Ireland is Medicine

On October 4, 2024November 10, 2024 By ponderingpdIn ExerciseLeave a comment

“Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing.” Oscar Wilde

I recently returned from a spectacular trip to Ireland with two very special life-long friends.

One week of the trip involved hiking the Dingle Peninsula – a beautiful spot on Ireland’s west coast. Knowing that I would be clocking a minimum of 20-25km/day, I started preparing months in advance. I invested in proper equipment and ramped up my mileage daily. I read and researched as much as I could about where we would go and what we would see. I packed and repacked clothing for the predicted rain, wind, and cooly unpredictable Irish weather (yet we only witnessed sunshine and warmth!). Unfortunately, I also had to pack Parkinson’s Disease, so additional preparations needed to be considered; strategic packing of PD medication, pain meds, supplements, constipation aids, sleep help (melatonin), and salt for low blood pressure.

I also brought along the many worrisome thoughts in the back of my mind; Will I sleep? What happens if I fall? Will I be able to do this?

But those thoughts waned very quickly and I can proudly report that I successfully completed each leg of the journey! And aside from a wee blister on my toe, I completed it without pain, without injury, without doubt! Without falling, without failing, without frustration!

For some reason, my PD symptoms seem to have dulled while I was away? And as I seek to understand why I felt so well in Ireland, my usual symptoms have resurfaced in their regular form; sleeplessness, stiffness, pain, TMJ pain, fatigue etc.

Could it be that symptoms were not as prevalent because;

I was distracted by travel and the beauty of the country – travel is medicine?
I was having so much fun with friends – laughter and love is medicine?
I was outside more often than inside – fresh air is medicine?
I was logging 20-25kms each day – exercise is medicine?
I was not spending idle time in front of a laptop or television – poor posture = pain?
maybe my own bed/pillow is uncomfortable – good sleep is medicine?
the Irish/ocean air is healthier – (of course it is)?
there is something in my immediate environment that is triggering – wifi, pesticides, pollution?
there is something in Guinness and Dingle Gin that is medicinal – (yeah, I wish)?

Ultimately, it is a combination of all of the above (maybe not the alcohol so much!). But I’m leaning toward screen time as the leading culprit for my pain – this is why it has taken me a week to finish this post! This is a convenient reason for me to explore because it is definitely within my control. I am reducing and limiting time spent with my laptop and television and I’ll be sure to let you know if changes occur.

And just in case nothing changes, I am already planning our next trip!

Exercise is Medicine #2

On July 5, 2021October 27, 2025 By ponderingpdIn ExerciseLeave a comment

“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it” – Plato.

In June of 2021, I came to realize how true this statement really is.

Just days after breaking my leg, I saw my PD symptoms worsen. My tremor (which is not normally a huge deal) got a little edgier. I felt the time between PD meds was seemingly longer than normal. I take a low dose of Levodopa 4x/day. I normally rely on a phone app to remind me to take them, but the increased tremor between meds has become a new and super annoying alarm. This, along with increased rigidity, muscle tightness, stiffness, and lack of sleep are all creating a little havoc.

Without being able to do my daily exercise activities, I am at a loss for the natural dopamine boost that these activities provide. Chair exercises and hand weights are fine, but they just don’t provide me with the bursts of cardio that I need to fuel my brain. I am more than halfway through the 7-8 week healing window and I can’t wait until I can bike, row, walk, paddle, hike, etc.

I can honestly say that my own informal study, on the positive effects of exercise on my own PD symptom management, is 100% reliable and valid! If you want some other research to back up my claim, you can read it in the links below.

Exercise is medicine! For real!

Exercise ‘Rewires’ the Brain

Neuroprotective Benefits of Exercise

Aerobic Exercise: Evidence for a Direct Brain Effect to Slow Parkinson Disease Progression

Why exercise slows the progression of Parkinson’s disease

Managing Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease with Excercise

Falling From Grace

On June 8, 2021October 27, 2025 By ponderingpdIn Care, ExerciseLeave a comment

grace (ɡrās): n. simple elegance or refinement of movement

Last week, Garth and I set out for a hike in Algonquin Park. The Whiskey Rapids trail was a little wet, warm, and wrought with mosquitoes! Even with bug spray, we were getting swarmed, so we moved rather quickly along the trail.

I was so careful with my footing given that PD interferes with my balance, Dystonia causes my left foot to drag, and Osteoporosis makes me a great candidate for breaking bones. I had my eyes on the ground scouting for tree roots and rocks. I’ll repeat, I was so careful.

Within 30m of the trail’s end, I spotted some hikers just starting out. I took my eyes off the path to look for them and to warn them about the mayhem of mosquitos. I briefly lost my focus.

My left foot hit a root. I heard the snap. I was on the ground.

