have any specific information about the medicine you ordered from India, though I am certain it would depend on the specific source.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery
Pioneers of Recovery

I Ignore My Parkinson’s Disease

I wrote a plea in my newsletter for help in changing the false belief that Parkinson’s Disease is “degenerative.” What follows is one of the many responses I received. Brad gave me permission to post the statement that follows. His theme is – I Ignore My Parkinson’s Disease. Be prepared to be inspired.

Robert Rodgers,Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery

Why is it we “fight” cancer, but we must “accept” Parkinson’s Disease? I never accepted anything, that is why I continue to work, exercise, live normally, etc. Mostly I ignore my Parkinsons Disease. I skip my drugs whenever possible. I am too busy to be bothered with degeneration. 

It has not made me very popular with the medical establishment. Parkinsons Disease is exceedingly psychologically and emotionally sensitive. When our mind is preoccupied with growth, involvement, concentration (“recovery” mode), our symptoms abate. When we are upset, angry, anxious (“degeneration” mode) our symptoms are exacerbated. 

As most athletes and artists know, in order to accomplish something, we must first “visualize” the possibility.If we do not believe something is possible, it will never be so. If we believe, anything is possible. 

When my symptoms caused me to lose my ability to bicycle ride at a high level of performance, I fought back and reversed those symptoms. Last fall, my girlfriend and I rode six or seven difficult “century” rides (100 miles in one day), including one back to back days for the first time. 

I still have Parkinson’s Disease, but I can do anything I choose to do by simply deciding to let nothing stand in my way. Simple put – I Ignore My Parkinson’s Disease

Brad

Does Chiropractic Therapy Offer Relief from Parkinsons

I have your book and have spent some time on your website, but so far I have not seen any reference to possible relief provided through chiropractic therapy. Does Chiropractic Therapy Offer Relief from Parkinsons 

I recently met an upper cervical chiropractic specialist who claims to have helped many people with Parkinsons reduce or eliminate their requirement for medication. Of course, he wants me to sign up for a year of treatment which is quite costly and no guarantee of results. I had to stop working a year and a half ago, so the cost is really only affordable if it would enable me to go back to work.

I have requested a list of references from people he has helped, but while I am waiting I thought I would ask you if you have heard of this. I would greatly appreciate any information or insights you can offer.

Thanks,

Bob

First, you can review a rich discussion on this blog about chiropractic treatments as they address symptoms of Parkinsons Disease. Click on the category to the right entitled Chiropractic Treatments.

Second, I have not found chiropractic treatments to be high on the list for people with symptoms of Parkinsons. Some people report that the adjustments are too invasive, creating problems rather than solving them. Of course, the treatments depend greatly on the chiropractor. There are many approaches that are used.

Third, I want to offer a reaction to the requirement you would have to sign up for a year of treatments.  Why a year? Why not six months or one month or one week? I do not understand how anyone would understand your body well enough to know that it would take a year for results to be seen.

Fourth, I note that the promise is to reduce medications. What about symptoms? The idea of pursuing options is to see sustained relief from symptoms. It seems to me you are not getting much return for your money if the only benefit is a reduction in medications  without any resultant impact on symptoms.

Fifth, if cost is an issue – I suggest you investigate many of the free treatment options that are readily available and are helping people recover. It is surprising how many free things you can do that will make a huge difference (e.g.: exercise, eat live food, etc.)

Sixth, it may come as a surprise, but I have found most options result in some benefit. Isn’t that interesting? The reality is, however, that some options will be far more beneficial than others. You just have to discover which ones will help you the most. Have you really considered some of the other options? There are so many that are helping people.

Seventh, notice that I used the word options which is plural. From my research, it is rare for a person to have a sustained reversal of symptoms without using multiple approaches. More than one approach/therapy/treatment is usually necessary. In your question, you are relying on only one treatment to do the trick so to speak. I do not care what the treatment is, it is likely that using only one will disappoint.

I have heard positive reports about a spine stretch that is treated with special equipment by a chiropractor. You might ask your chiropractor about whether he would recommend this therapy for you.

Finally, you ask me Does Chiropractic therapy offer relief from Parkinsons? Your chirprator is confident which is one piece of the puzzle. I have offered my two cents worth which does not offer a yes or a no.

