Alternative Treatment for Parkinson

Updated on September 10, 2009
C.D. asks from Raleigh, NC
18 answers

I've suffered with Parkinson for 6 years, along with Fibromyalgia for 16 yrs. I was told by my former MD that Parkinson is like having 'PacMan' in my brain, eating it into swiss cheese. Lately I've noticed it's gotten much worse. I refuse to take 'man-made' meds, because they cause other problems for your body, I used to take Methadone for the Fibromyalgia, which I took myself off of without my doctor knowing, & my pain is not any worse than when I was on the drug. My questions are: Is there herbs, or anything natural that I could take to slow down these shakes? They are so bad, I can't hold a cup of coffee. And, does Parkinson really eat your brain away? I've searched all over for info, can't find anything. I'm getting really scared. I will not go to a doctor!

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So What Happened?

I want to thank everyone that responded to my question. All of you were so kind and understanding, with great information & ideas. I'm researching everything today. Thank you & God Bless all of you. Sincerely, C.

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A.C.

answers from Raleigh on

I have no personal experience with either of these diseases but I loved the book by Norman Cousins. "The anatomy of an illness". This book talks about the wonderful power of the human body to heal itself. He also believes that large doses of vitamin C can be benificial in most illnesses. Also he has experienced that the power of hearty belly laughter a few times a day is a wonderful painkiller. Good luck.

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S.L.

answers from Knoxville on

I will never forget meeting a 73 year old lady who stood before a crowd of people, holding a sheet of paper (shaking very little whereas she could not have even held it at all previously) and telling her story of overcoming the symptoms of Parkinsons. She had had 2 brothers die from the disease and she had been getting much worse herself, until she was accidentally introduced to a natural anti-oxidant supplement called OPC-3. I'll be forever moved by her story - she is still doing very well after about 7 years - and I believe her success could be yours as well.

My suggestions to you are Isotonix OPC-3 http://www.marketamerica.com/esses/topproducts-13009/isot....
Advanced CoQ10 http://www.marketamerica.com/esses/product-2246/heart-hea...
and Isotonix Advanced B-Complex http://www.marketamerica.com/esses/topproducts-13057/isot...

"Parkinson's disease appears to be caused, at least in part, by an inappropriate secretion of nitric oxide in selected portions of the brain. Under normal circumstances, nitric oxide is used as a signaling molecule, but the production of abnormal amounts can be toxic to brain cells. I have read that flavonoids can detoxify nitric oxide. It is important for the Parkinson's patient to be taking additional antioxidants such as vitamin E and co-enzyme Q10 while taking OPC-3 (Antioxidant Formula). Also, a source of the B-complex vitamins might help. In regard to OPC-3, I would start with lower doses and increase the doses as needed or as benefit is demonstrated." Dr. James Wilmer PhD

OPC-3 crosses the blood brain barrier, and has been shown to support normal nitric oxide levels, support lower amounts of homocysteine in the blood and protect the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. OPC-3 is taken in a good tasting liquid isotonic form. When taken on an empty stomach, it's effective delivery to your system is equal to that of an IV.

Since hearing this lady tell her story, I have met many more like her, young and old, who are living happy productive lives because of these supplements. In fact, you may find that the support the OPC-3 gives to your body may also help relieve your fibromyalgia symptoms, as it has done for countless others.

In Health,
S.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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B.L.

answers from Jacksonville on

I don't know any specific treatments for you, but for myself I became disenchanted with mainstream medicine and drugs also. I learned of Naturopathic Doctors and found one who specialized in "women's issues", which has been much of my problem. Real NDs have been to four years of naturopathic medical school and really know their stuff.

They use natural treatments to help the body heal itself. It worked for me - I conceived a baby without drugs, which was my goal and not being able to before hand was indicative of my problems.

You'll probably have to pay out of pocket to see one, but it was worth it for me. I probably spent about $1000 over 7 months, but I learned so much and reached my goal. Although, they are covered by some insurance, but that's not common. The first appointment was 90 minutes - imagine that! And it was something like $150 - really reasonable considering all the time I spent with her. After that the appointments were 45-60 minutes, and less money.

You can find one at www.naturopathic.org. Also, when searching online for a problem, I often will do a search for "naturopath parkinsons" or "naturopath fibromyalgia" and often find a lot of information about how a naturopath treats different issues. It's a whole different world of treatment. I only wish I had discovered them sooner - I got more help in that seven months than in a lifetime of my issues with seeing MDs.

