I've always had difficulty believing I had PD. So 5 weeks ago I stopped taking Rytary. During the 5 weeks I had periods that led me to think I was having withdrawal symptoms. It's only been two days back on the meds but so far nothing much happening.
Along with Rytary I've been taking Linzess, a new constipation medicine. I take the pill at 8AM and around 11AM I'm rewarded with a large, semisolid BM. The neuro didn't want to use LInzess but insurance won't cover anything else. After 3 months if I'm not happy with it the insurance company will allow her to prescribe something else.
So recently the neuro noticed lower-limb pitting edema. I noticed swollen thighs. I used a measuring tape that shows my left leg is 17 inches in circumference at the calf and mid-humeral thigh. My right leg is 15 inches at the same spots. Along with the swelling I can't bend at the knee in my left leg. It's painless and more a case of stiffness than numbness. My right leg seems more normal.
The exam showed I weigh 210#. I wonder how much of the weight gain is fluid making my thighs soggy. She recommended compression socks but I haven't found any yet.
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kaypeeoh
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As I mentioned, I didn't believe I had PD. I didn't have any of the common signs: No stiffness or slow moving or balance problems. Or loss of taste/smell. That bothered me the most. Weight loss is a common sign. But believe it's caused by the loss of taste. I experienced that years ago when I was prescribed an eyedrop medication that, as a side effect, ruined my sense of taste. During my birthday I ordered a slice of German Chocolate cake--my favorite--and had to spit it out to prevent vomiting it out.
But recently I found stiffness and swelling in my left leg. It's not painful. It almost seems like the weight gain is impeding function of my knee.
I was a long-distance runner for 40 years. I'd done over 50 marathons and several-dozen ultras. I kinda thought that might have protected me from developing PD. Or as least lessened its severity if I did catch it. One sign I do seem to have is constipation. That's why I wanted to try Linzess. I tried other medications but found I couldn't "hit the sweet spot".
but you are taking rytary again? So does that mean you now believe you do have PD?
I guess I’m wondering if you are still able to do walking and have you tried diet for constipation instead of a drug? Hubby has found by eliminating meat every second day and reducing dairy eg cheese his constipation has stayed away. We actually think it was caused by too much levodopa when they fiddled with his dose.
He lost weight quickly on this diet although he also now avoids all sugar and gluten too. He went from over 100kg to 76kg in 6 months then stabilised about 4 years ago.
my hwp has found taking Magnesium capsules helps .. 1 / day for sure, sometimes more.
We have a foot vibrator -Amazon- that helps when my ankles swell. Also keeping my feet elevated whenever possible. He can’t use it because he has blood clots.
like this one: Amazon
Foot Muscle Massager Machine-Electric Foot Massage Deep Relax Muscle Massage Foot Pain Relief for Foot/Sole/Calf, 30 Speed Vibrate with Remote Control&...
Umm....do you exercise? It's free medicine for PD! Start at whatever intensity you can, walking with the long-term goal of running. Aerobic exercise appears to slow PD progression.
I have a treadmill. I'd prefer to be outside walking or jogging but didn't want to risk a bout of diarrhea in public. Like I said, these attacks came without warning. So I walk on the treadmill which is just a few steps from the toilet. I ran out of Linzess and am waiting for a refill or whatever else the doc recommends.
My daughter has May Thurner. Many doctors have never heard of it but her left leg would swell but she also experienced pain and it sounds like you aren’t Just wanted to pass this along.
I’ve discovered Walgreens brand or CVS Gentle Laxative Suppositories work for my constipation. It advertises it works in 15 minutes to an hour and it definitely does. The Overnights take too long.
here’s an over the counter remedy that has taken me from daily constipation to 0.. Yerba organic ok psyllium. Daily. Cost me bout 8.00 USD a month. Consumerlabs gives it a top pick for me it works 100% after 1 month approx stopped using squatty potty!
I use 1 tablespoon with 12 oz water. And drink water through out the day. This is after trying, miralax, citrucell, Metamucil, everything. I’m 100 regular. Look into Yerba.com.
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Help, can increasing you meds be dangerous
Back to my leg pain issue
Meds not working 
Levadopa (Rytary) should I keep trying to cut back?
