Hello, I am Bunny

[jbunnyy@hotmail.com]

I have never belonged to a Parkinson forum before but have lots to discuss about the disease. I have had Parkinson's since early 2000, take Requip and Levadopa. I can still take care of my needs, live by myself, and the disease is moving slowly so my neurologist reports. My husband has had Alzheimers for 8 years we know of, and lives in a VA home since 2004. Looking forward to benefiting from this group.

[ltd-addition]

Hello Bunny

I'm born in the chinese year of the Rabbit !
Welcome to your "Parkers family"
Keep safe, well & always have a good belly laugh
speak soon

[jbunnyy@hotmail.com]

thank you for your welcome...will respond more after today. Am going to my son's house for Father's Day celebration.

[susan wheatley]

hi bunny, welcome to the forum, hope you are well today and that you have a nice day at your sons speak to you soon susan.

[heather]

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/maesisaf/sit%20pictures%20not%20used/pspbunnyGRAPHIC191.gif
so look forward to you posting, it will be nice to have some new
discussions, to hear how you, have coped for so long,
Did you symptoms start about the time,your husband , started with his Alzheimers ?

[jbunnyy@hotmail.com]

Thank you all, Heather, Susan, ITD for your warm welcome. As you can see by the time frame it is now the middle of the night and I am wide awake. I don't sleep well, don't know how much is the Parkinson's but am uncomfortable sometimes which wakes me. You asked if I was diagnosed with PD at approx the same time as my husband was with AD...yes I was which appears to be more than a coincidence to me but my neurologist says it is not probable that they are connected.I am 75 but had always been in good health before the disease. So much to talk about but don't know where to begin. Perhaps you have questions.

[suzie Q]

Hi Bunny

Welcome To The Forum Hope To Hear From You Soon

Sue

[jbunnyy@hotmail.com]

I just finished getting ready to go on some errands and again was slightly frustrated by my ineptness, clumsy hands, etc. it takes me much longer to get ready for the day than I ever dreamed it would take. I suppose I am glad I can still dress myself, put on makeup, etc. I am also slower in movement, have to use a cane for balance sometimes, but I still drive my car. I bought one in 2006 that has all sorts of safety features on it such as a back up camera to see who is in back of me, a lane buzzer that tells me if I'm drifting into another lane, a braking system that helps me to brake properly. I even have a telephone system that allows me to use my cell phone, and speak through speakers from the car. These safety features on the car are of great help to me.

I am planning a trip to Cancun, Mexico to a resort...going with my best friend, a widow, and her daughter, son in law, and two children.I have private anxiety about the trip hoping I'm not attempting too much but I do so want to try and live as normal a life as possible. I miss the traveling I used to do with my husband who has been in a VA home since spring 04. Don't know how much anyone knows about ALzheimers but it is a horrible disease...my husband can't talk now, is in a wheelchair, and sometimes doesn't know us. Does anyone have any tips on a vacation trip when a person has Parkinsons.

How about the drug Requip, 4mg. 3x per day, and Levadopa, 3x per day. The only side effect I don't like is I get sleepy often when I sit down and am still for awhile. Of course, I have insommia so that is probably why I am so sleepy often.
[I] also take Micardis, drug for blood pressure, Melformin fot high blood sugar. Looking forward to learning some good advice on how to do my best eveyrday I have other concerns but am waiting and reading the threads already in the forum already.

[heather]

Hi Bunny
hope you and hubby are well,
They say that once you are diagnosed with PD , you can go back a few years,
As i have worked with a lot of families, with someone with AD, they say it came on very slowly, did this happen with you
also,
Geraldine, made a very good point, that stress doesn't help, but the cause could be from a Virus, I have been trying to find some info on this, but not much time at the moment to look.

If you are wanting to no something, please just ask, it may have been posted or answered somewhere but the forum has grown so much, it could take a long time to find it, no one minds repeating themselves if it helps , or directing you to the area you want , hope that makes sense

[heather]

I just finished getting ready to go on some errands and again was slightly frustrated by my ineptness, clumsy hands, etc. it takes me much longer to get ready for the day than I ever dreamed it would take. I suppose I am glad I can still dress myself, put on makeup, etc. I am also slower in movement, have to use a cane for balance sometimes, but I still drive my car. I bought one in 2006 that has all sorts of safety features on it such as a back up camera to see who is in back of me, a lane buzzer that tells me if I'm drifting into another lane, a braking system that helps me to brake properly. I even have a telephone system that allows me to use my cell phone, and speak through speakers from the car. These safety features on the car are of great help to me.

