qcpmsame 

I didn't want to pirate or hijack Chipmonk's (sp?) thread any more so here the latest report. I saw my Primary Care Physician this afternoon and he confirmed what the ENT physician suspected as best as can be done. As there is no lab test or imaging for PD's diagnosis this is as affirmative as I can get from the docs. He will take care of me but he did refer me to a neurologist for long term care and to keep me in the best possible care he can (I get on with him very well , he is a cyclist, too)

I can manage things quite well and no cycling restrictions, makes things all good right now. I am avoiding taking levadopa right now, when it is time I will deal with that one. I'm doing 25+ miles on most days and have no problems while riding at all, if necessary I'll see about a trike so I don't slack off on my riding or get soft.

No pity is sought, just letting the gang here know what I was gone for this summer. Stay safe and ride every chance y'all get.

Bill

Oceanblue

I don't know you but as a fellow biker I wish you the best. Sounds like you have a good attitude.

NoviceJohn

Sorry to hear that. My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's three years ago. Granted he wasn't a cyclist but his life has changed over the last 3 years. As far as I know, he's still the early stages of PD and is taking Azilect for it. He's still able to take care of himself in terms of cooking, bathing and dressing. He's still works full time but ended taking up another position at his employer because he can't perform some of his work duties due to PD.

jdon

Well, you are getting some anyways. Sorry to hear Bill. Wishing you the best in dealing with a new challenge.

DnvrFox

Bill - you are one of my heroes - likely the gentlest and most caring and most supportive person in this forum. You are always there with a kind word and good bicycle info.

I hope the forum and I can reciprocate during your new challenge in life. You have certainly overcome many other challenges.

My very best.

metalheart44

I only know you through a few responses to my posts and to your responses to those of others, but I know you are a big heart with a gentle soul that has the strength to work though this, whatever the path. I wish you the best and I know that you will be an inspiration to all of us who have challenges now or in our futures. Best wishes ....... and, keep riding!

oldpuck81

Don't' ever give up, sir. Fight on and have fun doing it.

Zinger

Yep. Best guy in the forum.

I know you'll meet this challenge well. I'm looking up to you already for what challenges you've met so far.

h2oxtc

As long as you're able to ride, thank the "big guy upstairs" for each day! You've been an encouragement to many of us, so thank you!

HAMMER MAN

Sorry to hear of this Bill. Stay strong and keep the awesome attitude that you have as you have always been a fighter in more ways than one. Keep riding as riding is one of those elements that can give us serenity and peace of mind no matter what the challenges are and adversaries are that can affect us in our lives.


Semper Fi Bill

Gary

Bikey Mikey

Hope cycling slows the progress.

qcpmsame 

Thanks so much to all of you, I'm actually very much at peace with things.

Mikey, the doctor said I had probably slowed things, and also made it much easier to manage things, with the weight loss and fitness that cycling has accomplished.

Everyone else, again my thanks, please channel the sorrow and any pity to the members here really fighting some harsh things life had thrown them. The support a person receives from the 50+ forum is amazing and very encouraging, please don't ever change, all of you.

To tell everyone the truth, this isn't more of a challenge than the surgeries between 2000 and 2010 were, they were totally uncertain in when things would occur and anesthesia was really rougher each time, the complications seemed to be the harshest part, that all resulted in a permanent open abdominal wound and chronic kidney disease. PD has its harsh parts, it can be very debilitating, fortunately it seems mine is very early and not manifesting itself in the severe tremors that it can have.

To anyone else with PD, or to all of you for that matter, I want to recommend a book to you, "The Pursuit of Happiness" by Davis Phinney, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 its about his battle with PD and his son Tyler, the professional cyclist for BMC. Excellent read and puts things in perspective very well. I got the Kindle edition but I'm going to order the print in order to share it with others. I also ordered the Davis Phinney Foundation's https://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org/ book on managing PD, its free from the foundation and will also order their exercise DVD series (its free, too.) there is an amazing amount of material out there for me to use, and several groups to turn to for advice and help. The best part is my PCP, he is a cyclist, too, and he is one good man, Dr. David Martin.

Bill

long john

Sorry to hear. Keep strong keep riding. No one deserves these things. My thoughts are with you peace.

10 Wheels

Hey Bill,

Go for a trike. They are most comfortable.

Starting to return to riding this Wednesday.

DiabloScott

What a great attitude you have, Bill. This is going to be a long road with potholes and slippery corners... oh geez, I suck at analogies but I admire your approach.

Dan Burkhart 

Your strength and courage are an inspiration. I know that great strides have been made in the management of this disease, although as yet, no cure.
Soldier on!

abrianb

Were you Station at Lejuene prior to 1985? If so look up the Lejuene Health study, you may be entitled you may be eligble for benefits. There was some quite a bit of drinking water contamination between 1950 and 1985. Good Luck and Semper Fi.

Biker395 

+1

The older I get the more I realize that just about everybody has something that they're struggling with. The difference is in the attitude. And yours will make the difference.

If you ever make it down to lala land, I'd be honored to ride with you, bike or trike.

qcpmsame 

abrianb,
Nope, not there in '85, I got out in 77, I wasn't stationed there (air wing,) I have read about the study and am familiar with the issues there from my work as a GC Quality Engineer for NAVFAC construction projects going on 26 years now. Semper Fi, Brother!!!

10Wheels and Vic, No plans for a trike right now, they may well come but I don't need one, yet and there are no current restrictions on my riding. The doctors are fine with my riding and encourage me to continue. Great to know that 10wheels is returning after that bad time from the accident, This makes my day.

Bill

John E

I can't add much, other than to concur w/ Denver, Zinger and the others. I am glad you have been following the Davis Phinney story -- he and Connie are great, and of course their kids have "cycling genes." Bikey Mikey and I are preaching to the choir, but we do believe that physical activity often does slow the progress of PD and similiar maladies.

John_V 

Bill,

If there is one thing that I have learned from my leukemia is that every day is a great day. You can't change what you've already done and you don't know what's going to happen 5 minutes from now. Keep the spirit up and you'll do fine.

Pamestique 

I saw your name and the thread title and thought "no, really?"... I ditto what everyone else has already said. I will take your words of encouragement, that we should focus instead on others, to heart. I just ordered the Davis Phinney book and will think of you when I read it. All of my big things now seem so little... thanks for putting life in perspective.

ModeratedUser150120149

Reading this Forum is like taking a peek through windows of neighbor's house as you walk by on a dark night. Inside some are dark with only a faint light. Others have the flicker of a TV showing their favorite show or movie. Others give a glimpse of human interaction.

Yet, others show the gritty reality of life. There are challenges that have to be dealt with. Some folks hang their head and look like they are saying: "Why me?" Others are just cowering in a corner hoping to be spared the challenge. Others are sitting in a fully lit room engaged with life. No cowering in the dark. Just a prayer for strength and encouragement during the dark times.

Bill, not only is your room lit. You are as well.

NOS88

Damn, just plain damn.

KenshiBiker

Just echoing the admiration and sentiments of others. You have always shown yourself to be a class act around here; this posting only enhances your reputation.

Ride on.

KB