I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in November 2015. Since then, I have been exploring both allopathic and natural solutions.
From a naturopathic perspective, I immersed myself in a Parkinson’s Summer School, which involves a week dedicated to strategies to improve Parkinson’s symptoms. I also see a naturopath every few months. From a traditional medicine perspective, I consulted with 11 neurologists, seven of whom were specialists in movement disorders.
To find the treatment that worked for me, I did the following:
- I consulted a general neurologist, movement disorder specialist, and naturopathic doctor.
- I studied through online courses and webinars.
- Conduct an online survey
- Join Facebook groups dedicated to Parkinson’s disease
Ultimately, I have come to the conclusion that there is no single cure that works for everyone. We all have unique symptoms and different metabolisms. I have been on a difficult path for the past few years, trying various medications and treatments to find relief.
My challenges with allopathy and naturopathy
Despite my resistance to taking medication, I have come to accept that I have to take it in order to exercise. My goal has always been to use exercise to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
The neurologists and naturopathic doctors I consult agree that exercise is one of the most important therapies in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Allopathic doctors and naturopathic doctors may have different opinions about the use of supplements and prescription drugs. My naturopathic doctor (ND) believes that supplements can enhance the effectiveness of prescription medications. She also thinks it may be possible to reduce the dosage of the drug.
One Movement Disorder Specialist (MDS) I visited did not approve of most of the supplements recommended by NDs, and he said there have been no extensive trials done to confirm or deny how supplements affect medications or other bodily functions.
I respect the opinions of both the MDS and ND and work closely with both to develop a treatment plan that everyone can agree on.
Beauty is in balance
We now know that symptom relief is not achieved in an “all or nothing” scenario.
After much trial and error, I came up with a combined natural and allopathic approach that worked for me. This solution allows you to accept and adapt to your “new normal” without any side effects or some reduction in symptoms. This is the right list for me, it may not be right for you. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your health regimen.
My list includes:
- frequent exercise
- Eat a plant-based diet
- Massage
- Physical and speech therapy
- Carbidopa/levodopa
- New Pro
- Selegiline
- Vitamin B12, C, D3 (based on blood test deficiency)
- Fish oil
- Coenzyme Q10
- Glutathione
- infrared therapy
Maybe my mindset has hindered my progress so far. After all the treatment I’ve had, I thought I’d feel the same way I did before my diagnosis. But because it’s a brain disease, that’s unlikely. Plus, as you get older (I’m five years older than I was when I was diagnosed), it can be hard to tell if your symptoms (balance, slowness of movement, cognitive problems) are due to aging or are caused or accelerated by Parkinson’s.
Of course, this current plan will need to be tweaked over time: Doses may have to be increased, not because the drugs lose effectiveness, but because Parkinson’s is a progressive disease.
My conclusion
As a Parkinson’s patient, the ball is in my court to find the right solution for me. Parkinson’s symptoms vary from person to person, so each person with Parkinson’s disease must find a unique treatment plan. It helps you acquire knowledge about your condition. We should not be afraid to challenge treatment professionals. After all, we have the most experience in knowing how Parkinson’s disease affects our bodies.
“The conflict between preventive medicine and conventional medicine is not one-sided. For example, we will always need emergency rooms and people will always need medical services. But the approach is natural; It became clear to me that we had to be proactive and individual.” – James L. D’Adamo
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Notes: parkinson’s disease news is strictly a news and information website about this disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or results. processThis content does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or process. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are Parkinson’s Disease News or its parent company, BioNews Services, and is intended to stimulate discussion about issues related to Parkinson’s disease.
