I have always been interested in Holistic Nutrition, as I stated in My Story, but don't think that I have actually taken it seriously enough. Since being involved in the classes, it is really ringing true to me that what we eat can truly have a huge impact on our health.

I recently, started to see Dr. Crinion at the Southwest Institute of Naturopathic Medicine In Scottsdale, AZ. After reviewing my health history, we decided to do Food Intolerance testing. Because you are what you eat, it was important for me to know what foods that my body did not like, if I was going to change my diet.   I got the results of the blood test back last week. And I am intolerant to all dairy, beef, lamb, pork and goat cheese. So, now onto a new lifestyle of eating.

I have read many books in the past about Nutrition, including Healthy Living, Living on Raw Food, Stop Inflammation now, Garden of Eating, The Makers Diet, Healing with Whole Foods, Eating Well for Optimum Health, Ph The Path to Optimum Health and many others. The one main thing that they all have in common is that "What you eat, can and does have an effect on the body". So why wouldn't it have an affect on my Parkinson's. There are plenty of documented personal stories of people being cured of disease by diet. Just do a Google search and you will find hundreds of personal stories. I searched cured by diet, diet cured me etc...

I have started on a journey that can only make me feel better!

I am going to call my plan My Optimum eating plan to optimize my body function. I am following the lifestyle suggested in the book Stop Inflammation Now; which specifically deals with diet and lifestyle, Dr. Fleming's primarily plant based diet may seem a bit drastic at first, but so are the consequences of disease. And the book The Garden of Eating; which specifically deals with a produce dominated diet, it is a comprehensive guide to natural eating.  Both of these books have recipes that will help follow this new lifestyle. The recipes include Fruits and Vegetables, and Whole Grains, Legumes, Nuts and Seeds. And small amounts of Protein from Fish and Chicken.

According to the Stop Inflammation Now book written by Richard M. Fleming, M.D., "Homocysteine does much of its damage by being a big source of oxidants, which are the driving force behind most major illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cataracts, arthritis, asthma and most other degenerative diseases". Homocysteine levels are directly related to what we eat. So, what does this mean? It means that what you put in your body is definitely going to have an effect on your health. We have got to look at these facts and realize that we can change how we feel. We just need to change what we eat...Sounds easy, doesn't it?

Here is another link confirming the above information regarding high levels of Homocysteine.

To be continued......

August 30, 2005

The last 10 days have been amazing... I started to follow the diet recommended by Dr. Richard Fleming in the book Stop Inflammation Now.

Now, I want to remind you that I did not just decide to do this off the cuff. I have been researching for quite some time about the effect of different foods on the body and have decided to do something differently, after consulting with my Naturopathic physician and doing food allergy testing. I feel it is very important to know if you have allergies to any foods. Otherwise, changing your diet may not do a thing to help your health, if you are still consuming foods that your body cannot tolerate.

I have had another health ailment for over 20 years and am just now finding out that by eliminating the foods that I have shown to be intolerant of may have an impact on that aspect of my health too. I am allergic to many different foods. Therefore, eliminating them from my diet is key to regaining my health. I also saw a holistic Dentist, who is doing blood tests to determine what dental material I may be allergic to prior to taking out my amalgam mercury fillings and replacing them. I thought that this was a good idea, I had never heard of a dentist doing this kind of testing prior to putting dental materials in your mouth, but it certainly makes sense to me. 

My new eating plan began on Friday August 19, 2005. I started by going grocery shopping for fresh produce at my local Farmer’s Market and then to the grocery store for dried food items, herbs and spices.  

Friday’s Dinner consisted of Fresh corn on the cob, baked sweet potato and steamed greens; made from kale, leeks, carrots, parsnips and vegetable broth. Recipe for the greens was taken from the book The Garden of Eating by Rachel and Don Matesz.  Desert was fresh grapes.

It was awesome and very filling.

Saturday, breakfast started with dried fruit; stewed prunes, turkish apricots, one fresh-diced apple and a small amount of apple juice to steam the fruit, it took about 12 minutes to cook the fruit on the stove in a small pan. It was delicious.

Lunch was a whole avocado mashed with salsa and fresh raw blueberry flax crackers. Awesome!!!

Dinner was carrot ginger soup with fresh coleslaw and steamed wholegrain bread. Again, these recipes were taken from The Garden of Eating by Rachel and Don Matesz.

Sunday was a repeat of breakfast from the day before with the addition of fresh raw carrot, apple, beet and kale juiced in my juicer. If you have never tried fresh juicing, you won’t believe how good this tastes…

The rest of the week I ate many delicious foods, all of them natural, no preservatives, no flavorings, no added chemicals, only fresh and natural. All of the foods were delicious and easy to prepare.  No meat, no dairy, no caffeine, no white sugar, no white flour.  I only drank herb teas and fresh juice from my juicer.  

After 10 days of eating this way, my husband said, you look like your losing weight, though I appreciate that comment. That is not the purpose of this new way of eating. The purpose is to try to regain my health.

