My Story by Barbara
In 1999, at the age of 56, I was starting to take control of my life. After a difficult 5 years during which I had lost 4 of my siblings, all in their early 60's, to cancer, I felt like a time bomb waiting to go off. The only way forward was to change to a healthier lifestyle, better diet and more exercise. I had been reading extensively about nutrition, particularly prevention of disease through diet and using supplements to boost my immune system.
April 1999 brought a major blow with a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. For some years I'd had bouts of depression, initially treated with Prozac but eventually I discovered St. John's Wort. Also I'd been troubled with bladder problems, neck problems and a frozen shoulder. An uncontrollable tremor in 2 fingers of my left hand led me and my GP to suspect a trapped nerve in my neck. The orthopaedic surgeon I visited was obviously very astute. After examining me he made me an immediate appointment with a neurologist. Luckily it was an early diagnosis. I was told it would be 2 years before I needed to take medication so I was given a long breathing space in which to decide my way forward. My GP said 'go away and come back when it's affecting your life'.
I know people react differently to such diagnoses. Some try to ignore it, some fall into depression. I wanted to find out as much as I could about the condition. I read every book on the subject from our local library and I joined the Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS), which is an excellent source of information. One thing stuck out like a sore thumb from all this literature. Without exception every source assumed that medication was the only course of action. Being a subscriber to 'What Doctors Don't Tell You' (an excellent monthly newsletter) I was well aware that all drugs have side effects and that there is no such thing as a wonder drug. Parkinson's drugs are no exception. All the literature I read made no secret of the difficulties people have with medication and the long term damage they experience.
I quickly came to the conclusion that drugs were not for me and that if I was going to suffer symptoms I would like to know that they were due to Parkinson's and not drug side effects.
So my first decision was no drugs. My second was to make myself healthy so that all I would have to deal with would be the Parkinson's. Over the next few years I changed to a healthy lifestyle. I became mostly vegetarian and tried to eat mostly organic food. I was tested for food intolerances and cut out all the foods that caused me problems. I also started taking a range of vitamins and minerals, particularly antioxidants and B vitamins. I also worked at boosting my immune system; successfully I think, as I haven't had a cold for years. The adverse effect of chemicals, particularly air fresheners, on my symptoms made eliminating chemicals from my life a 'must do'. I changed to all natural products, 'Ecover' household cleaners, natural toiletries and toothpaste; I eventually found some natural lipstick which was great after years of no make-up.
It was important for me, particularly after suffering from recurring depression, to get my head round my situation. Two books were particularly helpful to me and I re-read them every year. They are 'There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem' by Wayne Dyer, and 'The Power of Now' by Eckhart Tolle. Both books helped me develop a positive attitude, accept my situation without giving up my goal to minimise my symptoms and enjoy each day as it comes. >>Back to top
TAKE CONTROL
Over the years I tried several therapies and nutritional supplements but the ones I've stuck with are:
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EmPower Therapy because it gives me control over my life. It helps me decide which foods I should eat, the therapies I should try, as well as the supplements I should take and when. It also, with the help of a therapist, directs my healing system to where it's needed.
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Reiki relaxes me and sorts out my emotional problems and in conjunction with EmPower provides essential healing
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Energy Exercises keep my basic “chi” or energy systems in good shape and flowing correctly along my meridians.
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Chi Machine is an exercise machine which improves blood and lymph circulation and releases toxins from the body. Since I've been using the machine I've had no episodes of low blood pressure, it's sorted out a back problem and my sciatic nerve no longer twinges in the car.
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Prime Directive is a super-food plus pro-biotics that boosts my immune system and keeps my digestive system healthy. Taken with apple juice it looks like pond water but tastes fine.
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Ambrotose Complex (sugars that heal) is a blend of plant saccharides and again taken to boost the immune system.
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A selection of vitamins and minerals; B vitamins & Co-enzyme Q10 I think are essential.
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I drink at least 4 pints of pure water a day. We've had a reverse osmosis water filter fitted under the sink.
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Mostly vegetarian and organic diet although I do eat meat occasionally, especially on holiday in France, but I think organic is more important than not eating meat. I also make my own bread in a bread machine.
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The things I avoid are coffee, processed foods, additives, preservatives and alcohol.
So after 6 years how am I?
Well my symptoms have progressed. I have good days and not so good days. My left arm and leg are reluctant to work, I experience momentary freezing when moving sideways, so need an aisle seat in the cinema. The muscles in my back, neck, left shoulder & arm frequently seize up and the muscles refuse to relax. This often happens when I'm walking, trying to get out of a chair, and in confined spaces. I have a tremor in my left arm and hand, not severe, and a mild tremor in my right hand. Generally I'm at my best in the morning and am tired in the evening. My walking is doddery and in crowded spaces or on uneven ground I use a walking stick.
In spite of this I feel really well and positive. I think of Parkinson's as a physical condition which I need to live with. There's always someone worse off than me and some of them are Parkinson's sufferers on medication.
I will update this story as it progresses >>Back to top