Hey all. I'm about two and a half years into dx now and I'm not really a bad case but I AM feeling more fatigued than I used to be. In fact I was so tired this morning that I went and scouted around some Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sites to hear how they cope, strategies for survival and possible reversal. I was struck by the way that vigorous exercise is a 'no no' with this disease (well not completely but it's meant to be rather gentle and staggered towards what you're capable of doing). So even though corruption in mitochondrial function must be at the heart of CFS as well as PD, MS etc we seem to be getting different messages. CFS communities promote relaxation and calm as a way to recovery and that exercising beyond one's capability can actually put your recovery back. I know that whilst I've exercised hard since I knew I had PD, I've never really got that 'buzz' that many do and wonder how many of us understand the relaxation part that the CFS'ers declare? I wonder if one day they'll find different versions of PD and that some need relaxation/de-stress whereas others need the hard exercise regime?
Exercise v resting: Hey all. I'm about two... - Cure Parkinson's
Exercise v resting
Hi Jeeves. I’m only couple of years in too - no meds yet. Overwhelming exhaustion/fatigue was everyday and really getting me down. I’ve been on the Thiamine bandwagon now for 2 weeks and what an incredible difference to my energy levels. No more afternoon naps.... I’m pretty much feel normal energy wise. Also walking easier- gait is more coordinated. Tremor is still there though- my constant companion who annoys the f%@$ out of me. Good luck
Hello, I am interested to read that you are not on meds but are struggling with the tremor. Is it a decision you made to postpone meds for as long as possible? I am still in first year since diagnosis. I had tremor which wasnt too bad, but was put on meds straight away. The tremor is hardly there now, and I feel happier generally than I did before, but I am worried that there is still controversy over whether it does harm to start meds too early. Meds could help get rid of your annoying tremor, at least for a good period of time. But then there is much advice on here to keep away from them!
Hi are you taking b1 Hcl ? What dose are you on pls??
I find relaxation and calm times are just as important to me as pushed exercise, life's a mixture. Sorry to hear of your fatigue, maybe this thiamine would be worth a try?
Have you tried Ashwagandha?
No Iqbal. But my point is with the same root cause (mitrochondrial disruption), one group says exercise every day and another says take it really easy. Why the contradiction I wonder?
I can share my own experience. I feel good with 30 minutes exercise daily (usually fast walk or treadmill ) Anything more than that proves counterproductive. Excessive exercise causes pain in the body.
Nice one! Thanks for that. Good advice I reckon😊
Good observation. PD and fatigue go together. it is not linear or predictable. there are good days and bad days of fatigue. Exercise is universally recognized as essential for PWP. My routines are consistent and sometimes I feel burnt out after and sometimes I feel energized. I decided to not lean in the direction of reducing exercises despite fatigue. I believe that if we give into fatigue, we will do less and less which is the case for many PWP. The apathy we wrestle with can influence to do less.
We fatigue sometimes too easily. Why?
I think we sometimes perceive a certain feeling or symptom and in reality the feeling is coming from something entirely different.
For example, I feel a tense internal contracting of my muscles when my medication is depleted; they don't release easily sometimes. But in reality, the tense and contracted feeling is not the actual muscle but instead the feeling of extreme anxiety. My senses are mixed up.
Another example is fatigue; I believe that my feeling of fatigue is really the inability for my motor cortex to be properly directed to initiate and maintain movement. It sure feels like fatigue to me but mostly it is that complete lack of control we get when we are dopamine depleted.
With this said, it also can just be pure fatigue.
Many years ago PD patients were prescribed Amphetamines with their PD tabs which were very affective for energy and general wellbeing!!
Drinking more water helps my fatigue especially during the morning. However rest is as important a part of my protocol as exercise.
Personally I think it is all about striking the right balance; Demand and Supply and visa versa.
Good days & bad days; Exercise & Rest; and not dehydrating when ever possible.
Hi Jeeves. I don't have PD but years ago (in the 1990s, I think) I had CFS. My trigger was Epstein Barr virus, or glandular fever; and my liver was the affected gland. It lasted for a couple of years. The fatigue was so overwhelming that I couldn't have exercised even if I'd wanted to. My GP gave me IV injections of Engistol (sp?) , a homeopathic product, and I took Echinacea. Many people with CFS have relapses. I haven't, although I've had periods of extreme tiredness-- during my husband's Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and afterwards. Hang in there. Praying you'll feel better soon.
No debate in my mind - EXERCISE is the best thing you can do! I'm 10 years into this, and leading a full life! I exercise (yoga, aerobics, bike, weights) 6 days a week. I just became a certified yoga instructor to share my knowledge with other PWP. Please keep it going! Every expert I ever spoke with agrees with this advice! Good luck!
Hi jebbie12.
Inhave had PD for 10 years as well and do different types of exercise every day..
Feel good, physically fitter than when diagnosed.
I watch for stress closely and enjoy life.
Rai
I’m twenty + years into PD
And how’s things at that stage? Any tips?
From what I understand, every exercise causes oxidative stress which triggers body repair/antioxidative response - this is how we benefit from exercise. However, overexertion can cause more harm than benefit - that's why a number of marathon runners suffer from health issues thehealthyhomeeconomist.com...
" it boils to the fact that we were evolved to either move slowly and steadily or briefly and fast. We become both healthier and stronger by exercising and living in this manner."
So, you have to be careful and listen to your body.
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