Q. What are the signs of it at the early stages?
A. Maya,
If you are asking about the early warning symptoms it is important to know that the precursor symptoms of PD may occur several years before there is the significant dopamine neuron death in the SN to support a diagnosis at this time. As long as there are no blood tests or other lab tests in general use, one will have to be on the lookout for various symptoms and hope that you have a very knowledgeable medical team. You could have the vitamin D levels checked for deficiency but this will only point you in the direction of several possible conditions, PD, cardiovascular disease, some cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Early (warning) symptoms of PD include but are not limited to loss of sense of smell. leg drag, REM sleep disorders, change in handwriting, depression, loss of arm swing, change in voice and facial expression. In women, pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulder area can be an early symptom.
If you mean what are ways to reduce the visible signs of having Parkinson's disease after the diagnosis has been made, the first thing to consider is the drug known to slow progression, rasagiline, an MAO-B inhibitor. Delay the levodopa/carbidopa until you and your doctor agree that additional support is needed.
Other medications which are effective in reducing visible signs of PD are the dopamine agonist, Mirapex which enhances the effect of the existing dopamine. While Mirapex has been very effective in providing symptom relief and masking, it is not without extreme side effects which can be more devastating than the PD itself.
Caffeine intake, nicotine, and certainly ibuprofen (recently announced) are known to reduce the risk or delay the onset of PD but these are not necessarily solutions once the disease has been diagnosed. Estrogen is thought to be neuroprotective and for some time it was felt that synthetic hormones did not offer the same protection but HRT has been shown to have significant benefits to postmenopausal.women. Please remember that HRT is estrogen and progesterone and it has not been determined which is more protective. Actually it might be that estrogen increases dopamine synthesis and release with increased D1 and D2 receptors as well.
http://vs8.tripod.com/estrop.htm
Nutritional supplements such as COQ10 and other powerful antioxidants should be included in both diet and the supplements. Including the B complex is important especially B3, B6 and B12 as well as folic acid. A mediterranean diet is probably the most beneficial it will be richer in Omega 3s. This list can go on and on. Try to achieve some balance in nutrition - timing may also be important. Don't forget to include green tea in your diet.
Therapies to address the current symptoms and to strengthen muscles, establish an exercise routine for flexibility and range of motion as well as balance are also very important. Physical exercise, massage therapy and PT are important. Voice therapy should begin early in order to fit that into a regimen which may be needed later.
One of the most significant types of exercise is Forced Exercise through bicycling and safe treadmill exercise. Properly done, Forced Exercise has been seen to significantly reduce symptoms and reliance upon medication.
http://parkinsonsfocustoday.blogspot.com/2009/05/forced-exercise-to-relieve-parkinsons.html
The early signs of PD vary from patient to patient because PD is actually a collection of syndromes and because of the varying contributory factors, heredity, age and gender, race and diet. The general rule of thumb is TRAP: Tremor, Rigidity, Akinesia (bradykinesia or slowed) Postural Instability (balance, postural changes while walking especially). About 25% of PD patients do not exhibit the classic tremor in the early stages. Some have more
The real trick is to find what works for the individual. No one area alone will provide enough relief.
If you are asking about the early warning symptoms it is important to know that the precursor symptoms of PD may occur several years before there is the significant dopamine neuron death in the SN to support a diagnosis at this time. As long as there are no blood tests or other lab tests in general use, one will have to be on the lookout for various symptoms and hope that you have a very knowledgeable medical team. You could have the vitamin D levels checked for deficiency but this will only point you in the direction of several possible conditions, PD, cardiovascular disease, some cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Early (warning) symptoms of PD include but are not limited to loss of sense of smell. leg drag, REM sleep disorders, change in handwriting, depression, loss of arm swing, change in voice and facial expression. In women, pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulder area can be an early symptom.
If you mean what are ways to reduce the visible signs of having Parkinson's disease after the diagnosis has been made, the first thing to consider is the drug known to slow progression, rasagiline, an MAO-B inhibitor. Delay the levodopa/carbidopa until you and your doctor agree that additional support is needed.
Other medications which are effective in reducing visible signs of PD are the dopamine agonist, Mirapex which enhances the effect of the existing dopamine. While Mirapex has been very effective in providing symptom relief and masking, it is not without extreme side effects which can be more devastating than the PD itself.