Broke my left distal fibula (leg). Now, I’m on the couch in a boot cast navigating my small indoor world with crutches. I’ll just say that Parkinson’s and crutches don’t necessarily get along well and I’m back to paying very close attention to the paths I travel throughout my home.

Note to self: Our next house will be a bungalow!!

Thanks to Garth for listening patiently to my emotional, explicative-laden attack aimed at my balance, my bones, and this stupid movement disorder that has stolen my grace.

The Salt Path

On January 26, 2021March 14, 2026 By ponderingpdIn Care, Exercise, Living with Parkinson'sLeave a comment

*if you find yourself here, please also read the follow up; The Salt Path Deception

“A new season had crept into me, a softer season of acceptance.” Raynor Winn

The Salt Path by Raynor Winn is a beautiful recount and reflection upon a couple’s journey through life’s unplanned events. Coping with a devastating diagnosis (CBD Corticobasal Degeneration), financial ruin, and homelessness, Raynor and her husband Moth set off on a 630-mile trek along the South West Coastal Path from Somerset to Dorset, UK. Somewhat unprepared and financially strapped, the pair are destined for adventures both devastating and wonderful.

It speaks to the incredible value found in; (and it’s all free of charge) spending time in nature, being physically active/pushing physical limits, reflecting/being mindful, and most importantly, appreciating the love we share.

I won’t provide any further details because I would like to recommend you read it, especially if you are dealing with any life-changing events of your own.

For me, this was a book of hope.

“A new season had crept into me, a softer season of acceptance. Burnt in by the sun, driven in by the storms. I could feel the sky, the earth, the water and revel in being part of the elements without a chasm of pain opening at the thought of the loss of our place within it all.” – Raynor Winn, The Salt Path

Planning an overseas trip to Cornwall in 2022 (should Covid 19 be behind us) and I hope to cover some of the same parts of the Path that they travelled!

Looking forward to the follow-up; The Wild Silence

Apathy

On January 20, 2021October 27, 2025 By ponderingpdIn Exercise, Living with Parkinson'sLeave a comment

“What you allow is what will continue” – Unknown

Prior to my diagnosis, I got things done. I made lists. And I checked things off of those lists. I had innate drive, ambition, and I set goals.

The Parkinson’s-associated symptom of apathy is one of the hardest things that I have had to adjust to lately. In fact, I’ve been putting off writing this post because of this unfamiliar and unwelcome feeling of indifference or lassitude. It is hard for me to comprehend how/why this has happened but it “affects up to 40 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is likely due, at least in part, to lack of the neurotransmitter (brain chemical) dopamine” (Michael J. Fox Foundation). Although I know this, I still struggle with my own self-imposed judgment of ‘just being lazy.’

Apathy is a very real problem, (Parkinson Canada – Apathy). It can worsen over time and lead to social withdrawal, depression, and anxiety. I have to prioritize my approach to dealing with it, as I’m noticing my levels of initiative vary greatly from one day to the next.

I have to get control over apathy so that it doesn’t control me.

Exercise is the best treatment for apathy and it is non-negotiable for me. This is a list item that has to be completed at least twice daily (preferably outside and with a high-intensity) or I will suffer the additional consequences of increased stiffness, rigidity, and pain.

Anything that I accomplish after that is now considered bonus! A load of laundry, cleaning a room, paying bills, and other less desirable activities are much harder to accomplish. But when I wake up in the morning, I try to pick at least one or two of those things to ‘get done today.’ Sometimes it happens, other times the tasks seem insurmountable.

Starting today, right now, I will go back to making lists…shorter lists…but lists!

The Perfect Day

On August 18, 2020October 27, 2025 By ponderingpdIn Care, ExerciseLeave a comment

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves” – Sir Edmund Hillary.

Things have been a little rough for my body lately and a week ago I received the results from my bone scan which confirmed a stress fracture in my right fibula (outer bone in lower leg).

Major disappointment. Minor shock.

The bone is healing well and with a soft brace, I am walking again. Sadly, I believe my running days are over – but let’s not go there just yet. Meds are prescribed for osteoporosis and another bone density screening is in the works.

When the doctor called me, I happened to be on a family camping trip in Algonquin Park. I was determined not to let this get me down so, after a morning canoe adventure, I convinced my son Rob to go on what I thought was a short 2km hike. At the trailhead, we soon realized that this was in fact an 8km hike with significant elevation!! We headed off thinking we would do what we could and turn around if needed.

As we are both a little competitive, turning around was never really an option…especially with the promise of a lookout at the halfway mark. Spectacular scenery, stunning waterfalls, and some difficult terrain made for an unforgettable trek, and the lookout did not disappoint.

Although we didn’t have the foresight to bring water or snacks or bug spray, I did remember to wear my ankle brace and good shoes! And despite the worry I had over this being too much for my ankle, I relished in the quality time spent with Rob in such an incredible forest.

