Parkinson’s and Pacemaker

Parkinson's

by Gemita - 2022-12-06 19:11:12

Dear Claudia, I am so very sorry to hear of your Parkinson’s diagnosis.  I can imagine your concerns, but I hope I can raise your spirits a little.  From your comments, you clearly say that until a few months ago you thought you were pretty healthy.  That tells me that you are still healthy and I am hopeful that they have identified your disease at a fairly early stage.

There may be a relationship with Parkinson’s and the heart's electrical disturbances which led to your need for a pacemaker since with any neurodegenerative disorder it may affect the autonomic nervous system which controls things like heart rate and rhythm but I don't think the pacemaker has caused Parkinson's.  The pacemaker is there to protect you from your electrical disturbances, to help you to live a better quality of life.

I feel it is important that we try to keep this in perspective since many patients are only mildly affected by Parkinson’s and if they continue to live a healthy, active life and control their disease with the many advances in treatment, they can have a near normal life expectancy. 

I attach a link.  I found Karen’s story (video) at the end of the article inspiring.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/parkinsons-disease/

Claudia, please try to stay positive. It will help you to remain well.  Yes it is a serious diagnosis, but I feel there is so much they can do today to help you to live as near a normal life as possible.  I can see you have a wonderful feline companion.  Just watch them stretch and relax and learn from them.  I wish you all the very best as you continue to "live" your life

Parkinson’s

by claudiaann - 2022-12-06 21:21:44

Gemita, again, thank you for taking the time to share so much with newbies like me.  I know I can rely on you for support and accurate information.  

Soothing hugs 🤗

by Lavender - 2022-12-07 17:05:42

Lots of new info to absorb! My first thought is that you are blessed to have your heart problems discovered and under control. We all have an expiration date but you're on the extended warranty now. 
 

Parkinsons is not a death sentence but it's shocking to just be getting used to the idea of your heart needing help and now your brain must adapt to yet another wrinkle. 
 

I know several folks w various degrees of Parkinson's. Some are much milder. My neighbor has two devices that are implanted in the chest just like pacemakers but her wires go up to the brain on each side, buried in the carotids I think-to stimulate her brain and improve her Parkinson's symptoms. You would never know it. Another friend has it but she's pretty much symptom free. Another is middle of the road. He's aware of his changed gait but drives and lives normally. 
 

NONE of them have cardiac problems or pacemakers like us!
 

Why oh why does this stuff happen to some and some seem unscathed? Hmmm. But now that you know about it, you can get help. I know you will investigate and with you having found support through this site when you got a pacemaker, you'll be a pro at finding answers that will put your mind more at rest. 
 

Our deeply loved dearly departed cat used to sleep like the cat in your pic. So adorable!

Hi Lavender

by claudiaann - 2022-12-07 19:32:59

I have found a Parkinson's group but my ❤️ is with this one.  I know Parkinson's is progressive but I will do my best to try to be positive.  I have been told that everyone responds differently.  So we'll see.

I read about Deep Brain Stimulation for PD. Another device implanted in me to keep things running!  I'm not ready for that.

Awe....another cat lover.

Thank you for your support.

Another device implanted...

by AgentX86 - 2022-12-07 21:48:24

I always say "in for a penny, in for a pound". 😁

I'm convinced that staying positive and fighting is the way to get the best outcome.  When someone or something is trying to push you back, the only way forward is to push harder.  If nothing else, it makes life interesting.

I have a very personal situation where the person won't fight back but would rather sit on the couch and play video games.  Sure, life sometimes deals us a bad hand but it's the only hand we have.  Play it!

BTW, we have two cats.  A tortoiseshell and a tuxedo, interestingly named "Cheeto". We didn't name him.  He came from the shelter that way.

Pushing Back

by claudiaann - 2022-12-07 22:05:31

Hi there,

   Yup, I didn't choose these challenges but they happened and now I will deal with it.  Nobody ever said life was fair.  I will learn all I can and keep moving.  That's the plan.  But I thought once I found out I needed  pacemaker that was enough challenge for the month.

   It must be so so frustrating to watch someone just give up.

   I'm glad Cheeto found a loving home and the other kitty, too.  We have another but she doesn't like to pose for pictures.  

   I agree with pushing forward.  
 

deep brain stimulation

by new to pace.... - 2022-12-08 09:16:28

Asked my sister (whose husband has Parkinson's) about the DPS thought because of your pacemaker  you might   not be able to use.

also she had never heard  that there is any relationship between the two.

new to  pace 

Thank you

by claudiaann - 2022-12-08 13:37:02

I don't know but you are probably right.  Thanks for asking for me.