I am planning a trip to Cancun, Mexico to a resort...going with my best friend, a widow, and her daughter, son in law, and two children.I have private anxiety about the trip hoping I'm not attempting too much but I do so want to try and live as normal a life as possible. I miss the traveling I used to do with my husband who has been in a VA home since spring 04. Don't know how much anyone knows about ALzheimers but it is a horrible disease...my husband can't talk now, is in a wheelchair, and sometimes doesn't know us. Does anyone have any tips on a vacation trip when a person has Parkinsons.

How about the drug Requip, 4mg. 3x per day, and Levadopa, 3x per day. The only side effect I don't like is I get sleepy often when I sit down and am still for awhile. Of course, I have insommia so that is probably why I am so sleepy often.
[I] also take Micardis, drug for blood pressure, Melformin fot high blood sugar. Looking forward to learning some good advice on how to do my best eveyrday I have other concerns but am waiting and reading the threads already in the forum already.

Hi Bunny
hope you are well
wow your car sounds a dream, did you have it converted to suit you , I could do with that and don't have PD :rolleyes:

I took my husband to Iceland for my son's weeding, almost 3 years ago now all he could do then was transfer with my help, and talk a little. my daughter came with me, and we took my mum in her 80, never flown before with us, everything { nothing to do with him being ill} went wrong , but i'm so glad we did it, and would do it again, the memories are so lovely and we treasure every second we spent on our adventure
I don't no how things work in US, but in the UK the air port couldn't do enough to help us, and in Iceland, we got stuck in a glass lift, and they where great.
What i'm saying girl is go for it, just make sure you have all your medication, insurances etc sorted before you go, , and enjoy
AD is a horrid illness, I have nursed/ been involved with families with it. Though Jim needs total care off me, at least he knows who i am, and can understand/make decisions for himself, though he can't speak, together we can usaly work out what he wants, and i'm sure if your husband could do this, he would say go, like you said Try and live a normal life
" live for today, and deal with what, when it happens, that's what I/we have done,
Just a little something to make you Laugh

Over 12 years ago they gave Jim 7 years, we joked in the plane , I told him, this is as near as you get to knock on the pearly gates, and he laughed, and said "God wouldn't dare take him , till we had our holiday. as your mum would curse him"

[jbunnyy@hotmail.com]

Hi Bunny
hope you are well
wow your car sounds a dream, did you have it converted to suit you , I could do with that and don't have PD :rolleyes:

I took my husband to Iceland for my son's weeding, almost 3 years ago now all he could do then was transfer with my help, and talk a little. my daughter came with me, and we took my mum in her 80, never flown before with us, everything { nothing to do with him being ill} went wrong , but i'm so glad we did it, and would do it again, the memories are so lovely and we treasure every second we spent on our adventure
I don't no how things work in US, but in the UK the air port couldn't do enough to help us, and in Iceland, we got stuck in a glass lift, and they where great.
What i'm saying girl is go for it, just make sure you have all your medication, insurances etc sorted before you go, , and enjoy
AD is a horrid illness, I have nursed/ been involved with families with it. Though Jim needs total care off me, at least he knows who i am, and can understand/make decisions for himself, though he can't speak, together we can usaly work out what he wants, and i'm sure if your husband could do this, he would say go, like you said Try and live a normal life
" live for today, and deal with what, when it happens, that's what I/we have done,
Just a little something to make you Laugh

Over 12 years ago they gave Jim 7 years, we joked in the plane , I told him, this is as near as you get to knock on the pearly gates, and he laughed, and said "God wouldn't dare take him , till we had our holiday. as your mum would curse him"

Thank you Heather, I am still anxious about my trip as I don't feel very good most of the time at home and wonder if I am being unrealistic in my ability to function away from home. AD is a horrible illnesss....The stress of caring for my husband for 3 years was a burden on my illness. I was heartbroken that we had to place him in a nursing home because of my PD but we all do things we never thought we could.

I am enjoying reading your and others comments as I have not had many friends in the UK or other countries over the world. Some expressions are unfamiliar to me and I have to puzzle them out. Thank you again for your kind response.

[ltd-addition]

I'm sharing my public insight into a morning with Parker's. This was what I was like at one time & I wrote it to help my Parker's Nurse understand. It has been shared by those I felt could appreciate it and who care.
However I'm now a young spring Gazelle dancing in a red tutu wearing high heel shoes with a purple hat holding a glass of Shiraz (God is good to me)

0645 The alarm goes off and God am I tired I’ve just gone to sleep in the last 2 hrs. Every muscle feels so tight as though I’ve ran a marathon in my sleep. Just trying to turn over is such an exhausting effort, never mind the pain of it. My whole body especially my back seems to have seized up. I think if I were to move quicker I’ll snap my back in half. At this point in the pain, I’m wishing for a quick fix tablet to immediately stop the hurt.

