I was diagnosed 5 yrs. ago. Had DBS 2 yrs ago. My movement is pretty good, but I have CONSTANT anxiety issues. On sinemet and requip.

[fishwife]

Clenching of my left foot is bad, and with the angst I'm never comfortable. Any one else?

[etterus]

I haven't had dbs yet but anxiety with foot dystonia is probably my chief complaints most of the time. I feel that the two are manifestations of the same problem that is related to my carbodopa-levodopa levels. I try to walk with nordic poles as frequently as possible and ride a stationary bike... exercie does help a lot.

[froggatt55]

hi fishwife

You did well to get DBS so quickly - well done and may it last you for ever. I also get the anxiety when I am going off but it clears when I take my medication - Azilect, Sinemet, Amantadine and Requip

I have been diagnosed 11 years but have not had DBS

Off now to valet my Partners car before the rain arrives

Kind regards and remember to exercise!!

[fishwife in reply to froggatt55]

Thank you froggatt! Excercise is my other goal...bad days interrupt and I seem to always be restarting my routine. I won't stop trying though.

[froggatt55 in reply to fishwife]

Fantastic Fishwife !! Watch out for the launch of my current initiative "R.I.P.E. - Realistic Improvement in Parkinson's through Exercise"

Kind regards and happy exercising LOL

[fishwife in reply to froggatt55]

Sounds great. Will I be able to find it on this site? If not, please leave me the link.

[froggatt55 in reply to fishwife]

probably but i'll post the link if not

[Kadie57]

The clenching of your foot means your feed on the DBS is turned up to high. I ve had that happen also. My surgery has beed 2 yrs April 12th.

[fishwife in reply to Kadie57]

Kadie57, Thanks so much for the reply. Three days ago I decreased my settings, if only by 3 tenths. It took a day to settle, but have enjoyed some relief. I plan on decreasing a bit more soon. Thanks.

[Kadie57 in reply to fishwife]

Glad you found some relief. Amazing what just a tweek of 3 tenths can do.

[mplsmaxx in reply to Kadie57]

That is not alway the reason, it depends on why and so where the leads were placed, you can't always get everything covered, and everyones response to DBS is different (everyone's PD and Dystonia is unique). One size does not fit all. Also, sometimes anxiety is the normal response to what PD and Dystonia can bring.  Support groups and talk therapy can help a lot. A bout of Dystonia became my greatest fear and anxiety and paranoia came with once my foot Dystonia turned into generalized foot to scalp Dystonia with extreme pain. Nearly every muscle in my body, including my esophagus spasms at a 9 or 10! so it took a couple years of therapy to learn to cope. it always stwrts at CL wear-off and starts to hit 5 min. from toe tingles, is in full spasm in 3 min. If I don't chew two CL 25-100 tabs at first sign, it can take an hour to control. If I catch it in time, it will start and then back down in 5 to 10 mins. so count your blessings!

[jebbers]

I've done botox injections for the dystonia in the foot and found it very helpful. It's not permanent, you do have to have periodic injectionsl

[mplsmaxx]

Lorazepam is an anti-anxiety drug and muscle relaxant so it also helps with tremor. but is a controlled substance. Most Drs won't allow you a refill without seeing you, and insurance Cos are strict about when you can refill. If you take more than 1.5 mg a day (3 x .5 mg), withdrawal is ugly if you run out on the weekend this is why I reduced my dosage from 1 mg 3x a day to .5, just isn't worth starting withdrawal. If your Dr. hasn't suggested at least trying a low dose, you probably need a new Dr.