Caffeine intake, nicotine, and certainly ibuprofen (recently announced) are known to reduce the risk or delay the onset of PD but these are not necessarily solutions once the disease has been diagnosed. Estrogen is thought to be neuroprotective and for some time it was felt that synthetic hormones did not offer the same protection but HRT has been shown to have significant benefits to postmenopausal.women. Please remember that HRT is estrogen and progesterone and it has not been determined which is more protective. Actually it might be that estrogen increases dopamine synthesis and release with increased D1 and D2 receptors as well.
http://vs8.tripod.com/estrop.htm
Nutritional supplements such as COQ10 and other powerful antioxidants should be included in both diet and the supplements. Including the B complex is important especially B3, B6 and B12 as well as folic acid. A mediterranean diet is probably the most beneficial it will be richer in Omega 3s. This list can go on and on. Try to achieve some balance in nutrition - timing may also be important. Don't forget to include green tea in your diet.
Therapies to address the current symptoms and to strengthen muscles, establish an exercise routine for flexibility and range of motion as well as balance are also very important. Physical exercise, massage therapy and PT are important. Voice therapy should begin early in order to fit that into a regimen which may be needed later.
One of the most significant types of exercise is Forced Exercise through bicycling and safe treadmill exercise. Properly done, Forced Exercise has been seen to significantly reduce symptoms and reliance upon medication.
http://parkinsonsfocustoday.blogspot.com/2009/05/forced-exercise-to-relieve-parkinsons.html
The early signs of PD vary from patient to patient because PD is actually a collection of syndromes and because of the varying contributory factors, heredity, age and gender, race and diet. The general rule of thumb is TRAP: Tremor, Rigidity, Akinesia (bradykinesia or slowed) Postural Instability (balance, postural changes while walking especially). About 25% of PD patients do not exhibit the classic tremor in the early stages. Some have more
The real trick is to find what works for the individual. No one area alone will provide enough relief.
Is it normal to feel cold in 70 degrees?
Q. It is 70 degrees outside and my freind is cold. She is bundled up in a long sleeved shirt, a scarf, and a jacket and still shivering. Is this normal?
A. absolutely not normal 70's are "perfect". theirs no reason why she should be cold (well not a normal reason) ok it could be a number of things. These include but aren�t limited to:Anemia (low blood count, especially common in menstruating women with significant monthly blood loss);
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar);
Age (the very young or elderly may have more difficulty with body temperature regulation); (but i don't think it's that lol)
Exposure to cool or cold environments without proper protection;
Stress or anxiety;
Poor health or infections such as the common cold, leukemia, lupus, bladder infection, septicemia (blood infection), hepatitis, Menkes disease, decreased immune function and others;
Malnutrition;
Gallstones (chills and sweating, along with pain);
Medications (potential side effects from narcotic pain relievers, beta interferons, others);
Anorexia nervosa (poor nutrition, anemia, very low body weight, fatigue);
Allergic reaction;
Uncontrolled diabetes;
B�vitamin complex deficiency (may increase cold sensitivity).
(feeling cold is one of the symptom)
Feeling Cold
Anemia can make you feel cold all the time, even in a warm room.
What patients said:
"I notice sometimes I get really cold, I get chills."
"Sometimes I get really, really cold. It could be hot, and I'd be cold."
Chills can occur with an infection, making you shiver and feel cold even though your body temperature may be normal or even elevated. Chills can happen to anyone and are most common at the start or end of an infection. Chills with a normal or elevated temperature should not be treated with warm clothing or blankets, as this can raise the body temperature to a dangerous level.
If your body temperature falls below the normal range, even by just a few degrees, you have hypothermia. Hypothermia can be dangerous, especially the farther your body temperature falls. If your temperature falls below 96 degrees, you should seek immediate medical care. You can treat mild or severe hypothermia until help arrives by warming the person slowly with blankets and making sure the person is dry.
When you are very sensitive to cold weather, you may have cold intolerance. Cold intolerance can be a sign that your body has a hard time warming itself. Common causes of cold intolerance include anorexia, anemia and hypothyroidism. If you find even mildly temperatures difficult to bear, you should contact your health care provider.now i said it's "absolutely not normal " but let me clarify in 70 degrees isn't cold but it's not hot-now to me 70s you don't need a coat or jacket. but to have long sleeves scarf and a jacket and still cold! i don't think it's normal. hope i help
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar);
Age (the very young or elderly may have more difficulty with body temperature regulation); (but i don't think it's that lol)
Exposure to cool or cold environments without proper protection;
Stress or anxiety;
Poor health or infections such as the common cold, leukemia, lupus, bladder infection, septicemia (blood infection), hepatitis, Menkes disease, decreased immune function and others;
Malnutrition;
Gallstones (chills and sweating, along with pain);
Medications (potential side effects from narcotic pain relievers, beta interferons, others);
Anorexia nervosa (poor nutrition, anemia, very low body weight, fatigue);
Allergic reaction;
Uncontrolled diabetes;
B�vitamin complex deficiency (may increase cold sensitivity).