I am sharing this with you, so you can see that you can make a difference in what you put into your body. Let us see if it makes a difference in how I feel…

To be continued…

September 9, 2005

Ever since I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, friends, relatives and acquaintances have made mention to me that they admire me. They say that it is amazing how I have been handling having this disease. Instead of letting it overwhelm me and overpower me, I have risen up to encourage and enlighten others about the disease.

In the first months of having the symptoms of the disease, it did not seem real. I just went along on my way just like every other day, until the symptoms started to progress and I decided to seek medical advice.  When I was officially diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, it was very surreal. I did not really realize the full scope of what it means to live with Parkinson's, that is something that you learn to deal with on a day to day basis.

When reality set in, I was depressed, then I became upset and angry, then the real me kicked in and took over. I started to approach it wanting to learn everything possible about it, and thus developed this website. I choose to learn what I can and share that information with others.

So, Thank you all for your kindness. I feel that I have been given this disease for a purpose and I handle it, just like I have always handled any other challenge in my life. God gives me the grace and the will to do whatever is necessary in the face of adversity... and I will continue on whatever path that it takes me...

FYI... I am still following the Stop Inflammation Now program... I will give you an update soon!

To be continued...

September 13, 2005

Recently I have been reading websites that are predominantly devoted to the allopathic treatment of Parkinson's disease. I find it incredible that most of the sites usually have a negative tone when mentioning using any kind of Alternative therapy or in making any nutritional recommendations in the fight against Parkinson's disease. I am curious why anyone who has the disease would not want to try every possible modality available to help themselves in the fight against this disease. By changing something as simple as your diet; including more fresh organic vegetables, fruits and juices you have the chance to build your body's own immune system up. And by including daily rigorous exercise you have the chance to stay more agile and mobile. You can make a difference in your own care...

I have been following the Stop Inflammation program for several weeks now and find that it is fairly simple to follow... I have only had 2 small set backs and they were due to the Labor Day weekend Holiday. I ate a few items that were not included in the diet... but quickly returned to the eating program.
 

Last week I started to include some chicken and turkey into my diet. I made chicken kabobs with zucchini, red onion, mushrooms, red pepper and orange peppers. Marinated them in Annie's Organic Maple Barbecue sauce; with a little added honey and Agave Nectar and then grilled on the barbie... They were delicious.

Tonight it will be Organic turkey meatballs and a green salad with fresh fruit consisting of pineapple, peaches, grapes, key limes, cantaloupe and honey dew.

I use my juicer regularly to make carrot juice, beets, spinach, kale and apple juice. This is something you have to try... it is so refreshing and revitalizing it has lots of live enzymes to help heal your body and mind.

I hope that this site is encouraging you to continue seek out your own health care path...Read, Read Read you never know when you may come across something that can make a dramatic difference in how you think and feel.

to be continued...

September 18, 2005

Have been doing pretty well on my program with a few minor exceptions on the weekends. I do have some splurges... but have not had any of my allergic foods.

I have been eating a predominantly raw diet and if not raw then I use the food combining method to keep my body alkaline and in the proper ph balance. The more alkaline your body is the better chance you have to fight off disease.

I found a wonderful new book to help you understand Raw food, it is called The Raw Food Detox Diet. Written by Natalia Rose. She is a certified  clinical Nutritionist. I highly recommend you read this book. It gives very practical advice on how to start becoming Raw and tells you why it is so important to food combine. She also explains that you can consume some cooked food; and explains what those foods are in detail.

I hope that everyone reading this is also doing his or her own research regarding how what you eat can and does have an effect on your health...

It is something you can do to help yourself recover...to be the best you can be.

Keep the faith, keep moving...don't forget that the other best thing you can do for yourself is exercise. Include some form of exercise in your daily routine... along with eating better you will begin to feel better... I feel clearer minded and happier. Each day is something not to be taken for granted. Make the best of what you have, focus on the positive...your mind will eventually catch up. If you have a bad day, then get past it,  focus on the day at hand. Smile when you wake up. Buy some flowers or a plant, put them in plain view and enjoy them.

to be continued...

September 21, 2005

After reading all of the positive effects that Glutathione IV therapy can have on Parkinson's Disease, I have decided to give it a try. It seems to be the most promising alternative treatment available for patients with Parkinson's disease. I went for my first IV therapy on Monday, Sept 19, 2005. Later that day,  I noticed that my tremor in my arm seemed a bit less and that night I slept more soundly than I had for a long time.

The recommended treatment for Glutathione IV therapy is 3x per week... I am scheduled to get my second IV today and my third on Friday... wish me luck!

I have transitioned my diet to mostly Raw food. Following the principles of food combining and the detox diet recommended in the book The Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose. It allows for cooked food at dinner, as long as breakfast and lunch are raw. If you go off the diet anytime during the day,  she highly recommends food combining to keep your body's PH more toward the alkaline side.

I start the day with fresh squeezed orange, lemon and ginger juice, along with any type of fresh fruit. Today, I had fresh pineapple, bananas and black seedless grapes. Lunch will probably be a fresh salad with avocado and homemade honey mustard poppy seed dressing. Dinner is going to be grilled chicken kabobs with Portobello mushrooms, red peppers, red onion, yellow squash and zucchini marinated in homemade barbecue sauce using only fresh ingredients.

I usually snack on a LaraBar during the day when I get a craving for something sweet.  You can pick these delicious raw food bars up at Hi Health, Whole Foods and most natural food markets. Hi Health sometimes has a special on the purchase of 4 bars for $5.00. They normally sell for around $1.69 - $1.79  each. They are really good. Made from all raw natural ingredients, they satisfy my sweet tooth, with fruit and nuts.

I stress the importance of eating live foods when you have a debilitating illness. The live enzymes help to regenerate your body inside and out. You will be amazed at the youthful appearance that you start to take on. The longer you do the diet the better you will feel. The emotional affects are just as positive. I swear that when I eat only live foods, I feel happier and more positive. I feel fortunate to be alive. Why not give it a try!!!

to be continued...

September 27, 2005

If you have been reading my journal you know that I mentioned above about Homocysteine levels and the relationship to disease in the body. Here is a interview with Dr. David Perlmutter a board certified neurologist on a CBS broadcast regarding Homocysteine levels and the brain.

After listening to his interview, it confirms my belief about what we put into our bodies does have an effect on how we feel. Please read as much as you can about food, diet and nutrition and the effects on your body.

I have had 4 Glutathione IV therapies in the last 9 days and would like to tell you that I feel positive about the effect it is having on me.

Over the last several months, I have struggled with pain in my limbs, stiffness in my joints and numbness in my left leg and left arm. It has been difficult to get myself going in the morning. My brain has been shutting down the chemical that helps me to move normally, this is what the medical community calls Parkinson’s disease. Your brain loses the ability to make and send dopamine to parts of the body that need it to allow you move.

I emailed a friend who also has YOPD and told her that I felt the pain in my limbs was coming from my nerves yelling out for help… they were saying, hey, we are feeling deprived; where the  heck did the dopamine supply go. Each day that the dopamine did not come, it caused the nerves to continue to call out in pain. Thus, causing me stiffness and tremors, along with numbness and tingling sensations. It was like a strangle hold on the brain and each day it tightened, not allowing dopamine to the essential parts of the body that need it for movement.

Since, starting the Glutathione IV therapy 9 days ago, my body seems to be saying “Thanks” for sending some dopamine our way, now we can function the way we are suppose too. My tremor in my left arm has lessened and I have slept better than I have in months. The pain that I normally feel at night is reduced and my flexibility overall is better. I cannot say that this is directly related to the Glutathione IV therapy, it is possible per my Neurologist that it is a placebo effect. But, either way I will take it...for what it is worth... I feel better!!!

The frustrating part about the Glutathione IV therapy treatment is this, I went to see my Neurologist today and he said, “You are wasting your money on this treatment because there are no scientific facts to back it up.” I told him that I did not need scientific facts. What convinced me to try it were case histories of individuals who had seen positive effects from this therapy and the fact that it did not cause harm. He said, that it was up to me to do what I felt was best, but suggested that I still consider taking Amantidine.  I told him, I chose not to take it at this time, and he said that was O.k. I would like to say that we respect each other and my hope is that he will open his mind to any and all types of therapy that help the patient to feel better.

I will continue with the Glutathione IV treatments and continue to research other Alternative therapies with the hope that sometime in the near future there will be a meeting of the minds between Allopathic and Alternative medicine and between the two; someone will come up with a cure for this awful thing known as Parkinson’s disease.

In the meantime, I will continue to eat healthier and exercise... you may want to do the same. Anything that keeps me up and moving, gets my vote.

A little information about why traditional Doctors think what they do....dopamine. This is well worth the time it takes to read this document. It gives an interesting account of 50 years of dopamine theory and how we have come to the conclusions that we have in the medical world today and how they arrived at treatment via L-DOPA. I highly recommend that anyone who has Parkinson's disease or knows of anyone with Parkinson's disease read the above mentioned article and come to your own conclusions. It could play a major factor in how you are being treated for your Parkinson's disease...

to be continued...

October 4, 2005

The last week has been a struggle for me. I have been dealing with the ups and downs of this doggone disease. My body seems to be going through a phase of tiredness and weakness. It certainly, makes me more appreciative of the good days...

As usual when I am feeling frustrated or need inspiration to keep me motivated, I look to the internet search engines to help me find information. Today, I found a tremendously inspiring story of a woman who has chosen  the alternative path to treating her Parkinson's. I find it amazing that after each and every search on the internet for information about alternative approaches to treating this disease, I always seem to find something new and innovative... thank goodness that people find it important to post there trials and errors for others to read. Here is a link to read about her story and how she has been battling Parkinson's with alternative therapy.

Again, I feel encouraged to continue on this path of looking to alternative therapy to treat my Parkinson's disease and will definitely look into  liquid deprenyl that Annetta mentions in her story.

to be continued...

October 12, 2005

Everyday seems to be a new and amazing journey living with this disease.

I have been going for Glutathione IV therapy for just a little over 3 weeks now; the first 2 weeks I had 3 treatments each week, the 3rd week we cut back to 2 treatments per week and that is the schedule we will keep for now. The cost of treatment is $52.00 per treatment. I was feeling a little sluggish the 2nd week of treatment. But, this week I feel more flexibility and better able to move. If you have PD you know what I mean. I hope that I continue to feel this way... I want to do everything possible to continue this freedom of movement... it makes me feel so normal!!! I even went to the gym and that's is something I have not felt able to do in a long, long time... Is it the Glutathione IV therapy and the Co Q10???... I can't say for sure, but I sure feel better than I did 4 weeks ago. The tremor is still in my left arm and leg, but doesn't seem so aggressive. We went to dinner with friends and they commented that my arm seemed much calmer.  

I have cut back on the raw foods and added more cooked vegetables; due to an irritated colon. I think my body was cleansing too fast.  I am still an advocate  of the benefits of raw foods, just need to use in moderation at times.

I looked into the liquid deprenyl citrate and found out that it is drug... so I guess that I won't be using that therapy. But, am finding hope in the Glutathione treatment... I will continue on that path for now.

to be continued...

October 25, 2005

I think that I finally realize something else that we YOPD'ers have in common. Whether we are fighting this disease with traditional allopathic medicine or alternative medicine, like I am. Your life becomes all about the daily treatment. Everyone that I know that takes the traditional drugs, has had to adapt their lifestyle to the medication; adjusting dosages and adding new drugs to counteract the effects of the other drugs. In my case my daily routine has become about doctor appointments to get the IV therapy needed to keep this disease at bay and scheduling exercising at times when my body is cooperative. But, in either case it is much better than the alternative; not being able to move at all or have limited motion. I thank God for each new day and continue to be thankful that the IV therapy has improved my mobility tremendously. My Naturopathic Doctor has tremendous compassion and makes me feel very much like he cares about how I am doing. I am Thankful for all the support that my husband and friends give me and wonder how I  have become so blessed...

On a side note I just recently became the parent of 2 little Yorkie male puppies... they give me tremendous joy and are so cute and funny.... I love being able to spend time with them and they are so free in giving there love back to me...I have named them Chesney and McGraw...the little one is Chesney and the bigger one is McGraw.

October 26, 2005

Just spoke with Becky Farley, she is the physical therapist doing research project at the University of Arizona in Tucson. She gave the lecture at the YOPD conference in June this year. I am meeting with her next week to get a therapy session on moving big... am looking forward to it. Also, we are riding in the bicycle ride for PD in Tucson on November 19, 2005. More information about this under the events button on this site... hope to see you all there. We are doing a test bicycle run on tandem bikes on Wednesday, November 9, 2005. It is called a Flag run...kind of a preview to the event on November 19, 2005.

Side note: My puppies Chesney and Mcgraw are doing great! I am going to post pictures of them sometime in the near future... You will fall in love with their adorable little faces...

 November 1, 2005

Happy to report that after 6 weeks of Glutathione IV therapy I am feeling pretty good. Tremors have lessened and overall, I generally feel better. Here is an article I ran across about Glutathione IV therapy that may be interesting as to why it is not being used more frequently. Please read it and make your own judgments about why more Doctors are not prescribing this treatment for PD patients.

I know that this treatment is not covered by insurance, but is well worth the expense...after all you only get one go round in this life and you gotta make the most of it! I am thankful for each and every day that I can get up and going and be my true self again... I pray that God continues to bless me with ability to get these treatments.

I have been busy with my puppies, so have not had time to post pictures but will do so in the near future.

November 11, 2005

Wow! Time does fly by... I cannot believe it is almost Thanksgiving... and Christmas is just around the corner. What a truly wonderful time of year... I give Thanks for each and everyday. I give Thanks for my husband and friends and my sister and brother and my sister in-law and mother in law... I am grateful and blessed... Thank you to those of you who have emailed me after seeing this website... I look forward to meeting you all sometime in the future and for those of us who live in the Phoenix area I am trying to put together a monthly group support meeting and will email you with details... If you are interested in joining, please contact me via this website under contact us... and I will email you back promptly.

Chesney and McGraw (my yorkie puppies) are keeping me pretty busy... I cannot believe how cute and adorable they are... I highly recommend them as companions to anyone who is home during the day... as they do need a lot of care in the beginning. I still have not posted pictures, yet!!! My husband has the digital camera and keeps forgetting to give it to me... as soon as I get it I will post some pictures...