Why not ask your own body? It will give you the answer you need. Muscle test it! I honestly do not know if this would be a  good option for you or not but your body does know the answer.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Transforming Beliefs about Parkinsons Disease

Below is an email I have permission to post anonymously regarding transforming the false  belief that Parkinson’s is degenerative. It is all about Transforming Beliefs about Parkinsons Disease.

This posting is anonymous for a very smart reason. The person does not want to be thought of as someone who has a “disease.”

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
https://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

I do believe that we can change the belief template, as you say. I am doing this every day with my qigong practice, walking, reading, talking about changing the information that my mind receives, being in the chi field of possibilities. And it is hard work sometimes. 

When symptoms change or strange new sensations show up, it’s so hard not to go into fear and dread. Mostly the qigong practice gives me tools with which to hold all this. And most of the time I can say this is just my mind thinking thoughts that are not the reality. And most of the time I am really happy and optimistic about reversing my symptoms.

I am very lucky in the three years since diagnosis they have barely progressed, mainly tremors and some lack of dexterity in my right hand. But some days the tremors feel more frequent or stronger, I’ll be tired a lot, and I wonder is it getting worse? How to not always think about it is the question, because it is visible when the tremors are happening. I find that taking a vigorous walk always makes me feel better, and when I’m not too tired the qigong practice is magical too.

Thanks again for your excellent vision and work. Count me in as someone intending to change the paradigm for healing.We work together transforming beliefs about Parkinsons disease

Case Study Approach to Parkinsons Research

HI Robert: I very much appreciate your case study approach to Parkinsons research to identify relief and even occasional cures. I have Parkinson’s Disease and I am an engineer/scientist. I am concerned that some of those who have found cures or relief from their symptoms may not have actually had PD. As you know, PD is very difficult to diagnose correctly and is frequently misdiagnosed. Some PD symptoms are caused by other conditions.

Do you screen your success cases for the following two criteria: diagnosed by a movement disorder neurologist and (2) has a positive response to dopamine replacement. If the success stories meet this standard, then I personally believe you have a true success.

Please don’t get me wrong. I am 100% on your side and I have read your first book and found a lot of uplifting and good ideas in the book. I want nothing more than to find a cure for my PD. By the way, I submitted a saliva sample to 23andMe and even though I have PD I have no genetic markers for PD. This would suggest something in my environment was the cause.

Keep up the good work.

Larry

I am approaching my research with Parkinsons in a way very differently than has been my standard approach in my previous research contributions. Previously I would have set up in the beginning a long string of data fields for each person I have interviewed (and there are many). I would have ask each person this long list of questions – you identify several good ones above – and coded them into the data set. I of course would also have interviewed people without Parkinsons as “controls” and asked them the same questions.

When I had a sample size of 500 or so, I would have begun to crunch the numbers and provided a wide variety of statistical analyses. This approach succeeds in getting published in the best of journals.

It does not succeed in helping us understand the complexities of the causes of neurological symptoms associated with Parkinsons. I decided if I was ever going to make a contribution to the world of science I had to step out of the box I had crammed myself into for 20 years and approach the research in a different way.

My new approach has yielded incredible insights into what is really happening with people who currently experience neurological challenges. These insights have come from interviewing people with symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s who have stories to tell about what helps and what does not help. In science, the approach is known as “grounded research” which is a fancy word for case study research.

My former research – which was very quantitative – is viewed as much more prestigious at universities than the less admired and valued case study research approach. It is also usually much easier to publish. I succeeded with the quantitative approach and was generously rewarded with tenure and promotions to full professor.

The lesson I have learned from adopting the quantitative approach is that the quantitative approach yields few insights and fewer discoveries. I have concluded there is wisdom and great value in the case study approach.

I also believe it has been useful from a research perspective to step away from the “box” of having been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. I defer to the medical doctors to follow down that pathway. They have the qualifications and training to diagnose. Only with a diagnosis can they prescribe the medications.

As you point out, many people are misdiagnosed because there is no definitive test for Parkinsons to begin with. This is no fault of the doctors since there is no definitive test for Parkinsons. For my research, it does not help to start with a diagnosis since so many are wrong.

For example, if my sample is confined to people who have a Parkinson’s diagnosis, a surprising proportion would actually wind up having Lyme disease. My potential sample of case study subjects is not confined only to people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease by a medical doctor. But in actuality, most if not all of my interview subjects have been diagnosed with PD.

