The Secret Life of Parkinson's

The Secret Life of PD: special edition!!!! Our very own Brian Baker talks to us 2-days post DBS! See his newly shaved head and hear how his first procedure went! So proud of you Brian! (Sorry, to our producer, Steve! Brian and I went rogue and didn’t run this by you 😉).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Secret Life of Parkinson's: We got another update on Roz - now with her DBS connected and "turned on". She is doing great and has wonderful tips to share and as usual, an amazing outlook on life. We can't thank you enough, Roz, for sharing your Deep Brain Stimulation Journey with us! We'll check back in with her soon!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Secret Life of PD: In this episode, we welcome Ruth Stenberg. Brian and I exercise with her husband Rick, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's a few years ago. We appreciate all the caregivers out there and want to give a special thanks to Ruth, for opening up and sharing personal insights that may help another PD patient or caregiver. My favorite takeaway was when she discussed the importance of COMMUNICATION. Having Parkinson's, people naturally want to help and do things for you. But sometimes we want to do it on our own. So talk to your PD patient or talk to your Caregiver on areas you want help/support and areas you don't.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Secret Life of PD: It's not easy being at the peak of your career and then learning you have Parkinson's. Brian and I discuss our career path post-Parkinson's and how we try and manage and minimize the stress from our jobs that can increase our symptoms.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Secret Life of PD: Many people don't realize HOW to take their Parkinson's medication...or I should say, how to start. First, don't just start taking the prescribed amount on day 1: titrate up slowly. So if you are told to take 3 carbidopa-levodopa each day, start by taking half a pill each day for 3-4 days, then increase by another half pill. Do this until you are up to your prescribed dose. Consult with your doctor or pharmacy first. But by doing this, I was never nauseous or lightheaded in the beginning because I was getting my body used to the medication.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Secret Life of PD: While Brian and I may be cheerful today, there were and still are those "darker days" with Parkinson's. Over 50% of PD patients deal with non-motor symptoms, including apathy (feeling joyless / emotionally flat); and depression (a shorter change in mood vs. a constant state of sadness). Make note of changes in your feelings and behavior. These symptoms are commonly overlooked and untreated.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Secret Life of PD: In this episode, we talk about how "size matters" with Parkinson's. Melissa Carlson, owner of PDNextSteps share with us that Parkinson's makes our movements smaller, our voices quieter, and even our writing gets smaller. But by practicing BIGGER movements and overexaggerating our moves and our voices, we can retrain our brain. So go big or go home!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Secret Life of PD: Today Brian and I discuss fears we had when we were initially diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's. Things like: will my kids get PD, will we be in a wheelchair anytime soon, will I lose cognitive abilities, or will we have a masked face (showing no emotion)? We all struggle with different fears in the beginning, but as time progresses and you start and/or continue to exercise, take medication and join a PD community, we hope that fear lessens. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Secret Life of PD: In this SPECIAL episode, I get an update from Roz, (a Parkinson's friend) who shared her pre-DBS story in Episode #7. Now, after 3 surgeries, she talks about her experience and what is still to come. Thanks again, Roz, for opening up and sharing your story!(Special thanks to my son, Ben, who stepped in to do the editing of this video while Steve is out of town. Not bad for a 12-year-old! :)Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Secret Life of PD: In this episode, Joel Sivillo, a Physical Therapist, walks us through various tips and tricks that Parkinson's patients can use if they experience freezing of gait. For those that experience freezing, this is definitely the episode you want to tune into. Check it out!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we welcome Steve Brandenburg back to talk about, and show us, his entire DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) journey. While we may joke and make light of his "party trick" (showing his tremor come on then off again), with the DBS remote, it is a very deep and emotional "trick" to share. We are so grateful for him being vulnerable and allowing everyone to see and hear what it's like to have DBS surgery. Please remember, we are just patients discussing OUR experiences. We are no medical professionals.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Brian and I have the opportunity to interview Dr. Patel, a Movement Disorder Specialist at OhioHealth here in Columbus, OH. What a great segment! If you are new to Parkinson's (or even if you've had it for years), Dr. Patel does a great job explaining Parkinson's, dopamine, carbidopa-levodopa, medication vs surgery, and Neurologist vs MDS. We touched on a lot! This is perfect for anyone curious to learn more about PD.