I can’t sit up so I roll out of bed onto the floor. Oh yep I forgot my shoes were there. Nice bruising comes up on my chest wall, the same shape as my heel. Later I laugh about it, the thought of rolling out onto cushions on the floor but in my tiredness, forgotten to put my shoes away. Mind it was 5am when I eventually got to sleep.

I get up in a state of being on board ship. Postural dizziness, so I stand for a while. Mind having low blood pressure is not exactly helping at this point. I clumsily get into the en suite & after sitting for a while in an effort to help kick start my brain gently to help it send out signals, I get showered. (Thankfully I now have a very expensive walk in shower, otherwise, the sequence of movement required to get my body into the small high corner shower would have made me mega late. That was another story but no need to tell it now)

Oh dear the minute or so I though I’d sat was not a minute, oh I’m going to be late already. 20 minutes of valuable time had passed & I hadn’t even my lippy on!
Some may say vanity, but I say “you never know who you’re going to bump into “It’s my feel good factor. If I look well groomed maybe people won’t see how bad I feel, plus it’s my psychological factor of maintaining normality. Thank you Oh Lord for my being right handed cos I tell you, my eyeliner would be distributed around the
The nether regions of my eyes no where near my eyelids.

Now then, oh yes tablets. Mmm I should have got them out ready but I’m always conscious of Kieron climbing looking at things. I’d never forgive myself. Won’t even think of it!!!

Now then prop myself up against wall to start putting clothes on, I don’t even think of the difficulties’ because if I do I can’t get dressed. Call it psychological or call it parker's but if I think about what I can’t do I cant do it. Anyway no time to depress myself, (my sense of humour Say's GIVE THE SAMARITAINS A REST THEY HAVE ALREADY FILLED UP ST NICKS AFTER TALKING TO ME)
Sods law zip stuck, right what to do, don’t think about it do something else instead, shoes on. Yes well I’ll just take them with me. I pop them in my bag and remember I’ve got to look where I’m walking to the car. It’s supposed to be lucky if a bird drops one on you, but I don’t think it’s the same standing in it!!

Bloody hell I’ll brush my hair once I’m in the car park at work, got no time!!! Who stole it? One of these days I’m just go & slide down the banisters. Yes stairs going down are an obstacle, now hold on & let’s start the rhythm count. I’ve been doing that for years, now I know why because it helps me to keep my rhythm so I don’t fall.

(Oh good Job I got a draught, my zip stuck) “Hi Karen “(No time for modesty if I’m not going to be too late for work) could you do me a favour? “ Right modesty adjusted, bless her. I’d have to change & how long that would have taken, I don’t think about it. I’m getting very good at not thinking about it, I just distract myself so much because I’m concentrating on getting to work on time. Oh bags for work, getting picked up, right I put them in the car. It’s going to make me late but I said I’d bring them in & I keep my word , Oh girl just leave them, no I can’t I take them . I know it’s a compulsion, I can’t stop myself, they are there & I need to take them. Is this me or the Parker's, don’t think about it “OK”

Peace, what is it with driving all cylinders are firing but I couldn’t even, NO don’t think about it... Otherwise I can’t do it.
Right I’m just on time 8 o clocks, yep knew it someone parked in the disabled bay. More importantly get parked somewhere, bloody hell I’m late, & I haven’t even got my shoes on yet. Right Shoes on hair brushed good job I looked in the mirror whilst reversing up onto the pavement. Ohhh left foot swollen & I’m going to walk with dignity to that door. Just wish my shoe would adjust with the swelling, thank God for small mercies though because I got my shoe on in 5 minutes I’m getting quicker so I’ll accept that as a good sign.
“Hi Guy’s sorry I’m late, that traffic “ (yes a white lie, but who wants to hear my trials & tribulations first thing in a morning, not me I’m exhausted, don’t have the energy to talk ) I put my bags down just glad I made it, now don’t think about it. Cup of Tea Anyone?

I just typed it out in that style as it happens & that was a good day.

I hope you understand what I’ve written because it made it easier for me to explain in that style of writing, than being depressive.

(samaritains listen to people in trouble , st Nicks is a pyschiatric hospital called st nicholas)

[suzie Q]

Hi bunny go on your holiday dont worry just enjoy it

sue

[heather]

Sue she is going, we will pop over and pack her case for her
No serious bunny, you will be fine, and the rest away will be good for you
Take care both

[pogo1960]

I'm sharing my public insight into a morning with Parker's. This was what I was like at one time & I wrote it to help my Parker's Nurse understand. It has been shared by those I felt could appreciate it and who care.
However I'm now a young spring Gazelle dancing in a red tutu wearing high heel shoes with a purple hat holding a glass of Shiraz (God is good to me)

0645 The alarm goes off and God am I tired I’ve just gone to sleep in the last 2 hrs. Every muscle feels so tight as though I’ve ran a marathon in my sleep. Just trying to turn over is such an exhausting effort, never mind the pain of it. My whole body especially my back seems to have seized up. I think if I were to move quicker I’ll snap my back in half. At this point in the pain, I’m wishing for a quick fix tablet to immediately stop the hurt.