What helps is simply to acknowledge the symptoms a person is experiencing which are associated with Parkinson’s Disease. The focus is then placed on the symptoms rather than a label of Parkinson’s Disease. When we begin to focus on symptoms, we jump out of a box of constrained and preconceived notions about Parkinson’s. The door is open to endless possibilities.

We are discovering that the causes of neurological problems associated with the symptoms of Parkinsons Disease include a long list of contributing factors. If people can determine which factors are relevant to their situation, they can find a therapy or treatment that can help resolve whatever symptoms are being experienced.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Prognosis for Early Onset Parkinson’s

Nearly a year ago, I was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 27. While it definitely came as a shock to me, I haven’t let it define the person that I am. My father was diagnosed with PD when he was 51 (which is still considered young) and I sadly watched Parkinson’s completely take over his life. The smallest things such as walking and even talking have become difficult for him. 

I was wondering, because I am diagnosed at such a young age, will I become as symptomatic as my father by my 40’s?

David

My answer may come as somewhat of a surprise to you. Your future state of health and wellness is primarily a function of what you think will happen. More specifically, do you think in your heart, mind and soul that you will suffer the same fate as your father? If you do, then you will.

If on the other hand, you hold the belief that your body can heal itself and that the symptoms your currently experience are an indication that something is out of balance in your body, then you will search for answers and find them.

You want to know what happens to people who have also been diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s. The outcomes split into those who believe their fate is sealed – they get gradually worse – and those who know healing is possible – they get better. At the foundation of all healing are our thought forms.

The pessimistic thoughts have low frequencies which impede healing. The optimistic thoughts have high frequencies which facilitate healing. In the end, the engine that drives what happens to you lies in your moment to moment thoughts about what is possible to manifest. I have written about the impact of thoughts on healing for Parkinson’s in Five Steps to Recovery.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

My mother has Parkinsons, was diagnosed about 5 years ago in Alabama, moved to Ohio in June 2010 to live with us so that we can care for her. In Alabama, her doctors gave her little time or help. When we moved her to Ohio, we took her to OSU and they totally changed her meds…..she became worse. We brought her to a neurologist in Parkersburg, WV (close to us) and he has finally begun to listen, adjusting her meds to older ones like Comtan and Amantadine. She saw some improvement for a few weeks, but now is worse again. She also have other issues, but we feel they are reflective of her freezing often and lack of mobility. This all started when she had pain in her leg and thought it was her sciatic nerve. No one has treated her for that. We are interested in other treatment options like low dose naltrexone (LDN).

I found your website several months ago and read about LDN. Do you know the closest place/doctor to us that would work with this medicine? We are desperate to get her help. She is a “young” 73 years old and has been in wonderful health for years until this. Any and all information you can put us in contact with would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Anita

Lexie provides rich information about low dose naltrexone during my interview with her on Parkinsons Recovery Radio. She one among ten others who are featured in Pioneers of Recovery. Replays of all the interviews including hers are listed on this page of this Parkinsons Recovery blog. You will need to scroll down several posts of replays to find a replay of Lexie’s interview.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery

 

 

Insomnia and Depression

I am in Australia but I am asking you our question on behalf of my mother who lives in Victoria BC Canada and who has been diagnosed with PD about 5 or so years ago. In the last few years she has had her medication changed a few times and each time it has not agreed with her. She suffers from both insomnia and depression. 

Presently she is on Sinemet 25/100 mg 2 tabs 4x per day. She feels terrible most of  the time and phones me often saying she doesn’t know what is happening to her. She can’t sleep at night and dreads going to bed. She feels depressed and is reluctant to take additional depression meds the doctors suggest.

The doctors she deals with seem to be very ambivalent and basically either change her dose or refer her to a shrink. The deterioration is now very bad and it seems these  meds are making her worse not better. 

She has always been convinced she doesn’t have PD and certainly besides slight tremoring in the hands it seems she may have a point. She does gets restless legs syndrome. We have NO confidence in the doctors where she lives and it is so difficult to get referrals to see someone else in the bureaucratic Canada health system. 

She lives on her own (insists on it), still drives, is 84 years old, tries to take her dog for a short walk everyday and besides reduced mobility is completely sane and lucid. Some days she is good, usually after she has managed to have a fair nights sleep but generally because of the lack of sleep feels awful. 

Is there someone or some organization in Canada or the USA you can suggest can possibly help her. She would like to get off the Sinemet as she doesn’t believe it is helping at all. I tend to agree although am reluctant to push her into doing that. Your assistance and advice would be much appreciated. 