I am still taking the Glutathione IV therapy and was happy to see an article in the Parkinson Report, The official Journal of the National Parkinson Foundation. They report  that the University of Florida is now conducting a double blind study and will have results of the study in 2006.   I guess that this means that there really is something to this therapy... otherwise they would not bother with an investigative study... I personally, can attest to the positive affects of this therapy... and am happy to see the study underway. I highly recommend reading about this all natural therapy... Keep the faith, keep moving.

November 30, 2005

What a wonderful time of year... Thanksgiving has come and gone. Christmas is just around the corner and I am thankful again for all that I have been blessed with....

I have been struggling for over a month now with pain my left hip and leg, it has been affecting my ability to walk and have not been able to exercise like I would like too... My doctor has added magnesium to my Glutathione IV to ease the muscle spasms in my leg and it is beginning to help. We have also increased the dosage of Glutathione in each IV to help ease the tremors and muscle contractions in my left arm, left leg and foot.  I am so thankful for this natural treatment, but like conventional drug therapy it seems that it always has to be tweaked and adjusted to adapt to the new things happening in my body. But, again I am thankful for this alternative and would like to prolong taking any drugs as long as I can...

My puppies are growing by leaps and bounds and are still the cutest things ever... I am having problems posting their pictures, but hope to get this worked out soon.

I look forward to hearing from anyone who is reading my journal and would like to know if anyone else is trying alternative treatments... please contact me under the contact us button.  For those of you who have written and said Thank you for this site, I appreciate your thanks and will continue to seek out alternative therapies along with new traditional treatments for this thing we call PD.

December 3, 2005

An article on Dr. Mercola's website may prove interesting to those of you who think that nutrition may have an affect on Parkinson's disease.  You may want to read this interesting article.

December 6, 2005

It has been awhile since I have talked about the alternative therapy that I have chosen to use, so I thought that I would give you an update.

I started the Glutathione IV therapy in September, so it has now been over 3 full months of getting the treatment. I would have to say that it has not cured me but, it has definitely helped. My tremors still   fluctuate according to the daily stress that I am under...  However, I would have to say that it seems to have helped the muscle contractions that I was experiencing in my upper left arm. It has also helped with getting a better nights sleep and it seems to have helped with depression. My overall mood is better and I feel much better in being able to cope with this disease. .The magnesium they have added to the mix has helped alleviate some of the muscle contractions in my leg. Ahhh, the wonders of this mysterious disease.

It seems to me that no matter what method of treatment that we choose to fight this disease, the disease seems to manifest itself in ways to outwit the treatment! Does that make sense to you? What I mean is, no matter if you take medication, like Sinemet or the agonists, or try alternative therapies like Glutathione, our bodies seem to find a way to manifest new symptoms that are not covered by the medicines or alternative therapies... My Naturopathic doctor has added several other items to the IV now to try to help subdue new symptoms that I am having, like the leg and hip pain that is affecting my ability to walk. I am thankful that they continue to have ideas as how to help me. Currently, my IV consists of Glutathione, Magnesium and Taurine. This is another new website that has lots of information on how to treat many different conditions naturally. It is called The way up...

I have decided to see a new Neurologist at the Barrow's clinic in Phoenix... It is my understanding that this doctor is willing to work side by side with alternatives and allopathic treatment for Parkinson's.

One thing that I can say about going to the Southwest Naturopathic Clinic in Scottsdale, everyone there is very kind and respectful and I feel blessed that I have found such a compassionate group of people to go through this journey with...

I hope that this information is helpful to anyone wanting to try the Glutathione IV therapy or would like to see a Naturopathic doctor.

December 7, 2005

This is an interesting website that I stumbled across today, provided by Dr. Lieberman. It has current information about what is happening in the allopathic medical community, along with information on what role anti-oxidants play in Parkinson's.

December 11, 2005

Here is a link to the Holistic website hotline...

December 13, 2005

Found out last week that I have to have a referral from my primary physician in order to see the Barrow's Clinic Neurologist, so went to see him this week. Had a x-ray done on my hip and leg to see if they could determine what was causing the pain in my leg when I walk... the x-ray showed chronic inflammation. My doctor said, he thought it was sciatica... which can be associated with Parkinson's Disease. How lucky am I to have that too!

But, still glad that the Naturopathic Doctor seems to have alternative's for me to try...

December 16, 2005

I am very excited to tell you about a new medical facility opening in Arizona. The Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine has announced the opening of a Medical Center of The Future... when they break ground in 18 months, the Center will be a model in pioneering, Three aspects will set it apart:

It will support the principles and practice of Environmental Medicine, the Center will feature hydrotherapy, far infrared saunas, IV therapies and other treatment rooms essential to detoxification of the body. (This could be very beneficial to those us of diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease)

It will be the first Complementary and Alternative Medicine medical center to combine patient care and research in the same facility.

The Center's design will be eco-effective, using non-toxic, safe building materials facilitating intrinsic healing qualities into the building.

