Fatigue

[jimmydook]

Not on meds ;fiñd i gèt tired in afternoon; evening; wùd going on meds help ?

[park_bear]

For Parkinson's fatigue the issue is finding the right medication. Amantadine is said to be helpful. Selegiline seemed to help me a little bit. Levodopa did not seem to make any difference. But this is just my case- everybody is different.

[jimmydook in reply to park_bear]

Thanks

[ramondo4]

I do not feel Sinemet helps with my fatigue, but I am 79 this year.

[ryanJames1]

I am not on meds either I was getting unfit and tired easily since starting to exercise on an inexpensive vibrating machine I have increased strength, fitness and energy dramatically

[NRyan in reply to ryanJames1]

a vibrating plate?

[ryanJames1 in reply to NRyan]

kogan.com/au/buy/fortis-vib...

[Jeansm]

I started Sinemet and went from permanent exhaustion to feeling like the Duracell bunny. Starting meds for me gave me my life back.

[alaynedellow]

Mannitol has improved my energy levels and mood is much happier.

[jimmydook]

Will try it; thanks

[Astra7]

I found azilect helped with fatigue.

[Smalltownguy]

Strongly suggest you find the most experienced and knowledgeable neurologist you can. I found it critical to maintain a partnership with my medical community. Remember...they know things we don't about PD. But...we also know things they don't. No one else knows exactly what you're experiencing or how you are feeling except you. Given that reality, we must share information both ways.

Yes, the right medication can make a huge difference in how you feel. Then be prepared to have to make adjustments in the journey. The best of doctors will not always know precisely what will or won't work for you because all of us are unique. But, the really good ones will know what's available for options and work with you continually for your best benefit.

Hang in there! For years I resisted getting DBS. I remember saying "I've got to be hurting awfully bad before I let them go into my brain!". Well, I got there. And I'm so thankful "I let them go there!". 15 years ago I never dreamed I'd be doing as well as I am. Other than current issues with freezing of gait most people are surprised when I tell them I have PD. I thank God every day.

Wishing you (and all others on this web site) the very best jimmydook!

[jimmydook in reply to Smalltownguy]

Thanks so much

[etterus in reply to Smalltownguy]

You are quite correct about finding Doc’s that will hear us and learn how we all differ.... plus DBS.

[Donzim]

Fatigue comes from a reason and there are many reasons for that. Start with the basics: May be interference with the Krebs energy cycle which can result from low levels or absence of any one of the energy components. Are you on statins? That will do it due to the effect of statins squeezing out CoQ10. Even if not, CoQ10 (diminished with statins) is a big plus for energy. Google it with ‘Flint Beal’, the researcher, and you will see you can take a lot, u can’t overdose and can stop it quickly without side effects. Google the contributors to Krebs and be sure you have adequate levels of all those components. Without all of them, your engine can’t convert nutrients into energy...just like your car.

Depression can cause fatigue. We used amino acid l-theanine (comes from green tea amongst other things) very successfully, working up to 400 mg every 4 hours but not before bedtime as it increases energy too much and interferes with sleep. Start slow. Are you short of oxygen? Have you been TESTED for sleep apnea? An absolute must in my opinion....it took fifteen years and my conversion into a demanding shrew to discover the importance of that and demand treatment for it.

[jimmydook in reply to Donzim]

Thanks

[DianeF]

I am on Azilect, Amadatine and Sinemet Er. While I have energy some of the time, I find I have a period of exhaustion about 2 hours after I take my Sinemet (3 x per day) for about 15-20 minutes. I also go to the gym 5x per week and that also wipes me out but I know I have to keep moving.Everyone with this disease is so different, but it is always best to talk to your movement disorder specialist.

[Donzim in reply to DianeF]

Who will probably know nothing about supplements.

[etterus]

After 16 years I think the abject fatigue that is both physical and mental is almost as bad as the recurrent foot dystonia... I have not found any consistent solution for either.

[NRyan in reply to etterus]

changing my diet (pescatarian, no grains) and adding supplements and consistent exercise has made a dramatic improvement in my fatigue. Also listening to my body and allowing rest when I need it has helped (quick nap in afternoon, go to bed early, etc) .

[JohnPepper]

Fatigue is a common symptom of Pd. We feel fatigued because we have a shortage of supply of dopamine, which is not just a neurotransmitter but a feel-good chemical that motivates us to do things. Without that motivation we tend to want to do nothing.

I have found that, in the past, if I forced myself to go out every second day to do my one hour of fast walking, it took me no more than about ten minutes before the lethargy disappeared. The exercise brought this about. We are not short of energy we are lacking motivation!

Have others found this?

[etterus in reply to JohnPepper]

I have found that my life is so unpredictable... sometimes I feel like crap before exercise but better after and vice a versa the next time. If I could only figure it out I too would write a book and lecture gladly for free! I try to be consistent and change variables one at a time to avoid confusion. I’m certain about the ultimate need to keep moving as much as we can without overwhelming our current capacities.... a dilemma.