Comments on: Shaky Man in the Gym 3: Trembling, but no fear

By: Neil

Neil — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 11:19:48 +0000

Jacqui
Most gratefull for your generous words. It does concern me that many diagnosed with PD decide that their diagnosis signals immediate invalidity. It lifts me to be told that my experience might have helped someone in some tiny way.
You’re far from inadequate. You wouldn’t have written here, if you were.
Best wishes
Neil

By: Jacqui HIatt

Jacqui HIatt — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:37:09 +0000

Duuuuude! (when it’s typed like that it is the highest compliment)I just read your writings and feel so inadequate! I don’t have PD but am dealing with issues that have made me want to “play it safe” – NO More!! I feel like I can do anything after reading your post. Thanks for sharing and continuing to share your experience, but most importantly your attitude in how you address it. You are climbing this unsurmountable mountain – not sitting at the bottom saying “no way, they say I can’t do it”. One step at a time dude.

Peace – Jacqui

By: Neil

Neil — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:40:04 +0000

David
Am honoured you’ve read of my exercise habits and most grateful for your remarks. We appear to share a belief, and supporting histories, that people living with Parkinson’s can function at far higher levels of physical competence than most assume. We probably also agree that our competence levels flow from persistent practice.
Where my history seems to have varied from yours is that I commenced an exercise regime for general health rather than as therapy for Parkinson’s. My good fortune, at my first gym session, was to meet and be guided (bullied?) by a lady who knew nothing about Parkinson’s but plenty about hard work. Hard training plus the setting of achievable targets were the keys to surprising progress.
Admiring your agility, I’ve injected agility tasks into my programs.
Let’s exchange views and experiences into the future.
Many thanks. All the best, Neil

By: David Blatt

David Blatt — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:46:56 +0000

Neil inspires me. I also have Parkinson’s disease, I am 55 years old, the Parkinson’s disease was diagnosed when I was 41 years old. Neil and I have chosen different methods of challenging conventional attitudes about what people with Parkinson’s disease should be able to do. He has emphasized weight training, i have emphasized speed balance and agility. Neil lifts far more weight than I can lift. I am grateful that my exercise program has enabled me to continue skiing. I still can ski slalom race courses and advanced mogul runs 14 years after my Parkinson’s disease was diagnosed.My YouTube channel is http://www.youtube.com/user/davidhblattmd

By: Differences between SuperNuclear Palsy, CBGD, and Parkinson’s Syndromes « CBGD Info

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:55:35 +0000

[...] Parkinson’s: Symptoms may start around the age of 40 or younger. It can start slowy and progress slowly. Some symptoms are stiffness, rigidity, a stiff or masked expressions on the face, tremors or uncontrollable movements. There are drugs that can help control or slow the progression of Parkinson’s. Exercise seems to help also.(see the blog Shaky Man in gym) [...]

By: Neil

Neil — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:40:01 +0000

Amy
Thanks for your kind remarks. I’m privileged to be selected for your website. I now have a far greater understanding of Parkinson’s Plus conditions, (those similar to, but distinct from, Parkinson’s disease).
It was such a condition, multiple systems atrophy, which drew me to Krista. In early 2004 I read an article by Krista about the training regime she’d prepared for a gent diagnosed with msa. I let her know of my own training practices. My part of our subsequent exchanges became “shaky man” in Stumptuous.
Allow me to recommend a biography of a Harvard professor of cardiology diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia. Graboys, T. and Zheutlin, P Life in the Balance, Sterling Publishing, NY, 2008.
I asked a student to read from this book during a recent lecture to medical students on living with PD, fearing breaking down if reading it myself.
Best wishes
Neil

By: Amy

Amy — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:47:07 +0000

Hi Neil,
I truly appreciate your comments on my blog. As I said before you really are an inspiration and I’m rooting for you all the way. Thanks for sharing your experiences

Amy

By: Neil

Neil — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 06:07:17 +0000

Tracey. An Aussie! And one I know! Hadn’t mentioned my athletic pursuits to you, had I? Deep brain stimulation has worked for many but been catastrophic for some. It would be a last resort for me. Looking forward to your hug at our meeting next week. Best wishes to you and Ralph. Neil

By: Tracey

Tracey — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:52:21 +0000

G’Day Neil,
What a blessing to know someome who inspires so many! You put all those quacks to shame.You’re my shining example against DBS. Keep up the great work.
Take Care, Tracey M – Eagle Vale

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 02:29:39 +0000

Thank you so much for the update. You are an amazing inspiration…and one cool dude.:)