Probably the first thing one would do is put you on an anti-inflammatory diet. You might look one up and start it on your own. The one mine put me on allowed (encouraged) meat as long as it wasn't treated with hormones and the beef was grass fed (hard to find and more expensive), no pork, and chicken with no added hormones. Eggs are great, but again no hormones. Cut out sugar, artificial sweetners (diet drinks), and wheat especially. It was hard, but I had to decide which was worse - giving up my normal diet, or having all my problems. Asian food is great, but watch the additives. I wish you well!

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S.G.

answers from Knoxville on

C.: I have worked with my best friend who also suffers from Parkinson's and fibromyalgia. She has had many of the drugs prescribed to help her and was not happy with them. About six months ago she came across some natural things that have really helped her and I called and got the web site where she got the information from. I know she said it took a couple of months before she felt any significant difference but she swears by the stuff. Here's the web site she gsve me:
http://www.betterhealthinfo.net/support
I don't know the particulars but I know she takes some of the products and I can see a big difference in her since she bagan taking them. Hopefully this will give you some help.

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J.T.

answers from Louisville on

I'm so sorry to hear you are dealing with this disease. And shocked that your doctor would refer to the deterioration the way he did! Parkinson's develops because nerve cells begin to break down and in turn stop making dopamine which is the medication that helps control the body's movements. This information can be found at www.webmd.com As a nurse I often look to this sight to find information quickly rather than digging through the 100 books in my office! I understand your feelings about the medications we create and the doctors we have to see about our issues, however I just want to remind you that these medications are created based off the natural healing properties we find in nature. Yes they tend to have side effects but considering the physical complications you are experiencing, mild side effects may be worth it. Even side effects can be useful in some patients. It's all based on what your body experiences. I recommend you see a doctor but continue to study and be strong when making your own choices about your care. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in the world.Take care.

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A.C.

answers from Charleston on

Im sorry you have this horrible disease. Yes it is eating your brain away slowly. Eventually without meds or therapy of some sort you will become totally dependent on other people and unable to care for youself. Im sorry to be so blunt but I have family who have suffered with this disease. That is a scary way of putting it but thats basically how this disease works. Its a lot like Alzheimer's disease except instead of losing your memory you lose motor function. Research is showing that exercise is helping some people. Here's some links that may help you out.
http://www.pdf.org/
http://www.parkinson.org/Page.aspx?pid=201

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J.

answers from Louisville on

I would start here and read, read, read.
http://curezone.com/forums/s.asp?f=16&ob=d&c=9
Lots of information on alternative healing. I hope you find relief and greater health.

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C.R.

answers from Knoxville on

I am not sure about any natural herbal supplements, but I do know that they carry risk as well. I worked in a nursing home and one of the staff prided herself on only taking herbal supplements. She had not been feeling well but she refused to go to the doctor. She died at home alone. The police ordered an autopsy. It turned out that she had bleeding in the brain along with other things that were connected to the herbal supplements. I would look for a Parkinson's support group. They should be able to answer your questions about the effects of Parkinson's on your brain and body. My mother has Parkinson's and she takes Sinemet. It really helped her. My cousin also has it, he takes the same medication and it helps but not as much. He is considering a deep brain stimulation. I do not know much about that or even if that is the proper name of the procedure. I do know that it is a surgical procedure that they go in and implant something like a pacemaker in your brain. I would also consider finding a different doctor for your Parkinson's. A nuerologist who has a lot of experience with Parkinson's. God Bless and Good Luck.

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S.T.

answers from Nashville on

www.monavie.com

I can help you get it! It is about 80.00 for a month supply, but works and is all natural.

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K.D.

answers from Raleigh on

This article has some suggestions, like Vitamin E - http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/alternative-treat...

Here's another one - http://www.everydayhealth.com/parkinsons-disease/alternat...

Here's a webpage that talks about alternatives for Fibromyalgia - http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/fibro.htm

And another one - http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/conditionsetoh/a/Fibromya...

Here's one that talks about how Vitamin D deficiency might be part of the problem, as well as other alternatives - http://www.wellsphere.com/wellpage/fibromyalgia-help

One more on Fibromyalgia - http://www.qualityhealth.com/pain-articles/fibromyalgia-n...

Good luck! Have you heard of green smoothies? They are very nutritional and might help.

