chipmunk32

Being proactive gives me a peace of mind. I am being very careful of everything I eat as it is always a prob getting it down. I have stopped eating on the bike. Remember when we used to sit up in the saddle, no hands on the bars, to eat or take off/put on clothing? Haha...that day is over. I have hard enough time taking hands off bars to point out hazards to riders behind. so far, still on the bike!

Cheers to all

yodatic

Chipmunk, I am still riding, though I have other problems. I really appreciate your positive attitude ! You and Bill Qpc. are inspirational . tom

Old coach

Chipmunk & Bill- I am new to the forum, so I cannot PM either of you,...

I was diagnosed with PD this spring-age 53. I am an avid rider and am worried about the future. I am reading as much as I can. I am also rehabbing a total knee replacement which is keeping me off the bike. My PD is more tremor related in my right hand/arm/chest. I am hopeful I can return to cycling outside when the knee allows.

I appreciate reading this thread it gives me hope that I'll be able to ride for a while yet. Thanks

qcpmsame 

Old Coach,
It will depend on your progression of the PD, and your own desire to continue riding. Most of the current reading I have done shows that activity can possibly slow the progression of the PD, and maybe even enable you to deal with, or manage the symptoms, somewhat better. Its been true for me, I can tell a difference in the tremors, and my balance issues. My neurologist is positive, and supportive about my riding, he feels that it has helped me manage things pretty well, so far. One thing to watch will be any side effects that you may have from the medication you use, if you are put on something for the tremors. Sinemet can have some difficult side effects (if that is what you are prescribed,) so talk that over with your physician.

Tremors are something I have found to be a problem, in my hands, while riding. It effects my hand strength and I get some numbness after several miles. Usually about 20 miles in when it hits them. Its mainly unnerving for me, I haven't had to abandon a ride as of yet. Strangely, the most difficult thing to deal with for me is the swallowing issues, I can choke easily, if I am not careful when drinking water, or electrolyte replacement. I just have to be careful in how large a sip I take, and in how fast I am swallowing. Not something the regular rider has to think about, but if a choking fit hits you at speed you are going to be in a world of hurt.

Leg tremors after I ride can be painful at times, they can make you want to just tnse up and stretch your legs far beyond what your muscles can manage. Frustrating is an understatement.

Best of luck on your knee recovery, and on managing your PD, check out the Davis Phinney Foundation, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation, for some good support materials. Davis Phinney Foundation has excellent materials, like their manual for living with PD, and an exercise DVD, both are free for the asking.Davis Phinney Foundation | Home, bookmark their site, and read it at your leisure, I do frequently. Michael J Fox Foundation https://www.michaeljfox.org/

Bill

Old coach

Thanks for the advice & references Bill,

I've been reluctant to take any meds yet for my PD-stubborn I guess. I just saw my neurologist yesterday and he wants me to try amantadine as a first step. I probably will.

No swallowing issues yet for me. Just tremors and loss of dexterity in my right arm/hand. I've been an a athlete my whole life and I've alsomnoticed some loss of balance deterioration. I've got a great PT for my knee and he says part of that may be due to the joint surgery and part due to PD. He focuses a lot on showing me balance exercises that will help both.

Thanks again!

qcpmsame 

No meds here, as of yet, but the neurologist tells me he expects me to need something by next May, or so. The PD shuffle is what he is using as a gauge for my progression. I'll deal with whatever I have to, as long as I can manage a ride, by some means. You can email me if you want, choose the email option on the messaging page, until you hit the 50 post level.

Best of luck on your journey, the few others here with PD will probably offer their thoughts, too.

Bill