Kind Regards, 

Peter

It sounds like your Mom has given prescription medications serious consideration for insomnia and depression but regardless of what is taken or how much, the medications are not helping her feel better. Thus far she has pursued one option.

The good news is that there are over 100 natural options she can consider that have been affording people with Parkinsons profound relief from their symptoms. Of course the challenge turns on deciding which options to pursue. I have transcribed interviews with ten individuals who discovered therapies that reversed their symptoms in my book Pioneers of Recovery.

She can also listen to replays of the interviews on the Parkinsons Recovery Blog here.  
Many of the pioneers discuss how their conquered their own insomnia and depression.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Sleep Disorder

I have been dealing with Parkinson’s for 2 years. Last December right after Christmas I took a nap at the kitchen table and my family could not wake me up. They said I slept for 15 minutes. They called EMT. This sleep disorder has been going on at least once a month or twice sometimes.

I was admitted in the hospital twice but no one cannot find the cause. Please help. My wife is losing her mind. 

Thanks 

Lloyd

What a challenge you and your family are currently encountering with this sleep disorder.  Your sixty-four thousand dollar question is:

Why in the world is this strange thing happening to you?

The leading question I would ask you to consider is:

What has changed recently in your life?

Have you begun any new medications? Has there been unusual stress in your life? The answer to this question – whatever it might be – may suggest a reason why this is now happening to you.

At a minimum I suggest you carefully review the side effects of any and all medications you currently take. The symptom you describe sounds to me like a possible side effect of a medication. If this turns out to be true, you can explore substitute medications in consultation with your doctor or entertain another solution to address the symptom that the medication was intended to address.

Perhaps the sleep problem is not due to the side effects of medications. What then? You have already had two extensive check ups at the hospital with no resolution and no insight into what is happening here. I suggest that it is now time to consider other alternatives.

One possible diagnostic option is to take advantage of the services of Sound Health Options. They provide diagnostic services using BioAcoustic voice profiling. I suspect the underlying source of the sleep disorder could be identified with an analysis of her voice. Once the cause is identified treatments can be used to address it.

My guess is that you are deficient in one or more substance the body needs to maintain balance, perhaps the B vitamins  Once you know the source of the imbalance, you can help your body come back into balance through diet and taking the specific supplements your body needs right now.

Robert Rodgers
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Pioneers of Recovery

 

 

L-Tyrosine Treatment for Parkinsons

Have you had any experience with taking L-tyrosine and if so in what doses?

Are there any resources or people that I could contact?

Thank you

Lisa

Marty Hines, MD, researched the relationship between amino acids and Parkinson’s symptoms for many years. He trains other doctors in administering amino acid therapy to help provide symptomatic relief for persons with Parkinson’s Disease.

It is my understanding from talking with one of his clinic staff members that this particular amino acid treatment protocol requires weekly monitoring through urine tests and regular adjustments of amino acid doses that are administered. It is not a treatment that can be administered without close and continuous supervision by a medical doctor.

You can read Dr. Hines’ research on amino acid therapy to treat Parkinson’s symptoms by visiting the website listed below:

https://www.neuroassist.com

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Pioneers of Recovery
http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com

How to Manifest Recovery

Several weeks ago I sent out an invitation to persons who receive my free newsletter to do an exercise I have found personally powerful that speaks to how to manifest recovery. The invitation was to jump ahead one year to and reflect back on everything you are grateful for. In other words, you set in motion the ability to manifest your dreams .

What follows is an email from Alan who has given permission to post here on the Parkinsons Recovery blog.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery

Here is my list of gratitude on how to manifest recovery. I accompany it with a story from Autobiography of a Yogi, a long-standing classic.

A student went to his teacher/guru, having become quite sick.

I see you have made yourself ill, said the teacher, but tomorrow you will feel better.”

Gladdened, the student went home and regained health. He returned to thank the teacher, who said,

“I see you have made yourself well. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?”

A wave of fear went through the student at the prospect of becoming ill again. He did become ill again and could hardly drag himself back to the teacher. Of course, the teacher said,

“You have again made yourself again indisposed.”

 The student, exhausted, asked the teacher what was going on.

“Really, it has been your thoughts that have alternatively made you feel weak and strong. You have seen how your health has exactly followed your subconscious expectations. Thought is a force, even as electricity or gravity.”

