Help needed for obliged change in diet

[Jennyxxx]

Hi Sally
So nice to 'read' you - hope you are well.
Thanks for the hug - It's all still very new to me and I am getting used to things day be day.
It is incredible how everthing can go haywire in just a few months - At Xmas I was basically - a few very rare symtoms
Now I have constant tremors in my right arm and leg - I cannot write any more (no signing Visas lol . With the slightest bit of stress (even shopping, meeting people haven't seen for a while etc) my rigth side shakes so much that my whole body shakes and it is quite awful! have to hold onto shop counters etc ... quite embarrassing.
Anyhow luckily the Brescia Neuro Division is one of the best - so they are looking after me well. Apparently Bologna has a very good specialist centre I might take a look at.
During the wait for diagnosis phase I was craving carbs - I put 2.5 kilos .. But now I am sort of getting used to the idea - and I am back on track eating wise.
Just the thought that everything is just going to get worse and worse is quite frightening ....
Apparently early onset PD can often be very aggressive and rapidly degenerating compared to standard OAP PD.
BUT - I have started going to the gym 4 times a week - and will start swimming lengths soon in the pool .... so I AM NOT going to let this thing take the upperhand .. If I build up my muscles I am sure I will easily get past the 5 year mark when they presume the rigidity and freezing will set in ...
I can beat that
Anyhow sorry for the long post :P I'm just so frantic at the moment ....
Are you eating any whole grain stuff you can suggest ?
I got some great foods in the UK at Xmas thru an online shop - they have 'piadine' with just 4 or 5 net carbs!! and they are good.
I might order a huge shipment :P
Take care

Jen

[Elizellen]

Sending you some big cyberhugs, Jen
And good wishes that your positive attitude and exercising helps ameliorate things for you.

[sallyseachange]

Hi Jenny! So glad to hear you've got good specialist centres near you.
Your positive attitude will be a tremendous help... positive thinking really works and it's amazing how thoughts become realities. Hang in there!
Sorry... I don't eat whole grain stuff very regularly... tend to avoid breads of any kind, even wholegrain, in favour of flax crackers etc. but you can certainly get "pane and pasta integrale" more or less everywhere in Italy... at least in the bigger supermarkets. You just need to be very careful with portion size. Lots of veggies will truly be your friends.

Do you like legumes? That could be another good lunch item, perhaps. Also be careful of portions.

I'm sure you're right that the exercise will be incredibly helpful for your condition.

Keep us posted!

[Slidesdownmountains]

Hey Jenny

All the very best of luck with your new meds and new eating plan - please let us know how you get on?

HUGS

[Jennyxxx]

Thanks Sally! and thanks also to Elizellen and Slidesdownmountains ..
I'm afraid my 'optimism' just got shot in the heart as over the last few days the tremors have progressed to my left leg.
And thank goodness this is defined as a SLOW progression disease !! I'd hate to have to deal with a fast one :
Anyhow I thought it might be nice for you know that people are recommending ATKINS DIETS on one of the Parkinson's Disease Forums.
So you are not only helping those who want to lose weight - but also those who are trying to find ways to deal with chronic diseases too!
I thought that was rather nice.

Hugs to you all

Jen

[Elizellen]

I am sorry to hear the tremors are increasing already, Jenny It is interesting to know that others are recommending the Atkins woe as helping in this disease. Maybe it will help you too

[sallyseachange]

So sorry to hear about your leg Jenny
As Elizellen said, it's cool that Atkins is reputed to help with Parkinson's. Really hope it'll slow things down drastically for you.
Keep your chin up.