Re: Joining the List

[Deb White <debwhite@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I second Sue's recommendation that you find an excellent neurologist.
Bingo--right on the nose!  The meds should be tailored to fit the patient.
My father, 27 years with Parkinson's, was also of the attitude--"if you
don't use it, you'll lose it."  He worked full-time WITH HIS PARKINSON'S for
15 years until he retired 12 years ago (thus, the 27 years) in a pretty high
stress job with a lot of driving, managing his workforce, and he was an
electrician on top of all that!  The neurologist and the attitude of the
individual being treated are the key ingredients.

Deb White
Boston

-----Original Message-----
From: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network
[ Behalf Of Randy Buss
Sent: Friday, October 04, 2002 3:12 AM
To: PARKINSN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Joining the List


Fred,
Welcome!  I am 48 years old with 2 children, not quite teens.  I have
been diagnosed for 5 years.  Don't give up!

Two years ago, I started taekwondo.  My neuro wanted me to take tai chi,
but since I live in the middle of "nowhere", I started formal taekwondo
training  instead. I use a tai chi tape almost every morning, but the
classes I attend (with my children) have been a blessing.  I have
reduced my medication, almost by half, still maintain all functions and
have earned a black belt.  My neuro supports me whole heartedly,
claiming that studies substantiate the role of martial arts training in
the delay of debilitating symptoms.

First of all, find a good neuro.  The first thing my neuro said was "We
tailor the meds to fit the patient, not the patient to the meds."  This
after 6 or 8 doctors who didn't have a clue!

Then, exercise!  The adage, "Use it or lose it." must have been stated
by a parkie.

Do not give up or in!  There is hope!

Sue
48, and still kicking!

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