About 2.5 years ago, I was considering undergoing stem cell therapy to try to treat my Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Ultimately, I concluded that I would only resort to this treatment if I can find a safer place to get it (the company that was offering … Continue reading New Stem Cell Development?
Good news! Over the last two weeks, I have had no new issues with the Vyalev pump. I am still experiencing the aftermath of the last big issue. There’s still a BIG nodule and the skin is still red, but it’s smaller and less angry-looking … Continue reading Vyalev Pump: More Good News
A few months ago, I typed about where/how to secure the Vyalev pump on your person. Now it’s about time I addressed where to stick the other end. But first, Lemmy Kilmister give ya a few details you may not already know. First off, the … Continue reading Vyalev Pump: Where do I put the other thing?
This week on Thymptom Thurthday, I’m talking about Dry Eye. But I’m not talking much about it, because it’s pretty straightforward.
I’ve seen Dry Eye referred to as a non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). It’s caused by reduced blinking, which sounds more like a motor symptom to me. Either way, the solution for most folks is just to use lubricating eye drops. I experienced dry eye early on, and the eye drops worked for me. At some point, the problem went away. I can only guess that one of the PD drugs has returned my blinking to normal, but I really couldn’t tell ya which one. I still need the eye drops when I visit places with low humidity (e.g., Colorado), but while I’m here in Carolina, my eyes are wetter than my dog’s nose.
You may have noticed this blog has been a bit dead lately. Well, fear not! In another few weeks, this site will be flooded with Travel Reports, as I will be taking three trips in three months. These shall be:
August – Utah
September – New York City
October – Maryland
In the meantime, I still have more to say about the Vyalev pump, plus I plan to test and review TravelJohn!
Y’ever go to make a pork sausage, and then you realize it’s got hairs growin’ all over it? Wait, that’s not what I wanted to ask you. Let me look at my notes here….Ah! OK, what I meant to say was: Y’ever stand up too … Continue reading Parkinson’s Symptoms: nOH
Nearly a month ago, I told you about my experience getting through a major airport with the Vyalev pump and supplies, specifically flying from Charlotte (CLT) to Des Moines (DSM). As I noted then, I expected the TSA folks at the major airport that is … Continue reading Vyalev Pump and air travel: The Return
Day 10 was to be the “big day” – the day I would spend at Adventureland Park in Altoona, Iowa. Not to ride anything, just to soak up the vibes. Y’see, I worked in the rides department at Adventureland (a.k.a. A-Land) for four summers – … Continue reading Iowa 2025 Trip Report (Day 10)
I have been dreading this. One of the main reasons I didn’t get the pump sooner was that I didn’t like the idea of trying to get through TSA screenings with the thing. So, I was happy to find that the teetering mound of documentation … Continue reading Vyalev Pump and air travel
So far, I must admit the Vyalev pump provides the benefits I was hoping it would. My off periods are greatly reduced or non-existent, I’ve been more physically and mentally stable, and I turned into a werewolf. But I do have a couple of problems … Continue reading Vyalev Pump: Where do I put this thing?
The primary advantage of using the Vyalev pump rather than the pill form of the same medications (carbidopa and levodopa) is that the pump provides a steady input of medication throughout the day (and night), avoiding the “rollercoaster” effect that results from taking pills once every few hours. But the process ya have to go through each day to disconnect, refill, and reconnect is kind of an ordeal. Thus, after nearly two weeks using the pump, I found myself pondering whether it was worth it. So, this morning I decided to take a day off from the pump and revert to the pills.
Ah, how quickly we forget! Today has been AWFUL. When the pills are in full effect, I’m feeling quite good. But when they start wearing off, my whole body becomes tense, I become a hunchback, I get jittery, I can’t even think straight! In retrospect, none of this is new. I just needed a reminder of exactly how bad it all can get. Now I know, and I’ll be reconnecting to my pump first thing tomorrow morning!
Voyages with Parkinson's 