I can’t sit up so I roll out of bed onto the floor. Oh yep I forgot my shoes were there. Nice bruising comes up on my chest wall, the same shape as my heel. Later I laugh about it, the thought of rolling out onto cushions on the floor but in my tiredness, forgotten to put my shoes away. Mind it was 5am when I eventually got to sleep.

I get up in a state of being on board ship. Postural dizziness, so I stand for a while. Mind having low blood pressure is not exactly helping at this point. I clumsily get into the en suite & after sitting for a while in an effort to help kick start my brain gently to help it send out signals, I get showered. (Thankfully I now have a very expensive walk in shower, otherwise, the sequence of movement required to get my body into the small high corner shower would have made me mega late. That was another story but no need to tell it now)

Oh dear the minute or so I though I’d sat was not a minute, oh I’m going to be late already. 20 minutes of valuable time had passed & I hadn’t even my lippy on!
Some may say vanity, but I say “you never know who you’re going to bump into “It’s my feel good factor. If I look well groomed maybe people won’t see how bad I feel, plus it’s my psychological factor of maintaining normality. Thank you Oh Lord for my being right handed cos I tell you, my eyeliner would be distributed around the
The nether regions of my eyes no where near my eyelids.

Now then, oh yes tablets. Mmm I should have got them out ready but I’m always conscious of Kieron climbing looking at things. I’d never forgive myself. Won’t even think of it!!!

Now then prop myself up against wall to start putting clothes on, I don’t even think of the difficulties’ because if I do I can’t get dressed. Call it psychological or call it parker's but if I think about what I can’t do I cant do it. Anyway no time to depress myself, (my sense of humour Say's GIVE THE SAMARITAINS A REST THEY HAVE ALREADY FILLED UP ST NICKS AFTER TALKING TO ME)
Sods law zip stuck, right what to do, don’t think about it do something else instead, shoes on. Yes well I’ll just take them with me. I pop them in my bag and remember I’ve got to look where I’m walking to the car. It’s supposed to be lucky if a bird drops one on you, but I don’t think it’s the same standing in it!!

Bloody hell I’ll brush my hair once I’m in the car park at work, got no time!!! Who stole it? One of these days I’m just go & slide down the banisters. Yes stairs going down are an obstacle, now hold on & let’s start the rhythm count. I’ve been doing that for years, now I know why because it helps me to keep my rhythm so I don’t fall.

(Oh good Job I got a draught, my zip stuck) “Hi Karen “(No time for modesty if I’m not going to be too late for work) could you do me a favour? “ Right modesty adjusted, bless her. I’d have to change & how long that would have taken, I don’t think about it. I’m getting very good at not thinking about it, I just distract myself so much because I’m concentrating on getting to work on time. Oh bags for work, getting picked up, right I put them in the car. It’s going to make me late but I said I’d bring them in & I keep my word , Oh girl just leave them, no I can’t I take them . I know it’s a compulsion, I can’t stop myself, they are there & I need to take them. Is this me or the Parker's, don’t think about it “OK”

Peace, what is it with driving all cylinders are firing but I couldn’t even, NO don’t think about it... Otherwise I can’t do it.
Right I’m just on time 8 o clocks, yep knew it someone parked in the disabled bay. More importantly get parked somewhere, bloody hell I’m late, & I haven’t even got my shoes on yet. Right Shoes on hair brushed good job I looked in the mirror whilst reversing up onto the pavement. Ohhh left foot swollen & I’m going to walk with dignity to that door. Just wish my shoe would adjust with the swelling, thank God for small mercies though because I got my shoe on in 5 minutes I’m getting quicker so I’ll accept that as a good sign.
“Hi Guy’s sorry I’m late, that traffic “ (yes a white lie, but who wants to hear my trials & tribulations first thing in a morning, not me I’m exhausted, don’t have the energy to talk ) I put my bags down just glad I made it, now don’t think about it. Cup of Tea Anyone?

I just typed it out in that style as it happens & that was a good day.

I hope you understand what I’ve written because it made it easier for me to explain in that style of writing, than being depressive.

(samaritains listen to people in trouble , st Nicks is a pyschiatric hospital called st nicholas)

This was great.........I enjoyed reading it.