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Melissa Carlson and I share what we learned at the Team Fox MVP Celebrations in New York City. Team Fox is the grassroots community fundraising program of The Michael J. Fox Foundation and each year they bring the top fundraisers together to share the latest on research, what they are funding, and to network with one another. In 2021, my Team Fox group raised over $86,000! And we're doing it again this year.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I share Steve Brandenburg's PD story, "Pass the Kool-Aid". Steve is a PD patient who has undergone DBS surgery (which we will talk about in a future episode) and is our Podcast Producer. He shares his fears, and the dark place he went to; but then he shares how he found hope and a community that changed his outlook on life. We all want to "get to the other side" of this diagnosis (aka: feel normal again). So we need to learn how to accept it and find others we can relate to you. Find a community of PD patients that you can talk to - get to that other side. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, our special guest, Samantha Anderson, shares her diagnosis journey. As a 36-year-old Young-onset Parkinson's patient, Samantha has fears of what Parkinson's will bring to her future, but instead of constantly focusing on "what might happen", she decided to start "living in the present".Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, our special guest, Dave Kolbe, a local Construction business owner, talks about his journey with Parkinson's (and a cancer diagnosis). He talks about how he shared his diagnosis with family, co-workers, and eventually his clients. Learn how Dave handles stress, incorporates exercise, and how he's managing the future of his company. A true inspiration!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, our special guest, retired Major General Denny Laich, shares how the stoic philosophy helped in dealing with his recent Parkinson's diagnosis.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we share our personal stories of how we each talked to family, friends and co-workers. Each in our own way - as we say in our exercise class, "you do you". I talked to everyone and everyone but that's just me. You might want to keep things to yourself. But I hope it helps to hear how others have shared their diagnosis.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we have a show and tell! As our disease progresses, our ability to do everyday tasks becomes more difficult. Brian shares a few of his favorite products - ranging from an electric toothbrush to a specific mouse of his computer and many more!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we are joined by Roz Parish, a Parkinson's friend, who is preparing to undergo DBS surgery (Deep Brain Stimulation) two weeks from now. We had her share her excitement, fears, and ultimately, what led her to this surgical decision. DBS might not be for everyone, but it's always helpful to know what options are out there for PD patients. As always - consult with your doctor!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, our special guest, Melissa Carlson, owner of the gym, PDNexSteps, talks about the importance of adding exercise to our daily routine. We focus specifically on how squats benefit everyday living such as getting in and out of a car, standing up, and sitting down. Squats - they're game-changers :)Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we discuss how rigidity and dystonia in your feet affect our everyday lives. From how it feels to drive a car to not being able to wear high heels any longer due to the discomfort. As always, talk to your doctor about new or worsening symptoms. There may be things that can help outside of medication like exercises or botox. And don't be shy - go out and find some cute, stylish, but comfy orthopedic shoes! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we discuss the importance of sleep. Getting quality sleep is important for everyone - regardless of a diagnosis. For those with Parkinson's, give yourself a pass and know it's ok to slow down during the day and take a nap...schedule one if you need to! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we discuss another side of Parkinson's that is not visible to others - hallucinations. PD patients who experience hallucinations may dismiss what's occurring or hesitate to discuss it with caregivers, fearing what others think. Speak up and talk to your physician.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we share our stories about feeling "Emotionless, Empty, and Joyless", even though we know we are happy with family, friends, and life. It's a symptom most of us overlook. We don't necessarily tie our emotions and mood to Parkinson's; when in reality, it is a very real symptom that affects so many PD patients.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is our first podcast in "The Secret Life of PD". In this episode, we discuss symptoms leading up to our diagnosis, how we felt, and what we knew or thought we knew about Parkinson's.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy