So, I’m sitting here plotting my Kentucky State Vacation, when it hits me. I’ve had an “America the Beautiful Access Pass” for so long, I don’t remember when I got it. More importantly, I don’t remember telling any of YOU about the Access Pass. Well, … Continue reading America the Beautiful
Over the last year, I have mentioned my Vyalev pump many times. Overall, my experience with it has been very positive. Ultimately, the Vyalev pump only provides a continuous liquid supply of carbidopa / levodopa (Levo). I.e., it just replaces the Levo pills I had … Continue reading Medication Changes?
At the end of my previous post, I mentioned that I was experiencing issues with the Vyalev pump. Now is the time for me to bitch about explain those issues. Part One: I need to be fatter! Vyalev advises rotating the ‘insertion site’ once every … Continue reading Pump Trouble
The number of exercise programs / options targeting Parkinson’s continues to grow. Recently, “Up ENDing Parkinsons” made its Charlotte debut. This is rock climbing for people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). You read that right! Well, I assume you read it right. I really have no way of actually knowing what you thought you read.
But, yes! Rock climbing for Parkies! This seemed like the perfect fit for me. I spent a lot of time during my twenties and very late teen years wandering northern Colorado, looking for rock formations to scale. So, about three months ago, I decided to try Up ENDing Parkinson’s.
Charlotte is not exactly known for cliffs, so this is actually an indoor, human-made climbing wall. Several such walls, even. And this is REAL climbing. With ropes and harnesses. I never bothered with such equipment when scrambling up remote rock formations in my foolhardy days of yore. On some of the climbing ‘routes’ they connect your rope to a machine that prevents you from plummeting if/when you lose your grip. On the rest, they connect your rope to a human “belayer” who stays on the ground while you climb. I imagine that if you fall, the belayer would be catapulted into the ceiling, though I haven’t seen that happen (yet).
I was amazed at my lack of energy and my overall weakness. However, I was assured by several people that it’s normal for folks to feel that way in the first session, and that most folks get past that quite quickly. I went back a week later, but actually felt weaker during that second session. I had planned to go again the following week, but decided I needed to use that time to finish plotting my Maryland trip. Then I was in Maryland for about two weeks ago. Then I started having, ummm, issues with the Vyalev pump. I’ll address that in my next post. For now, I continue to believe in Up ENDing Parkinsons, and intend to go back soon.
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?
The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated. That is, *if* there have been any rumors of my death. Yes, I got back from Maryland safely, and no, I have not completely clawed my keyboard apart.
None of my future travels are even in the planning stages yet. But, for several reasons, I’m thinking my next few trips will be to states that are within easy driving distance of Charlotte. That would mean road trips to Tennessee, West Virginia, and Regular Virginia. Maybe even Georgia and Kentucky.
After that, I may focus on states that are small enough to use a single hotel as a field HQ. I do get tired of having to tear down and build up my travelling pharmacy. This would prioritize Connecticut, New Hampshire (maybe), Rhode Island, Delaware, New Joisey, and New York City. I plan on doing NYC as its own trip, separate from upstate New York.
In the meantime, I’m dealing with a significant issue in regard to the Parkinson’s pump therapy. I also recently started another (very) physical therapy activity. I will write about both of these in the coming weeks.
Back in May of this year, I undertook a whirlwind tour of Iowa. One of my stops was the world’s largest truck stop, where I found the product pictured above: TravelJohn! (TM). The exclamation mark is actually part of the brand name, not a reflection … Continue reading Product Review: TravelJohn!
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?
Day 1: I’ve been on enough so-called “scenic train rides” to know that they aren’t all worthwhile. So, I only ride those that sound truly unique. This morning, I could find nothing in my notes or in my head to explain what was special about … Continue reading Utah 2025 Trip Report (Days 1 through 3)
Voyages with Parkinson's 