Health update

[Jeff Thomas]

I've decided that my health issues have had enough impact on my relations with the outside world (I feel like I'm really slacking on my writing) that I should update everybody. What I have has a name. Until a couple of months ago I didn't know "Parkinsonism" was a word. What this means is that I have a bunch of symptoms that look a lot like regular Parkinson's Disease, but aren't. We don't know what causes it, how to test for it, or how to fix it; but we gave it a name.

Some of what is happening now may get better once my body gets used to the meds, when we decide which ones work. It's a slow process as all we can do is take something that is known to work for some people, make sure I'm not allergic or have really bad sad effects, then titrate the dosage. It isn't easy or fast. In the meantime I'm tired all the time, lack motivation or the will to do much of anything. My brain feels like it's wading through quick sand. I keep thinking I'll shake it off and get moving "tomorrow" whenever that is.

Oh well, I'll keep plugging away.

[Craiglxviii]

I’m very sorry to hear this Jeff. I can only send you my best wishes that you rapidly find a course of medication that helps you to maximum effect. Stay positive!

[FLW]

Geez Dude, that sucks. I have similar issues, neurologist prescribed Primidone, upping the dosage 50mg at a time, it really zombies me out. Hate it. Best of luck to you, my friend.

[jemhouston]

Good luck and keep your spirits up.

[Pdf27]

My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's the better part of a decade ago. He's doing OK - took quite a while to find the right medication and quite a few false starts, but apart from the shakes you'd have to know him pretty well to notice the other impacts considering he'll be 80 next year.

Probably the main relevant thing we've noticed is that it's very important not to push him - for example, if the grandchildren visit and stay for a day or two his symptoms get a lot worse, simply because he's overstimulated and it's too much for him. So don't feel like you're slacking in your writing or push yourself too hard to keep helping out like you were before - like everyone else your body has limits, and you've essentially just gained an extra one. Ignoring it will only make your health worse, and force you to rely on others more rather than less.

[Belushi TD]

Well, shit.

I'm very sorry to hear this Jeff. I wish you the best of luck and a speedy accommodation with whatever meds work best for you.

Belushi TD

[Jeff Thomas]

Thanks guys. I got a burst of energy from somewhere this morning. The hardest part is getting going. Once I'm moving on something its easier to keep going. One day at a time and all that.

[1Big Rich]

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis, Jeff.

A quick aside: Several years ago, I worked for Accredo, Medco/Express Script, now Cigna's specialty pharmacy. Most of these meds need to be infused, and my team dealt with the pumps that deliver the infusions. When I left at the end of 2014, we were just getting ready do deal with a new drug for Parkinsons. I am still in touch with friends in the company, and they say the drug is a huge help for those with the disease. They can take care of themselves with the daily infusions. So stay positive; there's a good chance something will come along that even if it doesn't cure can get you back to normal.

Thanks for keeping up on your writing. I'm very much enjoying Pirates and Prisoners.

Regards,

[rtoldman]

Sorry to hear about this. My father lived with it for about 15years before he got the ronna exit. He took levidopa for it and it seemed to help. In spite of all his medical problems, he was able to play chess until his eye sight declined due to cateracts that he refused to treat.

[Micael]

Sad to hear about this, I hope that it will turn out as good as it can for you and that it doesn’t get any worse.

[PLB]

Sorry to hear this. Prayers for the best.

Paul

[Sukhoiman]

Best wishes sent your way.