(feeling cold is one of the symptom)
Feeling Cold
Anemia can make you feel cold all the time, even in a warm room.
What patients said:
"I notice sometimes I get really cold, I get chills."
"Sometimes I get really, really cold. It could be hot, and I'd be cold."
Chills can occur with an infection, making you shiver and feel cold even though your body temperature may be normal or even elevated. Chills can happen to anyone and are most common at the start or end of an infection. Chills with a normal or elevated temperature should not be treated with warm clothing or blankets, as this can raise the body temperature to a dangerous level.
If your body temperature falls below the normal range, even by just a few degrees, you have hypothermia. Hypothermia can be dangerous, especially the farther your body temperature falls. If your temperature falls below 96 degrees, you should seek immediate medical care. You can treat mild or severe hypothermia until help arrives by warming the person slowly with blankets and making sure the person is dry.
When you are very sensitive to cold weather, you may have cold intolerance. Cold intolerance can be a sign that your body has a hard time warming itself. Common causes of cold intolerance include anorexia, anemia and hypothyroidism. If you find even mildly temperatures difficult to bear, you should contact your health care provider.now i said it's "absolutely not normal " but let me clarify in 70 degrees isn't cold but it's not hot-now to me 70s you don't need a coat or jacket. but to have long sleeves scarf and a jacket and still cold! i don't think it's normal. hope i help
Should my friend be concerned about the nutrients that she is consuming in excess?
Q. She is 20 yrs old, 5'4", 114 pounds....a year ago she weighed 120 pounds, and she has just started college. Recently she has been feeling tired and has difficulty concentrating in class.
She evaluated her diet and noticed that she consumes more than the amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Her calorie intake is less than the recommended amount and, since she is losing weight is not enough to maintain her body weight. Her iron intake is well below the recommendation for women.
Is this a health risk?
She evaluated her diet and noticed that she consumes more than the amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Her calorie intake is less than the recommended amount and, since she is losing weight is not enough to maintain her body weight. Her iron intake is well below the recommendation for women.
Is this a health risk?
A. This is not necessarily a health risk, but there are a couple factors that you listed that need to change. Her weight at 114 is within the "normal" range; that's not a problem at all. Her goal calorie intake will significantly depend on her exercise habits. I'll list the appropriate scenarios based off of maintaining her current weight: 1530 (little or no dedicated exercise), 1750 (exercise 3 times per week), 1860 (exercise 5 times per week), 2080 (exercise everyday - everyday, no missing).
Her intake of vitamin C and calcium are of no real concern. They will not build up in her body, nor will they negatively affect her energy levels. The obvious concerns of what you've listed are her vitamin A and iron intake amounts. It sounds like you're already aware of vitamin A being a fat-soluble vitamin. If taken in excess (4,000 IU +) over a long period of time (12-15 months), it could become toxic in her body. I'm not saying that this is the case with your friend, but the levels of vitamins A, D, E, and K should be well regulated. Also, I listed the lowest precautionary level at 4,000 IU daily. People have taken doses of 100,000 IU per day and been able to reverse the toxic effect so, don't worry too much. Just get her to assess it before it becomes an issue. Her daily vitamin A intake should be around 2,300 IU or 700 mcg RE.
As for her iron deficiency, this would explain her low energy levels. This is a simple fix. I find that it's usually easier to add something to one's diet than it is to remove something. She can increase her consumption of high iron foods (red meat, fish, poultry, lentils, beans, leaf vegetables, tofu, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, too many to list) or simpler yet, she can take an iron supplement. A supplement would require no change in her eating habits. She would be more likely to accomplish this everyday. With supplementing iron, one should also increase their intake of folic acid and vitamin B-12, as iron depletes these in the body. I know of a supplement called Tri-Iron Folic that would be perfect. It's made by Nutrilite, the best in the supplement business. I personally only take their supplements because of their consistency and quality control (which are huge issues when you look into supplement companies), not to mention that they are the choice of many Olympic athletes. They are hard to find, as they are privately distributed. I get mine from a reliable source online, www.keylagohealth.com.
