Tag: off periods

Vyalev Pump: You Don’t Know What You’ve Got…

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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!

Seeking Alarm Ideas

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Some time ago, I mentioned that I was using the Timer function on my phone to help me take my meds on time. Basically, I start the timer when I take my first dose in the morning, it sounds an alarm three hours later, and I respond by resetting the alarm and taking pills. This worked great for about 10 months. But yesterday, I forgot to set the timer when I took my morning pills. But I remembered when I needed to take my next dose, so I took it on time…and AGAIN forgot to start the timer! This time, I didn’t realize my mistake until I was feeling pretty ragged. And so, I finally set the timer…but this time, I forgot to take the damn pills! About half an hour later, I discovered this new mistake, then corrected it by taking the pills and resetting the timer. Three hours later, I got the alarm. So I reset the timer and AGAIN forgot to actually take the pills! Today at lunchtime, it was the same thing: I reset the timer without actually taking the meds!

So, I ask you, does anyone make an alarm clock that will slap me upside the head? Alternatively, have any of you had this problem, and found a good solution? I’m all ears (except for the rest of my body).

Parkinson’s Pump

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There is now a “pump” available for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients. I’m supposed to be getting more info from my PD specialist soon, but here’s what I know so far. In an out-patient procedure, a tube is surgically implanted, allowing the “dope” to be delivered directly into your intestines. The pump, which is worn externally, continuously feeds the dope into your intestines. So, it sounds like you’re getting the same medication, it’s just that you’re getting a steady stream of it. Thus, it eliminates the ups and downs (i.e., the Off Periods) that many of us contend with every day.

I really don’t like the idea of having anything surgically implanted in me, but I have to change something. I got back from my latest trip almost two weeks ago. In that time, I’ve done almost nothing but lay on the couch all day, never feeling up to doing anything. Not even writing for this blog – and we can’t have that, now, can we? So, I’m thinking a tube may be in my future. I’ll keep ya posted.