[ltd-addition]

Thanks Pogo I guess reading it, might give Bunny the incentive , to realise it can get better & each day is different.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, I'm enjoying a better energy level too
Keep safe pet

[Gail]

I'm sharing my public insight into a morning with Parker's. This was what I was like at one time & I wrote it to help my Parker's Nurse understand. It has been shared by those I felt could appreciate it and who care.
However I'm now a young spring Gazelle dancing in a red tutu wearing high heel shoes with a purple hat holding a glass of Shiraz (God is good to me)

0645 The alarm goes off and God am I tired I’ve just gone to sleep in the last 2 hrs. Every muscle feels so tight as though I’ve ran a marathon in my sleep. Just trying to turn over is such an exhausting effort, never mind the pain of it. My whole body especially my back seems to have seized up. I think if I were to move quicker I’ll snap my back in half. At this point in the pain, I’m wishing for a quick fix tablet to immediately stop the hurt.

I can’t sit up so I roll out of bed onto the floor. Oh yep I forgot my shoes were there. Nice bruising comes up on my chest wall, the same shape as my heel. Later I laugh about it, the thought of rolling out onto cushions on the floor but in my tiredness, forgotten to put my shoes away. Mind it was 5am when I eventually got to sleep.

I get up in a state of being on board ship. Postural dizziness, so I stand for a while. Mind having low blood pressure is not exactly helping at this point. I clumsily get into the en suite & after sitting for a while in an effort to help kick start my brain gently to help it send out signals, I get showered. (Thankfully I now have a very expensive walk in shower, otherwise, the sequence of movement required to get my body into the small high corner shower would have made me mega late. That was another story but no need to tell it now)

Oh dear the minute or so I though I’d sat was not a minute, oh I’m going to be late already. 20 minutes of valuable time had passed & I hadn’t even my lippy on!
Some may say vanity, but I say “you never know who you’re going to bump into “It’s my feel good factor. If I look well groomed maybe people won’t see how bad I feel, plus it’s my psychological factor of maintaining normality. Thank you Oh Lord for my being right handed cos I tell you, my eyeliner would be distributed around the
The nether regions of my eyes no where near my eyelids.

Now then, oh yes tablets. Mmm I should have got them out ready but I’m always conscious of Kieron climbing looking at things. I’d never forgive myself. Won’t even think of it!!!

Now then prop myself up against wall to start putting clothes on, I don’t even think of the difficulties’ because if I do I can’t get dressed. Call it psychological or call it parker's but if I think about what I can’t do I cant do it. Anyway no time to depress myself, (my sense of humour Say's GIVE THE SAMARITAINS A REST THEY HAVE ALREADY FILLED UP ST NICKS AFTER TALKING TO ME)
Sods law zip stuck, right what to do, don’t think about it do something else instead, shoes on. Yes well I’ll just take them with me. I pop them in my bag and remember I’ve got to look where I’m walking to the car. It’s supposed to be lucky if a bird drops one on you, but I don’t think it’s the same standing in it!!

Bloody hell I’ll brush my hair once I’m in the car park at work, got no time!!! Who stole it? One of these days I’m just go & slide down the banisters. Yes stairs going down are an obstacle, now hold on & let’s start the rhythm count. I’ve been doing that for years, now I know why because it helps me to keep my rhythm so I don’t fall.

(Oh good Job I got a draught, my zip stuck) “Hi Karen “(No time for modesty if I’m not going to be too late for work) could you do me a favour? “ Right modesty adjusted, bless her. I’d have to change & how long that would have taken, I don’t think about it. I’m getting very good at not thinking about it, I just distract myself so much because I’m concentrating on getting to work on time. Oh bags for work, getting picked up, right I put them in the car. It’s going to make me late but I said I’d bring them in & I keep my word , Oh girl just leave them, no I can’t I take them . I know it’s a compulsion, I can’t stop myself, they are there & I need to take them. Is this me or the Parker's, don’t think about it “OK”

Peace, what is it with driving all cylinders are firing but I couldn’t even, NO don’t think about it... Otherwise I can’t do it.
Right I’m just on time 8 o clocks, yep knew it someone parked in the disabled bay. More importantly get parked somewhere, bloody hell I’m late, & I haven’t even got my shoes on yet. Right Shoes on hair brushed good job I looked in the mirror whilst reversing up onto the pavement. Ohhh left foot swollen & I’m going to walk with dignity to that door. Just wish my shoe would adjust with the swelling, thank God for small mercies though because I got my shoe on in 5 minutes I’m getting quicker so I’ll accept that as a good sign.
“Hi Guy’s sorry I’m late, that traffic “ (yes a white lie, but who wants to hear my trials & tribulations first thing in a morning, not me I’m exhausted, don’t have the energy to talk ) I put my bags down just glad I made it, now don’t think about it. Cup of Tea Anyone?