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K.S.

answers from Raleigh on

Girl, get your head out of the sand and find a doc who specializes in P disease. There are new meds, and they seem to really help. Those little girls need you! I am older than you, but I want to live to see the grands married at least. I am also a nurse, and know several people who are doing pretty well. You do get worse, but try to get some help.

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W.M.

answers from Nashville on

You need to go to a doctor just to be safe but you can find a naturalist doc that might help you naturally if that is possible. Michael J Fox was just on Oprah with Dr Oz about Parkinson's disease. I did not pay a lot of attn but you may be able to go on the NBC website or Oprah's website to watch the episode. They did talk about ways to slow down the shakes and treatments they are working on. Try to find the episode online or see if Michael J Fox has a book out about it. He is spearheading the movement to cure it.

Good luck!

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J.B.

answers from Memphis on

C. - I'm the same age and am where you are - wanting something natural to fix things or lessen the symptoms' if nothing else. My disillusion with traditional medicine came after a few years of no help back in the early 70's...I have swung my pendulum from ignorant to radical to a nice balance I think...and I have learned so much...which I will not try to dump on you here. But here are two key factors - not all natural doctors are worth their time and money. And, no all (and lately I can change that to "hardly any")supplements are worth their money. I was taught that in 1977 - but have scientific proof of it to share, now. One of the juices (probably $40 a bottle) mentioned in the comments has less anti oxidant properties (something you really need) than Welch's Grape Juice!

My top recommendation would be Dr. Joel Robinson. He is in Tulsa - does phone appointments and mailing of test result done locally, etc. Just pick his brain. I know there are many good ones out there...but this man walks a balanced (Christ led) walk and I would trust sending anyone to him for his opinion to start with....www.drjoelrobbins.com

J. B.
www.joyboudreau.com

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T.T.

answers from Charleston on

my grandfather had parkinsons and took medication for it when he was alive he had it since I was born (in 74) and maybe even before that. without medication he couldn't hold anything with medication it was a bit better but he still couldn't do much like hold a cup of coffee he had to use a straw to drink it. besides medicines I dont know of any herbal supplement but the only other thing that I heard that works is stem cell replacement(they take stem cells from a fetus and put them in the parkinsons patient). my grandfather used to do all kinds of stuff but the older he got the worse he got even with medication. he shook, stumbled a lot,fell because of balance issues, he shuffled his feet,started having problems with getting up from sitting(his joints would lock up at times)when he got aggrevated the shakes got worse,he was always stooped over.He even started getting alzheimers(which the doctors said related to his parkinsons). I would not suggest going off meds because I know what he went through with meds and it hurt to see him like that and wouldn't want to see anyone else suffer. a few people posted herbs or natural products to take but you have to ask yourself are they safe? do they really work? and what are the risks? I would go to the dr If I were you(my grandpa hated going also) and see what new meds might have come onto the market since you last took something for your ailments maybe they have something new or maybe your dr can refer you to a specialist. I can say as for parkinsons most likely your health will get worse sorry to say and you might even develop alzheimer's or even dementia in time( a high percent of parkinsons patients get these diseases).please do the right thing for you and your family and see someone for help on this as your quality of life can/maybe improved for at least a while longer before the disease gets too bad.also maybe look up stem cell research for parkinsons. I don't know what your beliefs are butyou can at least research it to see what happens in that type of procedure.I hope this helps

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R.B.

answers from Clarksville on

While I understand your concern for man-made drugs, I am not sure that Parkinson's is one you should shy away from the medications with. My grandmother has had Parkinson's for at least a decade or longer, and her shakes used to be terrible. After playing around with dosages, she hardly shakes at all. The sad thing about Parkinson's is that it is so debilitating. My grandmother is at the point where walking and being mobile at all is difficult. I urge you to not take this lightly and go see a neurologist. Would you rather have a few side effects like thirst or sleepiness or shaking so bad you can't enjoy your morning cup of coffee? Something to think about...

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V.P.

answers from Nashville on

Go to www.asaandrew.com Dr Asa Andrew is a very good wellness and Natural medicine doctor. He has a radio show that i listen to all the time! Hope it helps V.

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C.S.

answers from Huntington on

www.reliv.com
This is not a medicine, but a food science product. My whole family takes it, from my husband's grandmother down to my toddler. I (or the company) cannot guarantee results, but it's amazing what your body can do when given the right fuel! Many people have seen great results with fibromyalgia and numerous other conditions. I have not heard of a specific testimony about Parkinson, but I do not doubt that it has helped people with it as well.

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