Why am I so excited about this new facility opening. More and more studies are now showing that many of the Neurological diseases, like Parkinson's, ALS, MS and Alzheimer's may be directly related to our bodies becoming overburdened by Environmental toxins and may respond beneficially to detoxification of the body by the above therapies. Can you imagine a state of the art facility that provides hope to people with all kinds of illness and they treat you holistically. No harm, to the already stressed body. Cleansing your body to help you fight off disease naturally.

These therapies may be the answer to our epidemic of chronic, degenerative disease. By using Natural treatments that restore health by addressing the cause, strengthening the immune and other systems.

They may not cure the above mentioned diseases, but certainly is a step in the right direction to help ward off disease, and possibly reverse or help stop the progression of many disease's, like Parkinson's; until a cure can be found.

This is a huge undertaking and millions of dollars are going to have to be spent to make the Medical Center of the Future a reality...Thanks to a $1 million dollar donation from  The Herb Alpert Foundation, they are well on there way in making this a reality... If you are interested in learning how you can help make a contribution to this significant undertaking go to www.scnm.edu and learn how you can make your donation count.

I encourage everyone reading this to do more investigation on Environmental toxins and disease. If you know someone with Parkinson's Disease or any other Neurological disease you owe it to yourself and them to share this information with them.

Even if only one person reads this and a light bulb goes off and says, "I need to do this", or you share this with one person and it helps them. I would be happy...My hope is that more than one person will read it, and more than more person will use this knowledge to help themselves or someone that they love. Together, we can make a difference!  Read, and share knowledge with a friend or family member. Maybe, someone you love will be helped...No one should have to live with Parkinson's Disease...

Side note:  I have a friend who is Korean, she has lived in the United States for over 20 years, but visits her country several times per year. She goes to visit her family of course; however, she also goes to get sweat therapy at one of the many local Sauna's. She has taught me that sweating is the best thing your body can do. It is our bodies natural detoxification system. Our skin is the largest organ we have and when we sweat, we get rid of poisons that have accumulated in our body from pollution and toxins in our water, air and food. Maybe we should all sweat more...Maybe we would be sick less!

December 21, 2005

Christmas is almost here and the time seems right for reflection...

I am thankful for all that God is and does for me, my family and friends. I am blessed everyday when I wake up and see the Sun shining through the window to my backyard, it glistens on the water from the pool. I smile, while walking from my bedroom to the kitchen. I am greeted by the sound of my puppies; Chesney and McGraw, they are so excited to see me. I am blessed that they are in my life,  they have added tremendous joy.

What a wonderful life I have been given. I am thankful to wake each day. Even though my tremors remind me of my disease, I would not change the past year for anything.

I have met many new friends via this website and I'm grateful for each and every one...we share a special bond and it really makes life more meaningful. Maybe, this disease is really a gift in disguise...it seems to be making me a better person, making me see what is important. I have always been a very compassionate person, but I think I'm learning that serving others and helping others is truly what it is all about...

Merry Christmas to all of you and best wishes for the upcoming Year. Maybe, 2006 will be the year of Miracles for all of us...

Keep the faith, keep moving (exercise) and stay positive...

April 14, 2006

Many of you who have been following my journal probably have wondered what happened to me over the last several months.

I didn't fall off the end of the earth...but it sure felt like I got knocked out of the universe for awhile.

All I can say is wow... you never know what curves life will throw your way.

Just after the new year started my husband of 15 years told me that he was not happy being married anymore. Talk about being in shock.  I still am and I wonder everyday how this happened. Talk about a rude awakening, this certainly was it.

It is amazing when something like this happens to you, it is like a wrecking ball hitting you in the stomach and knocking you to who knows where. I am still trying to recover, but since my husband has put me in limbo, (he is still telling me he does not know what he wants to do) it makes it very difficult to put your life on some path of what use to be normal.

For now, I just try to take each day, one day at a time, and hope for the best.

I think I am just starting to come around and feel like writing again, so I will do my best to get back on track.

I have continued with the alternative treatments and have actually gone to work at the clinic where I receive the Glutathione IV therapy. It has been a lifesaver for me.

I am happy to say that it has really been helping with my tremors and I have actually felt like I could try exercising regularly again.  I will let you know how that goes...

Good news this week regarding the Glutathione treatment... my Naturopathic Doctor told me that he went to a conference and found out that you can take the Glutathione in a nebulizer. This would allow me to use the Nebulizer at home at regular intervals and help maintain the Glutathione levels in my body, thus helping to allow the dopamine levels to remain higher throughout the day. This is really exciting. I will let you know more about this when I actually get to try it.

to be continued...

April 15, 2006

I was doing some research today on Glutathione use in a Nebulizer and found this information... it is not related to using for Parkinson's, but is related to using it on people with Environmental/Chemical sensitivities. I find this very interesting, due to the fact that in the late 90's I started to develop chemical sensitivities... and now have Parkinson's. It is definitely an interesting correlation.

I think that it is an interesting article and gives information regarding the amounts to use in the Nebulizer, it also gives information about using Glutathione in a nasal spray.

