Is there a source of info that can tell me the average progression of the stages of PD? I know it's hard to guess but would like to know

[Peaches]

what is usually the case.

[drew410]

The simple answer unfortunately is NO. PD is such a complex syndrome and affecting everyone differently that there is no average. You can only hope that the medication you are prescribed is working for you and enabling you to have as good a quality of life that you can. I was diagnosed 13 years ago and have had my ups and downs but generally speaking am coping quite well. Two pieces of advice - do not worry about the future, it will only make things worse and - retain your sense of humour.

Oh and avoid stress where possible.

Have as good a day as you can.

[Peaches in reply to drew410]

Thanks so much for responding. Guess I'm going to have to give up being a "control freak" and start trying to just live one day at a time. It is so nice to know that there are lots of you out there supporting each other on this site.

[Susie01 in reply to Peaches]

This may sound crazy, but I look at it this way, nobody has a guarantee of tomorrow whether they have a disease or not. Getting hit by a vehicle while crossing the road could happen to anyone!

We all have some common symptoms, but may be very different in our responses to medication.

And, STRESS does make a a huge difference. The more you worry about it, the worse the symptoms!

[jillannf6 in reply to Susie01]

ho

u r so right suzie

stress make sall the differenc e

and of course any one cooydl be hit by a vehicle when crossing the orad too#lol JIll

[TaniaV in reply to drew410]

GREAT ADVICE Drew!!! I totally agree! My grandma has PD as well and her progression was so much slower then mine ... Its like not one of us fight into one mole... we all have different medication.. different progression but its great cuz me and my granny have a one of a kind BOND!

[Larry_H in reply to drew410]

Drew, Good word. Take one day at a time and humor. Exercise and stretches. Keep moving ! A smile on your face and a song in your heart.

[Hidden]

Good advice, Drew!

[shasha]

hear,hear - that is good advice but there is a leaflet/ thingy which does take you through the tests for pd which i found infomative - i will post it if i can find it again !!

[Peaches in reply to shasha]

Thanks for the reply. I figured that was going to be the general answer but thought I'd put it out there anyway. Guess that each day will be a surprise and a blessing. Thanks.

[lanep-since03]

Drew is right the simple answer is NO. I was diagnosed in 2003 in 2008 my neurologist said "I thought by now you would have been in a wheel chair.". In other words he told me just how good God is & continues to be to me. I still walk w/o falling even though some days it's like wearing steel shoes on a magnetic floor.

Keeping your sense of humor is essential. Last year when they had that earthquake on the east coast people ran out of the office & said "did you feel that earthquake?" I replied with a big smile on my face"No I thought it was time for another pill."

[Peaches in reply to lanep-since03]

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like it is time for me to stop thinking about the future and start living one day at a time. I am getting as much exercise as I can and hope that it will help me to stay active for a LONG time! Thank you.

[RoDias]

There are 5 stages of PD. I learned that at a PD seminar in Janusry 2009. As we are packing to move and I can't locate the materials that set out the stages. I suggest you go to the websites for the various PD associations.

[Peaches in reply to RoDias]

Will do. Thanks

[Court]

Drew always gives good advice. There are 5 stages of Parkinsons, but don't know if you would find this information useful as each person is different. I always take one day at a time, good and bad and exercise which is a must. I have found that it doesn't help worrying about the future because none of us know what the future may have in store for us. This applies to non Parkinson people as well. Just enjoy the good days and curse the others!!

[Peaches in reply to Court]

Thanks for the advice. I will try. I have always been a care giver and an "in control" kind of person so the idea that I may need help some day is hard for me to imagine. But I'll get there, one day at a time.

[RoDias in reply to Court]

Court, you are right. My husband was diagnosed four years ago and was in Stage 2 at that time. He is on the borderline between two and three. I believe he has actually fallen into the beginning of three due to the number of falls that he has had recently. He is due back at his doctor in a month and we will bring him up to date on the falls.

[Susie01]

I posted this a link a few weeks ago, it gives a good explanation of the stages and sub-groups.

youtube.com/watch?v=pf6BGBl...(Not working as expected?)

[Court in reply to Susie01]

Susie. Thanks for posting this. I must have missed it the first time round, but have just finished playing it now and found it most enlightening.

No one has ever explained Parkinsons to me in this way and I found answers to some of my questions explained in such a way that I was able to understand them.

Thanks again.

Sue

[Susie01 in reply to Court]

You are very welcome, it was helpful for me when I saw it. If you go to YouTube, he has other informative videos there also, Susie

[Peaches in reply to Susie01]

This was very informative. Thanks so much for posting it.

[shasha]

THANKS ONCE MORE FROM ME TOO - I HAVE THE ipgd form as i have not got any better from the meds i am taking - i feel like the 2 forms are totaly different illnesses from the usual tremor type

[Susie01]

I'm glad it was helpful, Shasha, I do feel for you let's hope that something comes arounde that can help you, Susie

[drew410]

Come on guys and girls. Does it really matter what stage your at? It is just one more thing to worry about and create anxiety and stress. It's not like its a competition to find who has reached a given "stage".

*The next stage leaves in 5 minutes - be on it* or not. *Exit stage left* and just enjoy the day best way you can.

[Peaches in reply to drew410]

O.K. O.K. I got the point already. Will exit on any stage that comes my way and not miss any opportunities. I love your advice and thanks for making me feel like part of the group even though I'm a "newbie."

[drew410 in reply to Peaches]

Peaches, If advice is given in a humourous way I think it gets the message across without hitting you between the eyes with a sledge hammer. Hope i did not offend. That was not my intention,

Kind regards

Drew

[Peaches in reply to drew410]

Not at all. I enjoyed every word. I am trying to figure out at this point if I have the PIGD version of this fun disease. I hope not but I keep having the balance issues. Have just upped my Mirapex to the full dose that my Dr. prescribed so will hopefully see an improvement again.

[drew410 in reply to Peaches]

Mirapexin can cause compulsive behaviour such as excess gambling and can highten sexual activity (I wish). As long as you are aware you should not fall into any unwanted traps.