Raju PK,60 from Ernakulam, Kerala deals with Parkinson’s Disease in his own way, sticking to proper medication and exercises. He shares his hacks and tips to facilitate movement in the house.
Please tell us a bit about your condition.
I am suffering from Parkinson’s disease. I was diagnosed in the year 2009.
What were the early symptoms?
Sometimes while walking, my left hand remained static, and sometimes while operating the laptop, my fingers would shiver.
Is there a history of Parkinson’s disease in your family?
No.
What is your present condition?
- Now I am undergoing regular treatment with 3 syndopa plus (the effects of Syndopa starts half an hour after taking the medicine and it remains for about 3 to 4 hours.
- Muscle stiffening, which makes it hard for bending. I face difficulties mainly near the hip region and backside of the shoulder.
- Can’t get enough strength on left hand and left leg when the effect of medicine wears off.
- Constipation problem.
Please describe your experience of managing Parkinson’s disease?
Regular medicines as directed by neurologist.
Doing yoga and other exercises on a regular basis.
Any related complications?
- At times it is difficult to get up from bed and chair.
- Its difficult to drive when I have not had the medicine or when the effect has worn off
What medications are you on?
For Parkinson :
- Syndopa Plus - 3 nos
- Rasalect 0.5mg -1 nos
- Pramidon 0.5mg – 3nos
- Lonafest 0.25mg – 1nos
For Uric Acid :
- Furic 80mg – 1nos
- CTD 6.25mg -1nos
For Blood Pressure :
- Losar 50mg – 1 nos
For Cholesterol :
- Aztor 10mg -1nos
Were there any side-effects of the medicines?
So far haven’t noticed any.
What were some of the challenges you faced and what is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?
- My body movements have been restricted sometimes and hand writing has even turned out to be non readable. But I was able to overcome these difficulties to a certain extent by doing physiotherapy and regular writing to improve the hand writing.
- Daily exercise and yoga are helping a lot to control the difficulties due to aging.
Have you learnt anything in managing in your condition that you wish you knew before?
By providing handrails in bathrooms, staircase and by providing myself with additional supports to get up from the bed or from the chair, so that now I can independently manage to make myself comfortable and without others’ help.
What kind of specialists do you consult and how often?
Consultant neurologist and movement disorders specialist.
What resources are available to you in your city to help you manage the condition?
Physiotherapy at Marthoma Guidance Centre, Cochin.
Have you had to make some changes to your lifestyle because of your condition?
Yes. Because of this health issue, I mostly avoid family functions where a lot of people gather..
Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies, like homeopathy or yoga?
Yes. I have tried Yoga and also planning to go for ayurvedic massage.
Has it been difficult emotionally to cope with your condition?
Sometimes. I have got very good support from my family.
Did you see a counsellor for support? Were you offered counselling by doctor?
No, haven’t seen any of them.
How did your friends treat you? Were you isolated?
I have felt partially isolated from my friends. With this health issue, I cannot always remain in the mainstream.
What was the hardest part of the treatment ? What kept you going? How has this changed your life perspectives and ambitions..
It is difficult to know that this disease is not curable. Yet, I have to continue living to the best of my abilities. That is tough.