I just typed it out in that style as it happens & that was a good day.

I hope you understand what I’ve written because it made it easier for me to explain in that style of writing, than being depressive.

(samaritains listen to people in trouble , st Nicks is a pyschiatric hospital called st nicholas) That was great!

[Gail]

Hi Bunny, It is looking forward to things like your trip that keep us going. Have fun!

[susan wheatley]

ltd-edition
you,ve worn me out just reading your post, your right you cant leave the house without your lippy is,nt vanity a strange thing.

[Drew Saunders]

Thanks Pogo I guess reading it, might give Bunny the incentive , to realise it can get better & each day is different.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, I'm enjoying a better energy level too
Keep safe pet

I can't wait to see you before you have done your hair on the web cam. That should be a sight for sore eyes! Almost as bad as seeing me without my teeth in! No chance!

[ltd-addition]

Drew
my hair is like a bost couch (burst) & I've definately been dragged through a hedge backwards. Ha ha ha It's enough to scare a saint.

[ltd-addition]

Thank you Lake District Pogo & Gail Im sorry if I dont always reply but i'm full time at work & typing becomes difficult.
But I love reading about you

love hugs & eskimo kiss

[suzie Q]

Ltd-addition


that was great reading .

Sue

[ltd-addition]

Ltd-addition


that was great reading .

Sue

Hello my Aussie friend,

I Thank you for your reply, its lovely the level of understanding the forum has, especially from you
Keep safe & smiling

[jbunnyy@hotmail.com]

Thank you ITD for your descriptive account of getting ready for work. It helps to know that others have somewhat the same difficulties in just living. I have been having times of just feeling terrible and finally it dawned on me that perhaps the medication was no longer lasting until the next dosage. I take Requip 4mg. and was taking Carodopa/Levodopa 25/100 3x per day together. The meds were running out about 3 hrs. after dosage so I called my neurologist and he upped the dosage of the Levodopa to 50/200 3x per day. I have only been on the increased dosage for 1 1/2 days but already feel better. I was worried about going on my trip with me feeling so lousy but now I think I will be able to function well enough to enjoy the trip. I have had PD for 8 yrs. so should know what is wrong when my meds begin to not work but I have been fortunate enough to have a slow progression of symptoms and just now am beginning to deal with wobbly legs, weakness, drowsiness, etc. Here in the states, it is good news for me that the Requip is going generic as I was having to pay an enormous co-pay for the med every month even though I have medicare insurance for the medications through my HMO. Thank all of you, my new friends, for encouraging me to go on the trip.

[mappergal]

Hi Bunny, I was diagnosed almost two years ago and I still travel. This past year I went to Ecuador and Thailand, last year India and Cancun. I live in LA and my boyfriend lives in Buffalo NY, so I also travel to see him.
I carry extra drugs on my person and carry on bag, more than what I will need in case my purse get lost or stolen. I leave some in the room. My doctor had me get a medical ID card and bracelet if I was going to travel as I am also on Azilect and that drug can interact badly with anesthesia, cold medicines and diarrhea medicine.
Cancun is beautiful, I have been several times. I have gotten touista in the past, don't drink water or use ice unless you are sure your hotel or restaurant is certified for purifying the water. This includes brushing your teeth with bottled water and keeping your mouth shut while showering. You don't want to be in a position where you vomit up your drugs, I was also told by a doctor that if I stared vomiting, put my sinemet in applesauce, that would help keep it down.
Take a few precautions and you should be fine!

[jbunnyy@hotmail.com]

Hi Bunny, I was diagnosed almost two years ago and I still travel. This past year I went to Ecuador and Thailand, last year India and Cancun. I live in LA and my boyfriend lives in Buffalo NY, so I also travel to see him.
I carry extra drugs on my person and carry on bag, more than what I will need in case my purse get lost or stolen. I leave some in the room. My doctor had me get a medical ID card and bracelet if I was going to travel as I am also on Azilect and that drug can interact badly with anesthesia, cold medicines and diarrhea medicine.
Cancun is beautiful, I have been several times. I have gotten touista in the past, don't drink water or use ice unless you are sure your hotel or restaurant is certified for purifying the water. This includes brushing your teeth with bottled water and keeping your mouth shut while showering. You don't want to be in a position where you vomit up your drugs, I was also told by a doctor that if I stared vomiting, put my sinemet in applesauce, that would help keep it down.
Take a few precautions and you should be fine!


Thank you Mappergal for your excellent advice. I have been told that the resort we are visiting has pure drinking water but I plan to be on the safe side and drink bottled water. The sinemet in applesauce is good advice as this particular med makes me nauseated sometimes anyway. I am planning on keeping my medications on my person while traveling .

