Why is it that sometimes when I start to walk or am making a turn it is like my feet are glued to the floor?

[Deanne]

My brain is telling them to move and they are trying but it is like they are stuck. I have almost fallen a couple of times because of the existing forward motion when turning. It is beginning to happen more often lately.

[etterus]

You are describing what is called freezing. It is classic PD. Are you engaged in any physical therapy? It cna be very helpful.

[Deanne in reply to etterus]

Freezing, describes it better. I am not in any kind of PT but I will talk to my Doc about it. Thank you!

[Pete-1 in reply to Deanne]

Or also called gait freezing.- this is my worst symptom but is kept under control by the use of Levodopa based drugs like Sinemet, Madopar or Stalevo. Without Levodopa I have to walk around holding on to things for fear of falling.

I believe it happens as the brain becomes unable to judge the next safe step size, so it doesn't leaving one to stop i ones tacks.

[Deanne in reply to Pete-1]

I already take Mirapex and Sinemet but maybe they need to be adjusted. Thank you I will add that to my List to talk to my Neuro about.

[Pete-1 in reply to Deanne]

When I was first given Levodopa I could't tell the difference between being with or without a dose. That was Madopar 62.5 mg. That is 50mg Levodopa and 12.5 mg Benserazide which is functionally the same as Carbidopa in Sinemet. When the dose was doubled the effect was profound, I found I was walking more or less normally with fluidity in my movements. It was such a relief.

You have to wait an hour from taking a doise to feeling the benefit. If you are sitting quieitly after about one hour you may notice a subtle warm glow soothing away PD tension. At this point you should find walking etc.rather easier. As the warm glow is quite subtle, if you are busy you may not notice this.

[cabbagecottage in reply to Pete-1]

We had the same experience not seeing any difference but now it appears that about an hour after taking the Sinemet he freezes . He takes 110mg x 4 daily

[Deanne in reply to cabbagecottage]

I'll pay more attention to when it occurs. I take 25/100 3x daily. Thank you.

[Pete-1 in reply to cabbagecottage]

That's unfortunate. I have read that this may occur with some. I suppose more consultation with the medical people is needed.

[Deanne in reply to Pete-1]

I'll try that.

[MagicMax in reply to Deanne]

When I experience freezing, I find that stepping side-ways frees me to move again. Also, doing a little side-step kind of a dance provides freedom for a couple of hours. Let us know what the

Doc recommends. Good luck; you are not alone.

[Hikoi]

Not happened to me yet but this is a document on freezing, might give some answers:

"Many people with Parkinson’s describe freezing as times when their feet get ‘glued to the ground’. You might not be able to move forward again for several seconds or minutes. You may feel like your feet are ‘frozen’ or stuck, but that the top half of your body is still able to move. "

parkinsons.org.uk/sites/def...

[Deanne in reply to Hikoi]

Exactly how it feels. Even the tops of my feet flex in a feeble attempt to move, but nothing. Then I just kinda lurch forward. Not liking this latest development much. (Cannot carry my Grand Kids any more) Thank you for the link.

[Hidden]

a friend who is a physical therapist suggested that I pretend I am marching whenever I have a freezing episode. It feels like an exaggerated movement, but it does help me.

[judam9 in reply to Hidden]

thanks for the ,or possible aide, i went to a physical therapist , and that's exactly what she told me. walk like you are marching. i try to remember it. but it's nice to here it verified.

[Deanne in reply to judam9]

Cool, thanks!!

[Deanne in reply to Hidden]

I just read your response while waiting for my lunch at JIB and tried march/walk. It works!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you.

[camper]

This gait freezing is my main problem. I have a u-step walker which has saved me from falling many times. I use a football to get me going. It's the simple things like hanging the washing out,,going to the shop on my own that I miss doing..I've fallen many times and broken several bones so now I'm very careful as to what I do. Best of luck to you. It's nice to know there are others like you,and you're not alone.

[Deanne in reply to camper]

Thank you. Regretfully it is nice to know. it is just sad that there are so many of us.

[Brooke]

"When this happens to I put on my" sexy walk", standing straight, taking big steps, walking fast and swinging my butt.. walk heel toe, heel toe

Don't pay attention if anyone stares just hold your head high and smile.There is also medication called

apokyn which is supposed to help with freezing.

[Deanne in reply to Brooke]

Love it, I'll have to give it a try. Tx, Deanne

[SAMOCT23]

My husband has been experiencing this "freeze" symptom for years now and his neurologist recommended a "laser cane" or to focus on like the floor in one spot in order to come out of the freeze up.

[ivyanne]

I received my U Step laser walker 2 weeks ago. It has been the only mobility aid that helps me to control my freezing episodes

[Deanne in reply to ivyanne]

I use a cane occasionally usually in crowds. But I am kind of a spaz and I end up out of rhythm or kicking the darn thing. I just need to focus.

[srarndt]

Hello D,

Is the neuro you work with a "Movement Disorder Specialist"? If not, you might ask your regular neuro for a recommendation to a really good one in your vicinity. They work a lot more with the symptoms like freezing. And they may have some expanded ideas on other ways to manage it (Head phones playing music with a great bass beat, or tape strips on the floor, etc. Also, while talking to the MDS you might enquire about DBS. Took away my freezing. ( It used to take me a few minutes to "travel" from my bed to the master bathroom (essentially same room, lol) and when finally arrived i couldn't turn and sit down on the throne fast enuf...well you get the idea...

Best Wishes,

Steve

Bisbee, AZ

[Deanne in reply to srarndt]

I really don't know what he is actually. I should find that out. I've been paying more attention to when freezing occurs and It is pretty much an hour before my next dose. So maybe I just need a Meds adjustment. DBS scares me, I'm still in denial I think lol

[Kathleen]

Goodevening , I use to freeze and used a cane and walking stick etc. My new neuro suggested Apokyn. Apokyn has given me my life back I walk, drive again andf workfull time. No freezing, you might want to inquire about this .

[Brooke in reply to Kathleen]

I am going to try Apokyn. I have to be trained by a registered nurse. It is an injection and I was told it kicks in about 10 minutes after injecting. Did you have any nausea or vomiting when you first started?

[grandmasanta]

Acupture helped me alot,,,I have 3 issues..dystonia, parkinsonism syndrome and hemichromotosis,,,

[Kathleen]

All I can tell you Brooke is Apokyn gave me back my life, I can walk, drive and work 40 hours a week I took tegin it is an anti nausea pill for 1 week prior and then for 3 weeks and no problem. It is a very easy injection it is a apokyn pen . I use 4 ml and I can do up to 5 per day some days I do just 1-2 it all depends , It takes 10 minutes and I am up and going,it is sub que .Best to you Keep me informed how you do ,Kathleen