Is this what PD feels like?
I'm 66 and newly diagnosed in August. I've been having fasciculations throughout my body, even my scalp, and I'm finding it more and more difficult to walk. I used to walk 4 miles in just under 60 minutes. Now it's taking me longer than that to walk just 3. When I get about 100 yards down the road, it feels like my thigh and glute muscles get tense and my left knee doesn't want to bend. My muscles feel soooo tired 😫
Is this common with PD? I'm not on any meds except Ropinirole XL. I just want to know if this is what other people with PD also feel so I can figure out how to manage my walks... Thanks for any replies.
Hi
, unfortunately, we do hear this from our members. Have you worked with a physical therapist? That may help you. I wanted to send over this article from one of our members with his experience with this and what helped him: https://parkinsonsdisease.net/living/problems-walking. Jill (Team Member) I have not yet been to physical therapy, but I'm going to request that when I see my Primary in a few weeks. I definitely need help figuring out how to stay mobile. Thanks for the article link, too.
What you're describing - muscle stiffness, that "heavy leg" feeling, fatigue while walking - is very common in Parkinson's. Ropinirole helps some, but doesn't always address the motor symptoms fully. If medication stops giving enough relief down the line, Deep Brain Stimulation is an option that specifically targets stiffness and walking difficulties. Many patients regain a significant part of their mobility. Wishing you strength on your journey.
Yes, I do think that is what'shappening, and I just was not prepared for how it would feel. I am also experiencing some issues with my left arm and leg that may not be related to PD, but I am curious to know if others have similar symptoms. For a few months my left arm just felt weirdly "dead", but now aches persistently and deep down. My left leg has also started to get these sensations, as well as pain where my hip and thigh meet. Are these also likely due to PD, and I just need to ask more questions of my Neuro? Thanks for your help.
I wanted to send over a few articles that I hope can help. The first one is a handy list of questions to ask your doctor: https://parkinsonsdisease.net/living/questions-doctor. I am also sending over this forum discussion from one of our members that shares similar symptoms to what you have described: https://parkinsonsdisease.net/forums/whats-working-whats-not. And, here is an article on stiffness and pain: https://parkinsonsdisease.net/symptoms/rigidity. I really hope these are helpful for you. Jill (Team Member)
