Dealing with Parkinson's Disease

Carly Simon shares Parkinson’s Disease and Cancer Diagnoses, Explains Yearslong Absence: ‘I Have Not Stopped Living' Carly Simon is opening up about her private health struggles. The “You’re So Vain” singer, 83, has Parkinson’s disease, she revealed July 27 in a statement obtained by PEOPLE; in the same statement, the music icon also announced that she underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer, amid her Parkinson’s diagnosis and treatment. So many people have written to me, kindly wondering about my relative silence, asking how I am and what I have been doing. The truth is, I’ve been learning how to live with Parkinson’s disease. It has taken me some time to understand the diagnosis, to adjust to it, and to decide how much I wanted to say about it publicly. Parkinson’s is different for everyone, and it can be unpredictable. Some days I’m so tired I can’t get the day moving at all. On others, it gives me a little more room to move, think, work, and feel like ...

Did you know that Patient Advocate Foundation offers financial help for nearly 150 disease-specific and health equity funds? With a TotalAssist grant from PAF, you can choose how you’d like to use your assistance to cover eligible healthcare costs—including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, office visit charges the day of treatment, and administration charges related to treatment. If you’re struggling to afford healthcare costs, check out their eligibility tool to see if you qualify for assistance today: TotalAssist.org

  The HEALTHY BRAINS Act (H.R. 7779) is a bipartisan effort to strengthen federal action on brain health and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. It would create new research centers focused on toxic exposures, prevention, education, and national data sharing. Tell Congress to support the HEALTHY BRAINS Act in order to:   • Strengthen collaboration among researchers, health professionals, patients and caregivers • Improve education on reducing toxic exposures and environmental risks  • Expand research training and prevention strategies  • Build national data infrastructure to drive solutions Your voice matters. Learn more and take action today: http://apda.link/HR7779 #Parkinsons #PDResearch #PDAwareness #ParkinsonsDisease #NeurologicalDisorders #Neurology #Neurological  reposted from APDA

 I blacked out 7 times recently. I think due to a new medication.  So on Monday I saw a new MDS. She said the orthostatic hypotension is very serious and put it at the top of my list.. prescribed a med to raise blood pressure. #1  priority. My concern is will it give me high blood pressure if my b.p. is normal? Orthostatic hypotension — also called postural hypotension — is a form of low blood pressure that happens when standing after sitting or lying down. Orthostatic hypotension can cause dizziness or lightheadedness and possibly fainting. Orthostatic hypotension can be mild. Episodes might be brief. However, long-lasting orthostatic hypotension can signal more-serious problems. It's important to see a health care provider if you frequently feel lightheaded when standing up.

Me when medications are working: Me when meds don’t work or wear off:

April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing understanding of the progressive nervous system disorder affecting over 10 million people worldwide. Throughout April, organizations like the Parkinson's Foundation and Michael J. Fox Foundation highlight research, advocate for better care, and support those living with the disease, with World Parkinson's Day marked on April 11.  Key Aspects of Parkinson's Awareness Month Purpose: To raise funds for research, promote early diagnosis, and support the community. The Symbol: The red and white tulip is the official symbol of Parkinson’s disease, launched in 2005. Ways to Participate: Educate: Participate in initiatives to learn about symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and non-motor issues (depression, anxiety). Advocate/Donate: Support organizations funding research and public policy initiatives. Events: Join walks, runs, and educational webinars, such as those offered by the American Parkinson Disease Associa...

Who is Checking on the Care Giver?