Individuality

Why are there so many different types of purses, wallets, knives, pens, shoes, watches, socks, pants, shirts, cars, and so much more to choose from when just one of the available options might suffice? All of us have different needs at different times. In some cases, the product may be designated for a distinct function such as a certain type of knife with a precise edge that is meant for a unique job, like a bread knife. Some shirts are short or long sleeved. Some are plaid or checked and some are solid. In most cases though, many of the products that we select are bought due to a look, a price, a feel, or an expectation. Wide varieties of most of these household items are because we are all so unique and our tastes are just that diverse. We seek to make our own statements and personalize who we are, through our product choices.

Knowing yourself

If we as consumers of our own healthcare and medical products, were as knowledgeable about the selection of these items as the previously mentioned goods, not only would we be better educated about our own health options, but we might pay closer attention to our own pharmaceutical selections. Sometimes, we know more about our consumer products than we do about the meds and food that we intake.

I must admit that I am constantly surprised to find fellow Parkinson’s disease patients who are taking conflicting medicines, taking a higher dosage of a Parkinson’s medicine than what their neurologist prescribed, or creatively finagling their neurologist’s recommended regimen to one that they think may be even better. It is imperative that we understand why we are taking what we take and why. Know the side-effects and be on the lookout for them as well.

Overall, I know why I am taking each medicine, the potential side-effects, and maintaining a schedule as to when they should be taken. Speaking from experience and over thirty years of dealing with Parkinson’s disease, I have the luxury of knowing my medicines and my body and can pretty much estimate when and if I need to take a little more or a little less as needed, for the event and time of day.

Finding your best treatment

Medications can be finicky and unpredictable, especially when our diets may alter our systems. Factors as basic as stress, sleep, diet, and hydration level can play a role in how you process your meds. If our digestion is compromised by antibiotics or our gut isn’t processing as it did when the meds functioned before, drug efficacy is usually reduced.

Variety is more than the spice of life. When it comes to illnesses, the greater our knowledge of what medications or treatments are available, the greater our options are to evaluate these potential solutions. Only through knowledge of our medications will we be able to address the array of benefits, reactions, side-effects, and be aware enough to keep them in line. Greater awareness and better communication between you and your neurologist, general practitioner, and even your local pharmacist may make the difference in finding something that works.