He then went on to explain that the mind is a spark of divine consciousness and that a thought, if believed intensely, would come to pass. pp.133-4.

I could certainly use some work on the intensity of thought, but doing the exercise that Robert suggested has helped me how to manifest recovery. I listened to his broadcast many times to be sure I understood it. Then, I took some planned time and made my list of improvements as if looking back on them from the previous year.

The next day, I found that I had planted those “subconscious expectations” mentioned above. For the past few weeks, that phrase “subconscious expectations” has been coming to mind. I wondered how I could set them up to be relieved of the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Without realizing it, this was the answer. Writing things out commits yourself to what you are writing. The next day. I kept thinking that change is possible and started acting as if it was happening.

The support for acting out change comes from within!! It is cool to see thought go to work for you. Everything will correspond. Of course, there is a battle between what is and what I can change. The nice thing is that the writing strongly plants new seeds in the mind of healthy thoughts because it is one of your actions–and it is free!

List of gratitude 

    • I restore full use of my left hand with flexibility and contractions are released.
    • My steady balance is restored.
    • I have excellent bladder control.
    • I regain and surpass the muscle mass that I have lost in the past few years.
    • I turn over spontaneously in bed while sleeping.
    • I live in a manner that improves my health, day by day.
    • As my symptoms disappear, my medications are reduced down to nothing.
    • Complete feeling returned to the left side of my body and face.
    • I advance in my career, personal growth, and wealth.
    • I easily chew and swallow all foods and liquids. Choking has ceased. I swallow saliva spontaneously.
    • I complete all tasks, intellectual and physical, easily with normal speed.
    • I walk efficiently with a normal gait and maintain a completely upright posture.
    • I lift and carry heavy items with ease.
    • I give positive encouragement to others.

It is necessary to have something in your mind besides devastation. I stayed positive and had faith in my first year and a half. I seemed to have spiritual healings but not so much physical ones. I was trying to defeat the “medical model”: it will progress.

That is all I knew and believed (from the Internet), and I did get worse in that time. I found Parkinsons Recovery at this time of year in 2008-9. I soon committed myself to recovery, starting with vitamins. I’ve had to fight progression, and it has been challenging. What is truly better this year is my eye viewing the scenery, close or far.

I am spontaneous at noticing things. My eyes flit about instead of stare, and I turn and notice things. Example: I heard some women laugh after a man spoke at the grocery checkout. I turned 180 degrees to see what that was. A tall man had just joked with three women who were facing him. I was surprised at my quick, turn around response. I have become more socially spontaneous, too.

Now, I hope to get into bodybuilding again. I understand how to manifest recovery. Two years ago, I couldn’t find any thoughts to desire it at all, and it had been a passion of mine. Listening to the music of Johann Strauss has freed me up to start thinking about mobility again. I can picture the ballroom dancers seen on youtube when I hear or think of this music. Prior to this, I couldn’t picture any motion at all.

Now, I need to expand my visualization to other activity. I used a study where one group exercised, one group imagined exercising, and another group did nothing. The second group improved, though not as much as the first. The third group made no improvement. This study told me that the mind will affect the body in regard to motion.

My biggest crisis this year was whether to go down in defeat or not. Howard Schifke said, if you fight Parkinson’s, it will fight you back. After that, I could see you can fight the whole thing–it may be fierce, but its fierceness does not have to beat you into a hole.

When you set up one therapy or practice you open up other possibilities of healing. I am excited with the effects already of making this list of gratitude for recovery in 2012.

Alan

Music as Therapy for Symptoms of Parkinsons Disease

I  got Parkinson’s disease 18 years ago and have decided to get rid of it !!!! I have started to seriously practice chineng qi-gong and hope I will be able to reduce my medication soon. I do not have the shivering version of PD but the moving disorder. In off times I can hardly walk but under medication I am doing not so bad.

I have developed a very interesting way of being able to walk when I can not walk. it is listening with mp3 player to specially rhythmic music at 104 metronome beats per minute like the Radetzky march by Strauss.

I concentrate on the music and I start as if everything would be normal. Other people should try it. My experience of walking with marching music has been really incredible because there is no  medicine that would make it possible for me to walk immediately during an off period.

Gerdi

Thanks for giving me permission to post your most fascinating report of how music makes it possible to you to walk during your off periods. How cool is that!

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Pioneers of Recovery

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