I am very much interested in your occupation as a cartographer. I have never known someone with an exotic profession such as that one. Were you interested in maps as a teenager, what ignited your interest in map making? When you travel, do you go to locations and develop and draw specific locations ?

I appreciate the encoragement for traveling as I have done very little since diagnosis of Parkinson's.

[mappergal]

Hi Bunny. I actually started my career as an archaeologist, I had wanted to be an archaeologist since I was five. I got my degrees in Anthropology and went to work digging on various California Indian sites when construction was eminent. The work was manual labor, we used pick axes and crow bars, not tooth brushes as they show on TV, and it paid poorly. We worked on a series of sites that had once been a Navy practice firing area that had many dummy lead bombs, in the middle of Orange Groves that were treated with pesticides and herbicides. This is where I think my PD came from. I was actually good at mapping the sites and took a job at Cal State Long Beach in the Geography Department where I learned computer mapping.
Since then I have work for different government agencies making maps until 2 weeks ago. I just went out on a disability retirement as my work was going to lay me off.
I met my boyfriend while traveling in Peru, we both love traveling and are always looking for a deal for somewhere new to go. I am forty seven years old and want to see as much of the world while I still can.
I am going to Buffalo this weekend to see my sweetie. When do you leave for Cancun? You can visit Chitza Niza while you are there, it is a wonderous Mayan site that was recently picked as one of the more modern seven wonders of the world. It takes 3 hours each way on a bus but it is something else!

[suzie Q]

Hi Mappergal

what an interesting career you chose.Sounds like you have seen lots of places .hope you enjoy your retirment.i live in australia actually Tasmania,and like you i plan to travel before i get to not be able to.We are off to N.Z.in september and i went to europe 4 years ago .talk soon

Sue

[jbunnyy@hotmail.com]

Mappergal , I was a speech pathologist during my career years...My husband had been a pilot for 10 years and after leaving the US Air Force, he completed his career as a high school history teacher....We were fortunate that we had approximately six years after retirement to travel in the US and Canada, took up golf, and were enjoying ourselves when in 1999 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and a year later I was diagnosed with PD.

You said you thought you had gotten PD from pesticides etc. I have always thought my PD and my husbands Alzheimers had a similiar connection as our diseases appeared approximately the same time. My neurologist thinks this was a coincidence but I don't know how he could rule it out as the etiology of both diseases is not known conclusively. You asked when I am going to Cancun...I am going on July 10th and staying a week. If this trip goes well, I plan to try and travel some more I would like to be able to travel as people who live in Europe do...we in US are so far away from some parts of the world that we have to plan our trips to stay for longer periods of time.

Australia , New Zealand are two (countries or continents?) that have fascinating places of interest for me. You probably have some interesting tales of travel . I know I admire your life as a cartographer and archaeologist. Are you and your boyfriend planning on continuing your travels . If so, where do you plan on visiting next?

[heather]

wow ladies
hope you didn't mind me ear wigging
you two have and still being very busy Ladies,look forward to hearing about your adventures

[mappergal]

Hi, I just got back from visiting my boyfriend as he lives in NY, I live near Los Angeles which is why it has taken me awhile to get back to you. We are continuing our travels. We are going to Puerto Rico in December and maybe Turkey in March. We are budget travelers, we go slightly off season and jump when we see a deal. Check out www.travelzoo.com. They have awesome deals!
Australia and New Zealand are part of our future plans too!

[jbunnyy@hotmail.com]

Hi, I just got back from visiting my boyfriend as he lives in NY, I live near Los Angeles which is why it has taken me awhile to get back to you. We are continuing our travels. We are going to Puerto Rico in December and maybe Turkey in March. We are budget travelers, we go slightly off season and jump when we see a deal. Check out www.travelzoo.com. They have awesome deals!
Australia and New Zealand are part of our future plans too!

I had family visit over the 4th of July holiday and am trying to rest for my vacation. Trying to choose lightweight clothing for Cancun. Have been told it is very hot there right now. Been watching the storm Bertha off of the Atlantic Coast. Apparently it is becoming a hurricane and I want to make sure it is not going toward Mexico. I have not been on a vacation like this for a very long time; last went with my husband who now has Alzheimers and is in a nursing home. I feel nostalgia, sadness, to be going without him but life goes on doesn't it? I want to be active for as long as possible .I envy your adventures and your brave spirit . You have a kindred spirit in your traveling companion and that is good I hope to have a good restful visit in Cancun and hope I feel pretty good as I don't want to keep my good friend with whom I am sharing a room from doing all she wishes.

