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What couldn't you do & how did you reteach yourself to do it? Is it easy/automatic now? This is what I have been talking about when I say "retrain your neural pathways".

November 19, 2017
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member - it isn't JUST reteaching or adapting - There is another insidious villain in the PD arsenal of enemy behavior - I call it "Loss of Confidence" and it is a major factor in day to day dealing with PD.

In many cases I found that I had literally talked myself out of doing something - only to find that yes, I might have to be more careful, or attentive, but the ability to do it was almost completely unimpaired. I think that this mental symptom is far more prevalent than anybody realizes.

The good news is that I notice organizations such as MJFF are beginning to bring such symptoms "out of the closet" and are dealing with the cultural stigma associated with anything that even hints at mental aberration. It is tough to treat something nobody wants to admit is present.

I think it time to get out of the dark ages about it. Many of us with PD are being denied or denying ourselves a chance to successfully deal with a reality. And yes, that is a rant - you will probably encounter more of them from me. It gives me an acute pain to tap dance around something that is a result of ignorance and fears.

I'm off the soap box now and my breathing is back to normal. Please consider what I have posted...

November 19, 2017
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I had a similar experience with loss of vocal power as did Carol above and did the LSVT Loud therapy which really works. In my case, six weeks after completion of LSVT I started loosing my vocal power again so now I do the exercises every day and probably will for the foreseeable future..

November 20, 2017
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

More on balance - Now I live in an older home with uneven floors that slant toward the outside walls. I still can stand on 1 foot to put each pant leg on, but it is tricky. I have a wall nearby to lean on if I need it. Once I have worked on balance, I have never had much problem with it again. I have never fallen (knock on wood!) Dancing & skiing help. Dancing, because when I think of the music & my partner, it is easier to make my movements automatically. Skiing & ballet (adult beginner) in the past have given me good skills to help with balance. I definitely use the ski poles :& the ballet barre!

November 19, 2017
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Hi 👋🏽
Have you read/ watched Norman doidge? He explores neuroplasticity
‘ The brains way of healing’
Very encouraging

November 19, 2017
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Soft voice - I read that singing really helps, especially if you sing at various levels of loud & soft. I sing in the church choir & sing along with my radio in the car when I drive. My husband is nearly deaf in 1 ear, so he is a good test of whether I am speaking loudly enough or not. I still do not naturally or automatically speak loud enough. But I can raise my voice so I can be heard & understood.

November 19, 2017

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