New Update, July 12, 2011

Hi Everyone:

I've had a really good week, so I'm pleased to publish a new posting on the blog. The big event was a trip to Akron to see Marshall and his new digs. We stayed at an Embassy Suites between Cleveland and Akron, and that proved to provide the best of both worlds. We ate our way out of Ohio, and we were able to take in several key attractions, like the Cleveland Indians, the rock 'n roll Hall of Fame, and Brandywine Falls. Plus, we got the best darn tour going of the University of Akron's excellent athletic facilities. Marshall was a great host, and we had a blast.

My medications continue doing the job really well. The Mirapex seemed to be working very well on its own. Now, the addition of rasagiline (Azilect) has made things even a little better. The new medication makes me a little drowsy which helps at bedtime, and it seems to keep me asleep even better than my sleep medication. Last night, for example, I slept a full 8 hours without arising at all. That's something I haven't had for some time. In general, I haven't been nearly as sleepy and lethargic throughout the day, which makes me more productive, which helps keep me more positive, and so on.

While we were in Akron, I worked out every morning using an elliptical cross trainer. I really liked the action on that machine, and it seemed to be much better on my lower back and feet than my NordicTrack skier. I was really intrigued because I have seen some video evidence suggesting that fast pedaling like on a bicycle has effects on the brain very similar to PD medications. In some cases people have even gotten off of medication for short periods by adding a bicycle to their exercise regimen. I need to do some searching and find these studies.

Anyway, when we got home, Sandy and I bought a much less expensive home model of an elliptical trainer than the one we used in Ohio. After spending most of the afternoon on Sunday and most of last evening screwing everything together, unscrewing things that weren't supposed to go together, and screwing them back correctly, everything's a go on our new machine. It can very easily be changed from a short ellipse (more like a bike) to a longer pattern (more like the “think” big mantra for those with PD), so I think it will be very useful. At least for now it's a new toy, and it's fun. It certainly can't hurt anything.

That's about all for this week. I hope you all are well. As Mother Maybelle always said, “Keep on the sunny side.”

Marc