[Gail]

Hi, I just got back from visiting my boyfriend as he lives in NY, I live near Los Angeles which is why it has taken me awhile to get back to you. We are continuing our travels. We are going to Puerto Rico in December and maybe Turkey in March. We are budget travelers, we go slightly off season and jump when we see a deal. Check out www.travelzoo.com. They have awesome deals!
Australia and New Zealand are part of our future plans too!I get the weekly travelzoo updates anduse it to plot all of the places I want to visit, which is pretty much everywhere. Next year, my sister and I plan on picking a couple of weeks we can go on a vacation, then choosing our vacation location by logging onto travelzoo and picking the best deal.

[mappergal]

How was your trip to Cancun? Inquiring minds want to know.

[jbunnyy@hotmail.com]

How was your trip to Cancun? Inquiring minds want to know.

I returned on Thurs. late at night. I and my traveling companion had a very enjoyable vacation. I even got a little sun although I didn't stay out in it because of the medication I take is not supposed to do well with the sun. The resort is absolutely gorgeous with wonderful folliage, flowers, etc. and many types of animals and birds roaming freely. Food was offered constantly and I even became sated from the meals. This all inclusive type of resort is the most relaxing and enjoyable way to pay. My PD didn't hinder me from doing the activities I wanted to do although I must admit I didn't do much except lay around in the shade and in the pool drinking pina coladas (non alcholic ) .

I did have some distressing news when I arrived home. My husband, who has Alzheimers , resides in a nursing home. He cannot stand alone, has had in the past some severe falls resulting in brain operation to drain fluid as a result of hematomas. The CNA was giving him a shower left him to stand alone while she went out of the room to get some supples and he fell hurting his head, arm and right flank. My son was with him in the ER at hospital while he had a cat scan, x-rays, etc. He appears okay but we were very upset because his fall was caused by negligence. The children didn't tell me of the accident because they knew I would want to cut short my vacation and return home. Right now, I am not eager to leave town and will have to think long and hard to go so far away from my husband now.

However I did have a good vacation physically and would recommend other PD people to extend yourselves and go on vacations. I had a wheelchair in the airports which helped immeasurably navigating through the check points we in America now have to maneuvor.

[mappergal]

Hi Bunny, I am so sorry to hear about your husband's fall, what a way to return from your vacation. Don't beat yourself up over it, I don't have a caregiver or spose, but I know caregivers need to take of themselves too, They, including youself, deserve a break now and then so don't say no to a future break. At least your son was there to be with your husband at the ER, your husband wasn't alone. It also shows how much your children love you but wanting you to have a good time and not worry about your husband, they were there for the two of you and that's what matters
Glad you had a good time, you deserved it!
Liz

[parkie]

Hi Bunny,
ask your doctor whether you can take Isradipne (dynacirc) for your blood pressure problem since it is one of the latest drugs that both treats blood pressure and your PD.

[jbunnyy@hotmail.com]

Hi Bunny,
ask your doctor whether you can take Isradipne (dynacirc) for your blood pressure problem since it is one of the latest drugs that both treats blood pressure and your PD.

zi will discuss it with her (doctor) however I take Micardis and it appears to be okay for me. Thank you for your suggestion

[Rikki]

Hi Bunny and welcome,

You're right about the sleeping, PD does sometimes mess with your bodies balance and sleep patterns. The tiredness you feel when you sit down is because our bodies are always working harder than normal to achieve the ssame normal activities that we've always been able to do. We don't notice this so much while we're active but as soon as we stop and relax....goodnight nurse!

As for travelling, my wife recently 'convinced' me to go back to the UK to see my father (two flights - 9hrs & 13hrs - from Australia). I was extremely nervous. However, we broke the trip up, took frequent breaks and made sure that we were never rushed. I got very tired but I coped and I have to say that it was worth it.

Good luck,
Rikki

[jbunnyy@hotmail.com]

Hi Bunny and welcome,

You're right about the sleeping, PD does sometimes mess with your bodies balance and sleep patterns. The tiredness you feel when you sit down is because our bodies are always working harder than normal to achieve the ssame normal activities that we've always been able to do. We don't notice this so much while we're active but as soon as we stop and relax....goodnight nurse!

As for travelling, my wife recently 'convinced' me to go back to the UK to see my father (two flights - 9hrs & 13hrs - from Australia). I was extremely nervous. However, we broke the trip up, took frequent breaks and made sure that we were never rushed. I got very tired but I coped and I have to say that it was worth it.

Good luck,
Rikki


It is good to meet you Rikki. That is a very astute comment relating to our bodies and the added strain on it due to the Parkinsons. I wonder why I don't lose some more weight though as i have the added activity of movement (lol) I did get some relief for my insomnia...I went to my neurologist last Friday, told him of my sleep deprivation. He was going to prescribe medication but I told him sleeping pills zonk me out so he suggested Benadryl and it is working. I have had some reasonably good nights with it. I look forward to your postings.