I will continue on my path of research and keep you informed as I go along.

Here is more information, well worth reading regarding Glutathione supplementation for chronic disease.

June 18, 2006

I'm back on track... been using the Glutathione in a Nebulizer for about a month now... and the results are good. Sometimes my symptoms are so minimal I forget that I have PD. So, anyone who wants to give it a try go ahead, I think you will see good results with it.

I am also taking CO Q10 supplements, usually around 800 to 1200 mg per day. I think that this is a good combination for me.

Someone who found my website while doing research for her mother who has PD, sent me this link Parkinsons a case history I think it is worthwhile to follow his story and his own personal trials of using different approaches to treating his PD symptoms.

A Natural source of Levodopa is the Fava Bean read more here about how they may benefit the PD patient.

June 20, 2006

I mentioned back in October that I was struggling with Leg and Hip pain...well just last week I decided to try Prolotherapy injections and am pleased to say that with only one treatment my leg and hip pain is almost completely gone... I am scheduled for 2 more sessions with Dr. Schwaiger at the Southwest Naturopathic medical center and am very hopeful that this will continue to help me be able to function more normally... with exercising and walking. Here is another site with information on Prolotherapy.

July 22, 2006

I would like to say a big Thank you to all of you who have found my website and are forwarding me new information to be posted on my site. Keep up the good work... if we all continue to do our research, it gives all of us new hope for the future.

Received some interesting information from a young onset pd'er today and would like to share it with all of you GMI Parkinsons study.

According to the study it may show promise for those of us diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's, I suggest following up with this website regularly to see if they have posted any new information...

March 13, 2007

I know that it has been a really long time since I have written anything... and now feel the urge  to  write again.

So, here goes...

In the last year I have experienced so many changes in my life, where do I begin?

I am still in what I hope are the final stages of going through my divorce... It has been a long a drawn out process, not anything on my part, but my husband has been dragging his feet.  I now feel that he is ready to really get this over with and sign the papers. Once that is done I will be able to continue on my new life path...

My health continues to improve, I have continued with the Glutathione IV therapy; it is actually almost a year and a half ago that I started that treatment.

I can truly say that it has been amazing... when I say amazing... I am talking about how I feel. My tremors are still with me... but I have had many times when I feel normal. Only those of you who have PD can really know what I mean when I say I feel normal. 

When the tremors started over 3 years ago... it changed my life. I didn't really know what my future would hold. The traditionally treatment was not the path that I wanted to travel. It did not prove to be beneficial and only seemed to exasperate and speed up the symptoms in patients that I had seen on the drug sinemet.

Now, I can happily say that my future is bright... I know that this was the right choice for me... even though it is costly; do  to the fact that  insurance does not cover the cost of Glutathione IV therapy... but I knew that it would be worth it.

I believe that in 5 years and even 10 years from now... I will be the same as I am now. I know this because I haven't seen any progression of the disease in myself.

My Neurologist told me that she is amazed at my progress... other patients that she is treating in the same age category are on a spiral down hill... typical of the disease. She told me to keep up whatever I am doing, because it seems to be working.

I fully intend to keep up the treatments and am now experimenting with tapering off... I am going to start lessening the frequency of the IV therapy. Instead of doing it 2x per week, I am going to try once a week and then twice a week and see if there is any notable difference. I will then continue to lessen the treatments until I find a point where I see an increase in my symptoms. If no increase in symptoms, my hope is to find a maintenance dose that will allow me to continue to feel well.

The Doctors at Southwest Naturopathic medical center are supportive of this and are anxious, as I am to see if there is a difference.

On a personal note: I started dating last summer. To say that it has been exhilarating and disappointing at the same time is probably an understatement... Until recently.

I met someone in December of 2006 who is genuine and kind... sweet and supportive and makes me feel as beautiful as if I were 20 years old again. We met online on one of those dating sites. I can only tell you that when you are diagnosed with PD you feel that your life as you knew is over... let alone any chance of having a love relationship with someone new. I thought that no one could love or care for someone with an illness that was progressive. But, now I know that I was wrong.

I look forward to each day with renewed faith and hope in my future. I have dreams about a future that is bright and can only be thankful for the joy and happiness that he has brought back into my life.

You never know what the future holds.... but I say keep dreaming and hoping.

to be continued.....

March 14, 2007

Well, today is an important day in my life.

My husband signed the divorce papers...

It's amazing that this could be a happy day... but it is.

Now my future is looking brighter... life is an amazing journey. Like Forest Gump said, "life is like a box of chocolates... you never know what your gonna get"

We have choices and I chose to look forward and try not to take it for granted.

Another important update on Alternative's to treating PD...

A friend and Student from SCNM sent me some information that may prove to be an important part of future treatment for PD... here is the link for you to read and discern for yourself what to make of it

Mucuna Pruriens

January 30, 2009

Well, I am finally able to work on my website again. I am so happy to be able to do this again.

I can't believe that it has been almost 2 years since I have written anything on here.

