My gut has issues absorbing medications. Sometimes it doesn't seem to get absorbed, other times it can take hours then suddenly the medicine works.
My doctor has been telling me about a new deivery system for carbidopa/levadopa that works like diabetes meds, with a tiny prick into fatty tissue, not only bypassing the gut but instead of spikes of medication every time I take a pill, this should have a steady flow.
Two subcutaneous preparations, ND0612 and ABBV-951, have been shown to improve OFF time/motor activity or dyskinesis in advanced Parkinson's disease. One advantage of ABBV-951, over ND061, is that it can be used alone as l-dopa therapy, whereas ND061 must be used with oral l-dopa.
Awaiting FDA approval.
I'm not giving medical advice. Everyone's PD is different and responds differently to the medications. Work with your movement disorder specialist to figure out what's best for you.
Through the darkness i can see your light
And you will always shine
And I can feel your heart in mine
Your face I've memorized i idolize just you
I look up to everything you are
In my eyes you do no wrong
I've loved you for so long
And after all that's said and done
You're still you after all
You're still you you walk past me
I can feel your pain time changes everything
One truth always stays the same
You're still you after all
You're still you
I look up to everything you are
In my eyes you do no wrong
And I believe in you
Although you never asked me to
I will remember you
And what life put you through
And in this cruel and lonely world
I've found one love
You're still you after all
You're still you
Source: LyricFind
Music is great therapy. Sometimes I share music inspired by a connection to PD.
"Climb This Mountain" is the come-back release of country singer Rob Georg, after he took a break from his career due to the Corona Pandemic and taking care of his parents, who have both been diagnosed with severe illnesses in early 2020.
Rob’s dad has been fighting against Parkinson's disease for a long time and the new track ‘Climb This Mountain’ elaborates that struggle and his Dad's process of learning how to live with it, with the support of his loving family. Just like the title suggests, there is a potent dose of optimism in the track. It turned out to be a Parkinson's Awareness song that can motivate everyone.
The Covid plague had a lot of invisible effects on people. Two of the Parkinson’s symptoms that ht me very hard are fatigue and apathy. If you haven't experienced this combo, it's not easy to imagine having good "on time" when meds are working pretty good and having to decide what you will do during this "on time" window that may close at any moment or stay open for a couple of hours.
I have a list in my head and on paper of things to do when meds are working. In no particular order: Take a shower, cut my nails, pay bills, vacuum, pick up medication, buy some groceries, reply to email, call a friend or relative, shave, do dishes. While I sit frozen in my body, I also think of huge projects, getting physical therapy, replacing appliances, home and auto repairs and moving to more affordable home. Oh I left out one ingredient. Anxiety. Add anxiety to apathy and fatigue. It's not good. And it is horrible for a spouse / partner / care giver who frequently gets ignored and zero support.
During Covid some people learned, built, discovered. During Covid my PD symptoms grew and my routine was suspended. Daily walks, yoga, exercise, movement classes and being a volunteer at New York Cares where I helped elderly learn to navigate their computers and the internet stopped. It is very hard for someone with a chronic progressive illness like PD switching gears "just" start new routines.
So I have a new prescription for physical therapy and started going to a movement class. That's 2 things. I'm slowly adding to my weekly goals but it's always a battle with fatigue and apathy.
I'm not sure how many read through this blog but if I can help even one person, it's totally worth it. Post Covid is hard. Writing this blog post this morning was my choice of things to do when my meds are working, "on time"
August 28, 2015
from the MJFF Feed
10 Lesser-Known Parkinson's Disease Symptoms
Before you or a loved one was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, you may have only been familiar with the tremor symptom.
Unfortunately, the disease brings with it a range of symptoms, some visible and many not.
Lack of awareness around certain symptoms can delay diagnosis. For people with Parkinson's, it can sometimes be difficult to tell when symptoms are a part of Parkinson's disease or from something else.
And if you're not aware that something is a Parkinson's symptom, you may also not be aware that it can be treated.
Dopamine agonists have been linked with impulsive behavior. New data supports more substantial warnings for these drugs.
A new study published May 2, 2023 in the journal Nature Communications reveals another possible way we might be able to spot Parkinson's disease early—and even before noticeable symptoms arise.
According to this research, there are noticeable changes in the gut microbiota during the earliest stages of Parkinson's disease, and this may help doctors diagnose and offer targeted treatment before the disease progresses further.
Read article on eatingwell