Out of breath

[Astronomer90]

Does PD impact the breathing and endurance? I am a good runner and diagnosed with PD. I have a right hand tremors for two years. Lately, I am getting out of breath while running. I used to run 10k without any problem. But lately I get out of breath after running 500 m to 1 km and need to take a minute or so break. My question, do you know if this is caused by PD? Is there any solution to this problem?

[JCRO]

Dysautonomia can be part of the PD fiasco. If you search for both I think you’ll find breathlessness is a known problem.

[Astronomer90 in reply to JCRO]

Thanks!

[chantingwpd in reply to Astronomer90]

I’m certainly not an expert except knowing from my own experience. I periodically have a shortness of breath, particularly when I’m public speaking. I also have recently experienced breathlessness when trying to speak loudly to my spouse, who’s hard of hearing. It I’m ten years in with my diagnosis.

[AndyMu72 in reply to chantingwpd]

Hi chantingwpd , I have on occasion noticed similar. Any tips / strategies that have worked for you? Think suggestion from Fatherof5 below seems smart - I’ve dabbled but not put into practice regularly yet! (My bad!)

[PixelPaul]

I'm an avid runner, cyclist and xc skier and have not experienced any breathing issues related to my PD.

[Fatherof5]

I have encountered the same and what has helped me is breathing exercises such as suggested by Wim Hoff. Basically treat your diaphragm as a muscle that needs to be stretched out regularly along the other muscles in your body. Look up block breathing too. It takes time so be patient with your progress

[bassofspades]

I think the answer is yes, sort of. PD is associated with systemic Mitochondrial dysfunction. Whether thats a cause or effect of PD, Im not sure. I think its more in the causation factor. But in my non expert opinion, there's your answer.

[Astronomer90]

Thanks everyone!

[beehive23]

im 54 and suffer from pd induced restrictive lung disease. im in hospice and respiratory failure due to rigid chest wall muscles, the original dr parkinsons in his notes said "methinks me patients cannot breathe"....google breathing troubles and parkinsons and read away...hang tough..

[kaypeeoh]

Years ago I was running a marathon and around mile-10 I started falling forwards. After the 3rd or 4th fall people were stopping to help me up and I decided to quit the race. I still run but use a treadmill. The hand rails helps keep me upright. So for me I don't have shortness of breath but instead I have a weak back. I take Rytary. I'm hoping to race again when the weather is better.

[JohnPepper]

I am not a doctor. I am a patient who was diagnosed in 1992. My symptoms started in 1963.

When I was diagnosed, I increased my gym to 90 minutes a day, six days a week. Imy symptoms got worse, quicker than they had before diagnosis. I then joined a RUN/WALK for LIFE program and my walking improved my symptoms and by 1996 my symptoms had more or less disappeared. We were only allowed to walk every second day and could only walk as fast as we possibly could. At the beginning I walked at 5 Ks an hour. In 1996 I was walking at 9 Ks an hour. I am 88 years old and have had other health problems which have prevented me from walking. I am currently walking at 5 Ks per hour and hope to get it back to at leat 7 Ks per hour,

I have lived a 'Normal life' since 1996, but now have prostate cancer and have g=had my testicles removed. I have written 2 books about my story. Cony=tact me if you are interested.

[kaypeeoh in reply to JohnPepper]

Castration seems like an onerous thing to do but testosterone--literally DHT-- can cause prostate cancer to spread to bones, liver or spine if not kept in check. Testosterone suppression drugs can be used but surgery solves the problem permanently.

[Stoxy in reply to JohnPepper]

sorry to hear that John. Hope you’re ok. Wanted to say that I love your enthusiasm and persistence in promoting your fast walking

[JohnPepper in reply to Stoxy]

Thanks Stoxy

[DivisionOne in reply to JohnPepper]

John, wondering though if you simply overdid it in the gym. Perhaps a balanced approach with resr would’ve brought you similar results as walking.

I read one of your books. It was very inspiring and has given me much hope!!!

[JohnPepper in reply to DivisionOne]

I have not been to the gym since 1994 so I am not overdoing that. I only fast walk every second day and can only manage 1.2 Ks at present but am slowly building it up. At 88 I tink my body has had ebough and can't give anymore. But I still keep trying.

[Astronomer90]

Just wondering, why walking will be better than running? Running raises the heart rate more than walking and better endurance. So why I should walk when I can run?

[DivisionOne]

Astronomer, PD depletes energy (or perhaps it’s chronic low energy that enables one’s disposition for PD).

Perhaps John’s approach walks (pun intended) the fine line of energy management.

[Jdig]

Hello Astronomer90, I’m sorry to hear about your situation.

About 3 years before PD dx, I found my work-outs on the elliptical becoming more and more lackluster, until I literally could not make my legs move fast enough to get my pulse up to 130bpm. I switched to another machine (stair), and was able to get my pulse up, but not for as long. I read that chronic fatigue is experienced by many PWP (a mitochondrial issue?), and now I time my exercise to coincide with my C/L meds, which improves things dramatically. I hope you find what works for you.

[JohnPepper]

I have never got out of breath, other than when I get to the point that I can't maintain my top speed, when I stop immediately. I only fast wslk every second day, to give my muscles chance to recover.

I would speak to your doctor to look into your problem.