[h2opainter]

Hi all,

I've visited this forum for a couple of months trying to get a handle on an early PD dx. I am 57 and share many of the sx I read about here but they very mild and infrequent, only occasionally a bother.

The greatest difficulty I am having is with fatigue, not sleepiness, but overwhelming fatigue that can creep up on me or come out of the blue and leave me barely able to function. I have periods of feeling normal (I'm nearly giddy when this is the case.) The fatigue has increased over the past year (and normal days have decreased) and I haven't found much to alleviate it. I also frequently feel like I'm getting the flu, body aches along with the fatigue. One good aspect is that early mornings are the best time of the day and I get my exercise in then, for which I'm thankful. Is this what folks are describing when then talk about "being off'?

I'm not on any rx but have tried many supplements recommended by my doctors: B-12, D3, CoQ10, fish oil, flaxseed oil, magnesium, zinc...Another question, are any of these bad in combination or better in combination with others? Also, I'm thinking of adding curcumin and/or DM - ideas?

I am a teacher at an alternative high school and love my job but somedays I have to call my husband to come and get me because I'm so exhausted I can't drive home. Fortunately, I have a lot of sick leave but it is getting depleted quickly.

I would love to find some ways of dealing with the fatigue so I can continue to teach and to paint (a passion). Any suggestions are appreciated.

And thanks for your support of PWP, your humor and for sharing your wealth of experience and knowledge.

kate

[loisba]

Hi, Kate! I don't have any experience with PD, but I do know fatigue intimately! I've got myasthenia gravis, and fatigue (or weakness) is the main symptom. I can understand how frustrating it is. I did find this link for you http://parkinsonsdisease-rhodeisland.org/fatigue.htm, which I thought was very interesting, because it shows how little the doctors apparently know about fatigue in PD, and how little they take it into account.
Speaking from my own experience, I've learned to take it one day at a time, pace myself, and learn my limitations. I've also learned the sad truth that sometimes my limitations require me to give up favorite activities, or cut them way back. I hope you get a handle on the fatigue.
Hugs,