I am experiencing periods where my left s... - Cure Parkinson's

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I am experiencing periods where my left side feels so heavy that I can hardly lift my leg or arm. Has anyone else had this happen to them?

CheriH profile image
14 Replies
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CheriH profile image
CheriH
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14 Replies

It is most noticeable when I am mounting or dismounting our horse. I cannot lift my right leg to clear the horse's rump. The first few times this occurred I did not make the connection to my Parkinson's. It took falling off the horse which cleared my mind to admit what was going on. My horseback riding days are done.

soup profile image
soup

When did you last have a review of your medications? It might mean you need a tinkering there rather than giving up at this stage.

CheriH profile image
CheriH in reply tosoup

Thanks, soup for responding to my question. My last appt with my movement disorder specialist was in February. Instead of 4 hour dosing times, my meds were changed to a 3 hour dosing schedule. Also, Apokyn, was added on an "as needed basis". I can inject up to 3 times daily as long as I have 2 hours between each injection. I would never give up. I am a fighter!

soup profile image
soup in reply toCheriH

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply you were giving up the fight, rather it was giving up horse-riding that this comment was about.

Sedona profile image
Sedona

I experience periods whereas I feel like my legs are stuck in quicksand, though think it might be when my meds are wearing off. However I know that I have also lost so much strength or muscle, I can't lift near what I used to and my legs don't have the strength to stand from a squat position. I dread going to the grocery store to get my weekly groceries, it is exhausting. Between maneuvering the heavy cart throughout the store, squating to look for products on lower shelves, then trying to pull myself up using the cart and lifting the heavy bags into the car and into the house, I can do nothing but collapse in a heap when I get home.

CheriH profile image
CheriH in reply toSedona

Thank you for responding, Sedona. I think this may be the case with me with the meds wearing off. I have noticed this happening particularly when I am very tired.

PatV profile image
PatV in reply toSedona

THat's why I have delivery and on line ordering. Or I go to a store where I can drive a cart around the store.

Kadie57 profile image
Kadie57

I have this happen with both legs making picking my feet up to walk a huge problem, when my meds are "ON" this goes away, You might need an increase in medicine.

CheriH profile image
CheriH in reply toKadie57

Thank you, Kadie57, I think you may be correct. I plan on contacting my doctor.

Sedona profile image
Sedona in reply toCheriH

I try to avoid med increases at any cost, I am so afraid of issues with my kidneys or liver. I recently stopped working and hope to begin some sort of exercise routine and find that putting my feet up and relaxing throughout the day and an afternoon nap does wonders. I also try to spread out my errands, I find it becoming increasingly difficult to make multiple stops, like the post office, bank and groceries all in one day. I hate to give up things that I once did, each one seems to rob my independence and I withdraw a bit more each time. I know I won't win the war, but am trying to at least win a few battles with this disease or at least not give up something more without a fight.

Kadie57 profile image
Kadie57 in reply toCheriH

You might ask the doctor about a therapy program just for Parkinson it is name BIG n Loud, I went thru the program and my movement and balance was much improved, I know med increase can be the pits but also is not being able move and live your life. I refuse to let PD win I have a life to live!

zucchre profile image
zucchre

I find that doing arm swings and jumping jacks each morning helps with this same feeling.

dwpd 6 years ago. age 54

honeycombe3 profile image
honeycombe3

Cheri, there is always something to learn on this site. I see from your profile that you have been prescribed Apokyn as needed. I have experienced similar symptoms over the last few of my 10yrs dx. I think that the 'heavy' feeling may be to do with not having a full range of movement rather than to actual weight as several others have suggested. My PD nurse & my consultant (UK) have differing views about treating these symptoms: nurse would like me to take the Apokyn challenge & doctor has twice adjusted meds & asked me to try like this. Since I seem to have responded to the meds regime I am loathe to add more drugs. Perhaps you could keep me (us) posted about the effects of Apokyn?

cowmom27 profile image
cowmom27

Have that problem with both legs-- had a staph infection in my knee in December which affected my PD. Walking at certain times of day---in AM on arising until sinement kicks in and after 7 PM when I am tired--has been a challenge and trying not to get too discouraged. Today I am off to a PD symposium, topic is Whatever it takes to beat Parkinson's----I know this is a minor settback and I am not ready to let PD have the upper hand just yet!! So off I go ready to beat this off. Have a good day all.

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