We did it! And everything worked. It was the perfect day!

Feelin’ Groovy

On August 1, 2020October 27, 2025 By ponderingpdIn Exercise, PD ProgressionLeave a comment

“Slow down, you move too fast” – Simon & Garfunkle

I feel better!

The last few weeks were rough, (Days Like These), but I’m feeling better. Ankle has healed, damaged rib cage is back to normal after a paddleboarding mishap. Waiting for Bone scan results.

After a long rest, healing has been able to occur!

Like the song says (see below); “Slow down, you move too fast.”

Maybe I was.

So I will slow down…a little bit…just to avoid any further injuries/setbacks.

Glad to be on the other side!

Days Like These

On July 17, 2020October 27, 2025 By ponderingpdIn Awareness, Exercise, Living with Parkinson's, PD ProgressionLeave a comment

“Nobody told me there’d be days like these. Strange days indeed.” – John Lennon

I’ve been thinking about whether or not to write this post for a couple of weeks now. You see, I’ve fallen into a pattern of writing about a PD symptom or issue, and either providing my own solution, a recommended remedy, or simply trying to put a positive spin on living with this chronic neurological degenerative disease.

Truth is though, I’ve fallen into a bit of a rough patch lately. And I’ve decided to write about it in order to let readers know my truth, my pain, and just how much I dislike having Parkinson’s. Today I will not be strong, or brave, or light, or even positive. I’ll be me.

I’ve written that Exercise is Medicine and how moving fast allows me to feel free. Well three weeks ago I injured my ankle. My right ankle. My good ankle. The ankle I rely upon to maintain good balance. There was no grand event to cause the injury, just overuse from walking/running. Tendon? Ligament? Bone? Nobody is completely sure, but rest is what I need for it to heal.

More appointments are made; Physio. Osteo. Xray. Bone Scan in a couple of weeks. Because I have Osteoporosis, we need to figure out what’s going on with my bones. This scares me silly. Are my bones becoming so weakened that walking fast/running is too risky?

I am benched. Sidelined. Totally knocked off my game.

If I don’t move, I get stiff. I get rigid. Stuck. My muscles contract constantly – even during sleep. Pain is multiplied and wide spread. Shoulder, neck, back, butt, knees, calves, feet.

I wake up each morning feeling as though I’ve gone 10 rounds and lost.

I don’t like the feeling of losing. I’m not very good at it.

Yesterday, I walked around my block (maybe 400m). It’s a start. (ok…there it is…a little hint of positivity! I can’t help it!)

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Sandals, Swimming & Sunshine

On June 14, 2020October 27, 2025 By ponderingpdIn Awareness, Exercise, Living with Parkinson's, PD ProgressionLeave a comment

“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink in the wild air.” – Ralph Waldo Emmerson

Summer has been, and always will be, my favourite season. Don’t get me wrong, I am truly blessed to live in Canada where we enjoy 4 very different seasons, but to me, there is nothing better than a day spent at the beach with family or friends. Unfortunately, Parkinson’s has changed the way I enjoy summer and I have had to once again adjust and adapt in a few ways.

Sunshine is one of my loves and no matter where I am, I can tell you where the sun rises, sets, and the optimal position to sit to take advantage of the rays. Growing up, working on a ‘tan’ was an important sidebar to my summer experience. Days were spent lounging in the backyard with my sisters, swimming in my friend Ruthie’s pool, and running wild at summer camp. Sunscreen was usually an afterthought when my shoulders were red and my nose was peeling. But I grew to crave every minute in the sun, from waking at ridiculous hours to catch the sunrise, to staying late at the beach to take in the sunset.

While there are many things that Parkinson’s has forced me to adapt to, I was very disappointed to discover there is a link between PD and skin cancer. A Surprising Relationship: Parkinson’s Disease & Melanoma. There are lots of studies and research on the subject and the bottom line is that people with PD need to have a dermatologist on their ‘team’ and take every precaution while in the sunshine by reducing exposure and using sunscreen. And so I’m getting a referral to a dermatologist and searching for a high-quality paraben-free sunscreen…but reducing time spent in the sunshine….this will be harder!

My shoe of choice has always been my flip-flops. In fact, I’ve always had a competition with myself to eliminate the use of socks from my wardrobe as early as possible in the spring or as late as possible in the fall in order to slide into sandals.

However, the dystonia in My Left Foot is preventing me from wearing sandals or flip-flops. It’s a difficult thing to describe, but my foot just doesn’t have the coordination to strike the ground properly and I do much better in a shoe. So I go barefoot where and when I can, and I have found light shoes that support my foot without the need of a sock – it’s a compromise – but I still miss the flip-flops!!

