Managing my Parkinsons Disease Symptoms

12 Jan 2012 by Chris Boughton

I was recently asked by a new member of the Parkinson’s disease internet patients’ forum that I administer what tips I could give with respect to trying to manage the symptoms of Parkinsons Disease. I pointed out that everyone with PD is different and there are obviously also issues concerning the stage that a patient’s illness is at. However, the member persisted so I attempted to relate what I do on a daily basis to make life easier for myself, bearing in mind that I was diagnosed nearly 8 years ago aged 51. I did also point out that all issues concerning the patient’s illness should be discussed with their consultant, GP or PD nurse and that my comments were purely my own personal experience:

Exercise – I had to stop working 4 and half years ago, and my wife and I decided to get a dog. The idea was that I would feel duty bound to walk him twice a day thereby giving me at least 40 minutes exercise. There also turned out to be two other benefits. Firstly, the sunlight outside would boost my vitamin D levels which tend to be lower than normal in people with PD. Secondly, I had some company in the house when my wife was at work. There is no way I would venture out in horrible weather if I did not feel morally responsible for my dog.

Fatigue is a big problem for me so strenuous gym based exercise is not possible, but I have found benefit from computer programs like Wii Fit. I particularly find the balance-based games very useful.

Eating – My digestive system is definitely far more sluggish than it used to be and this worsens as the day goes on, so I try not to eat anything after 7.30pm. I also find eating little and often far better than large meals.

Medication – Every night before I retire I sort out the pills I need for the following day and put them in a small pill container that I keep in my trouser pocket. It is so easy to get confused about whether a particular dose has been taken or not without separating the daily dose. Some patients set an alarm on their watch or mobile phone to alert them to the pill taking times. I personally do not do this as, with my consultant’s agreement, I tend to flex my pill taking times to how I am feeling and what I am planning to do that day.

Distraction – This is a hugely important issue to me. If I am immersed in something then I can forget I have PD and to some extent ignore distressing symptoms. I used to play a lot of social golf which was wonderfully distractive but PD brought that to a halt a couple of years ago. I am currently studying for a 3 year BA Honours in English and History. PD does still interfere with this and I have had to miss some lessons, but most of the time the study distracts me from my symptoms.

Socialising – It is so easy to lose social contact with friendship groups when you are critically ill. This appears to be particularly so for men whose friendships tend to be activity based (golf, fishing, football etc.). My experience has also been that generally men do not handle other male friend’s critical illnesses well, whereas women do. The key is to be proactive and to keep in contact with friends by telephone and to meet up regularly, if only for lunch or a drink in a pub. It is very easy to become insular and socially isolated with Parkinson’s Disease – I certainly did for a while. I went through a period of finding excuses to turn down all social invitations but now I say yes to everything.

Music – When I feel myself going into a slump I put my headphones on and play my favourite music. It is a simple but very effective strategy for me to blast myself out of a potential downward spiral.

Planning – I have always been a fairly organised person but now I am mega-organised. I plan my life very carefully to do all I can to stop PD from restricting it. I take regular rest breaks during the day, especially if we are going out in the evening. I think carefully about the practical logistics of any trip or social activity.

Hydration – I drink plenty of water. I have bottles of water located all over the house and several bottles in my car. Apart from the issue of good hydration there is also the practical need of having fluid to hand at pill taking times

About the Author

Chris Boughton
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in February 2004 at the age of 51 having experienced undiagnosed symptoms for at least 4 years prior to that. My wife and I have five adult children and three grandchildren. We are fortunate in that we live in a lovely rural part of the east of England, with King’s Forest situated nearby for my much needed, therapeutic dog walks. I spent most of my working life involved in electronic, mechanical manufacturing management within the Worldwide Broadcasting industry and I am extremely lucky to have travelled extensively through my work. Since I was diagnosed I have dedicated much of my time to researching all aspects of PD and trying to both support others with this illness and raise the profile of PD. As well as writing a blog on this website, I administer an internet patient forum for people with PD which I set up in September 2008 and it currently has over 150 members. I also administer the forum’s Facebook, Friends Reunited and Twitter pages. My younger son recently ran in a half marathon race to raise funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. I am currently studying for a BA (Hons) in English and History as a mature student.