So, much has happened to me... I am excited to give you my updates on my journey with YOPD.

I also want to say Thank you to all of you who have emailed me with your well wishes, along with how you are managing your PD symptoms. 

Ok, so here goes it......

So, at my last writing, I mentioned Mucuna Pruriens an herb used in managing Parkinson's symptoms. Since then it seems that this herb has gotten a lot of attention from the Parkinson's Community. It seems that they may actually recognize this as an alternative/ complimentary treatment to the traditional medicines being prescribed today.

More later.....been a long day for me already. Stress is taking it's toll on me right now. I will continue this a little bit later.

February 3, 2009

Someone sent me this information www.neuroassist.com  It talks about using a combination of amino acids to control or halt PD and also gives reasons why the current standard of medication's don't work.

I am really thankful for this website. When I first started this project I really had no idea how it would affect me or those who have found it on the Internet.

All I can say is WOW!!!  it really does reach a tremendous amount of people.

I would also like to post a link to a website that I found to be really helpful. It is called www.patientslikeme.com  it is a wonderful way to connect to others and get first hand helpful information from others with PD.

February 5, 2009

Others with PD would like to share their story with you.  Here is a link to a blog that I received recently. www.marian-pathwalk.blogspot.com I think you will enjoy reading what others have to say, so, if you have a blog or website that you would like me to add to my site. Just send the information to me and I will post it for you.

February 7, 2009

I thought that I would share a little of how I am feeling these days...

I can hardly believe that it is almost 5 years since I first noticed the little tremor in my left hand. My Mother always told me that when you get older, time goes by faster and faster. She was certainly right about that...

I am currently using Mucuna Pruriens in the form of Zandopa and Carbidopa of 70 mg per day, divided into 2 doses. The Carbidopa was Prescribed by my Naturopathic Physician and is made by a compounding Pharmacist. The combination of the herb and medicine help to keep my symptoms under control. But, still am dealing with wearing off effect and some side effects; muscle cramping and twitching in hand and left foot.

I have decided to try the Amino acid therapy that is mentioned on the www.neuroassist.com site and have contacted a Physician trained in this therapy. I will let you know how it goes...

February 24, 2009

www.neuroassist.com this website offers an explanation of how complimentary therapy with Amino acids can help to alleviate side effects and wearing off effect of L-Dopa. This site is well worth taking the time to read.... I hope it helps you! I know I mentioned earlier in the month, but really think it is worth looking at.

March 3, 2009

I was going over some of my old research information today and wanted to mention NADH supplements. I have posted a link for you to read more information about NADH and Parkinson's.

I received an email recently from a Mother whose daughter, age 28 years old was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's. She thanked me for all the information that is posted on my website.

I am glad that she finds the resources available helpful... but it also makes me wonder how could someone so young have this disease. Is it the environment we are living in today???

March 8, 2009

Well I went to see the NMD who does the Amino Acid therapy that is recommended on the www.neuroassist.com site. I purchased the supplements and just started taking them yesterday. I will keep you posted as to my progress.

July 21, 2009

Wanted to give you an update on the neuroassist.com program that I started on back in March of this year.

Had to stop all other therapies and go only on the supplements that I purchased from the NMD that I went to see in Phoenix. The therapy consists of taking Amino acid supplements along with Mucuna Pruriens.

It was a little challenging in the beginning as the amino acids caused stomach distress and some nausea. But, am seeing good results in controlling the tremors. Still having some muscle spasms in my left foot and hand, along with some heaviness in my left leg, but over all I think that it was well worth changing over to this program.

One of the side effects and benefits from taking the supplements has been a welcome relief and that is they help me to sleep really well. The first week that I started to take the supplements my sleep improved tremendously.

I am not sure how many other people have tried this program, but if you have tried the neuroassist program or are on it now and have any information that you would like to share with me and others who have PD, I would love to hear from you.

August 26, 2009

Update.....on latest protocol

It has been about 5 months since I started the neuroassist program, which consists of taking amino acids; 5htp, L-Tyrosine, Cysteine, several other amino acids and vitamins along with the herb Mucuna Pruriens.

The results are really good. I am not cured by any means, but I have been able to find the right combination and dosages of the above to control the tremors tremendously. I want to note that I am not on any medications of any kind. Only the supplements that are mentioned above along with herb Mucuna Pruriens.

And I still find it amazing that this combination of the above all Natural supplements is not being used by more people suffering from Parkinson's Disease.

Is it because the majority of the Population has no idea that these Alternatives are a available to them. I am not sure... all I know is that I want people to know that this is an alternative to taking the traditional drugs that are being prescribed today.

Of course, every person is different and may respond differently. We are each unique in how we are made. You could have a better response than I have had or you may have a less response. But, I believe it is worth looking into. Here again is the website information neuroassist.com

Of course, as always I would love to hear from anyone who is using this or any other Alternative Protocol in the Battle Against Parkinson's. We all need to share as much information as possible in order to win this fight.