Finally, summer is a time for swimming and this is something that I’ve always enjoyed, for cooling off and helping with that summer tan!

Last summer, I was alarmed when I went for a swim at a friend’s cottage and found myself in a little bit of trouble. My left arm (tremor side) and shoulder suffers from rigidity, stiffness, restricted movement, and PAIN. Once in the water, I realized that I could not move that arm in the form of a front crawl, breaststroke, or even a dog paddle. It was alarming and I had someone toss me a pool noodle in order for me to stay afloat. So now I need to always consider wearing a PFD when I am on a boat or in deep water.

Luckily, these are PD problems that have solutions.

Sunrise on the East Coast Dingwall, Nova Scotia

Sunset of the West Coast Vancouver, British Columbia

Exercise is Medicine

On June 1, 2020October 27, 2025 By ponderingpdIn Awareness, ExerciseLeave a comment

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” – Thomas Edison

In the three years that have passed since my diagnosis, the most important thing that I have learned and the most critical component of my treatment is exercise. I feel so much better when I move and it seems that the faster I move, the better I feel. Seems easy enough right? Not always.

Parkinson’s brings some things to the table that can impact my desire and ability to exercise.

Apathy: (I loathe that word) There are days when my brain is not up to doing anything. A certain level of fatigue sets in and it is incredibly hard to push through it. Usually, I can gain control over it and get out the door, or on the bike. Other days, it just doesn’t happen. I’ve come to accept these days as ‘needed’ and try not to beat myself up over it. Non-movement symptoms: Apathy

Pain: (I loathe that feeling) There are days when my body simply tells me to stop. Pain in my left shoulder, arm, and foot can occasionally restrict movement in such ways that getting outside for a walk/run or sitting on the bike is next to impossible. Some days I can push myself, but I’m getting better at listening to what my body is telling me. Does Parkinson’s Hurt?

But 99% of the time I know that movement will heal. So I treat my ‘movement disorder’ with movement! When I move, I exert power over apathy. When I move, I reduce stiffness and rigidity which alleviates pain for a bit. Exercise as Treatment. Getting out the door and moving past pain is, by far, the most effective treatment for my symptoms.

Yesterday I ran 10km as part of a Virtual fundraiser for Camp Oochigeas (a summer camp for kids living with cancer). AND when I move faster, I feel free and flexible…like I don’t have PD! I like those moments. This might be similar to how the kids at Camp Ooch might feel when they go to camp – like they don’t have cancer.

I encourage you to visit their website Camp Ooch to see the wonderful things that they do and to donate if you can.

Hitting a Wall

On May 4, 2020October 27, 2025 By ponderingpdIn Exercise, Living with Parkinson's, OsteoporosisLeave a comment

“With every broken bone, I swear I lived” (One Republic)

Just over a year ago, I joined my amazing group of friends in the Polar Rush! This is one of those outdoor obstacle courses, similar to Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, etc. but it is in the snow! It involved a 5km trek along ski hill terrain in a fresh foot of snow with wall climbs, crazy carpeting, rope climbs, snow crawling etc. I went in with an attitude of ‘I’ll do what I can’ and while I attempted it all, there were a couple of rope climbing activities that my left arm/shoulder could not support.

It was cold, hard, and fun!

One of the obstacles involved climbing over a 4-foot wall. Seemed easy enough but when I hoisted myself up, my left arm gave out and I came down on my ribs pretty hard. I heard/felt a snapping sound but caught my breath and managed to get myself up and over. I had some pain, but not enough to have to stop. I continued on and had a great day with lots of laughs followed by some lunch, beverages, and hot-tubbing.

By the time I got home, I was spent.

The next day brought me some fairly sore ribs and it was difficult to breathe. After 4 or 5 more days I saw my doctor. She sent me for X-rays which showed I had actually fractured 4 ribs!! What??

Her next course of action was to send me for a bone density scan to check for Osteoporosis. My low T-score (T-scores compare a person’s bone mineral density to average values for healthy young women) confirmed her suspicions. “Osteoporosis and osteopenia are very common findings in patients with Parkinson’s disease, affecting up to 91% of women and 61% of men.” Osteoporosis and PD

This diagnosis hit me much harder than being told I had PD. It brought forth two unwelcome thoughts;

I am old.
I am fragile.

But in the last year, I have learned that just like people can get Early Onset PD, people can also get Early Onset Osteoporosis. (I always hated being late to the party!). So I’m not ‘old.’

And I learned that exercise is very important in the treatment of Osteoporosis. So although I certainly want to avoid breaking bones, I am not so fragile that I have to stop moving. Too Fit to Fracture (Osteoporosis Canada)

And instead of regretting my Polar Rush experience, I am thankful for the day with my terrific friends and to the wall which brought my bones some much-needed attention!

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Pondering PD

Category: Exercise