If your friend addresses these issues appropriately and still has similar symptoms, she should see her physician. There always could be some underlying issue that you may not be aware of.
I hope this helps.
Her intake of vitamin C and calcium are of no real concern. They will not build up in her body, nor will they negatively affect her energy levels. The obvious concerns of what you've listed are her vitamin A and iron intake amounts. It sounds like you're already aware of vitamin A being a fat-soluble vitamin. If taken in excess (4,000 IU +) over a long period of time (12-15 months), it could become toxic in her body. I'm not saying that this is the case with your friend, but the levels of vitamins A, D, E, and K should be well regulated. Also, I listed the lowest precautionary level at 4,000 IU daily. People have taken doses of 100,000 IU per day and been able to reverse the toxic effect so, don't worry too much. Just get her to assess it before it becomes an issue. Her daily vitamin A intake should be around 2,300 IU or 700 mcg RE.
As for her iron deficiency, this would explain her low energy levels. This is a simple fix. I find that it's usually easier to add something to one's diet than it is to remove something. She can increase her consumption of high iron foods (red meat, fish, poultry, lentils, beans, leaf vegetables, tofu, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, too many to list) or simpler yet, she can take an iron supplement. A supplement would require no change in her eating habits. She would be more likely to accomplish this everyday. With supplementing iron, one should also increase their intake of folic acid and vitamin B-12, as iron depletes these in the body. I know of a supplement called Tri-Iron Folic that would be perfect. It's made by Nutrilite, the best in the supplement business. I personally only take their supplements because of their consistency and quality control (which are huge issues when you look into supplement companies), not to mention that they are the choice of many Olympic athletes. They are hard to find, as they are privately distributed. I get mine from a reliable source online, www.keylagohealth.com.
If your friend addresses these issues appropriately and still has similar symptoms, she should see her physician. There always could be some underlying issue that you may not be aware of.
I hope this helps.
in what stage of kidney cancer can you physically feel it?
Q. just wondering, at what point in the kidney cancer can the person actually feel a lump or be in pain?
which stage/how bad?
which stage/how bad?
A. I had a 10.5cm tumor as part of a 15cm mass that had no overt symptoms ie. I could take off my shirt and the RN/Physician could not feel it. There is no blood test that will detect it. Also I had no pain or
blood in my urine. I had some mild fatigue but was very active and worked two jobs. I was being treated for a vitamin D deficiency and I had a very slight increase in my calcium level. My physician was testing me for a possible thyroid problem, and the results of that testing came back normal. A CT scan was done - and that's when the whopper tumor was discovered. It was technically a stage 3,
but within 4mos of my nephrechtomy it had metestazed to my bones, and a few months ago I had to have my right humerus<upper right arm bone>removed and replaced with a plate and cement...
My worst systemic pain was when it had spread to my arm ie. it ate up over half my arm bone and cause microfractures to the bone, and my arm bone was on the verge of snapping. I reacted to the anesthesia then too - and lost 50lbs. in body weight. Sometimes a person will not even discover they have kidney cancer until such an advanced state.
About 3% of all new cancers reported in the USA and the UK are Kidney cancers, so it's somewhat rare. Twice as many men contract it as women. About 1/2 of Kidney cancers involve a defect of the VHL gene. Obesity and Smoking are risk factors<I am not obiese and had quit smoking cigarettes about 5 years before discovering it - and I do have distant ancestors born with Kidney defects> It tends to not respond to traditional chemotherapy, but does respond to immunotherapy drugs like interferon. In early stages it is rather easily curable via surgery, which is what is so frustrating. Finding it an early stage cures it, but it's often tough to find.
Some people have symptoms at an early cureable stage, but quite a few of us don't have any symptoms...so if there's a history in your family and/or you're just concerned, I'd get a CT scan.
I'm now considered terminal, but if I had not been scanned I would have likely died several months ago. I'm still a fighter, and I'm active, and I haven't given up hope. . I would like to see this cancer defeated - and the key is simply early detection and better ways to detect it.
blood in my urine. I had some mild fatigue but was very active and worked two jobs. I was being treated for a vitamin D deficiency and I had a very slight increase in my calcium level. My physician was testing me for a possible thyroid problem, and the results of that testing came back normal. A CT scan was done - and that's when the whopper tumor was discovered. It was technically a stage 3,
but within 4mos of my nephrechtomy it had metestazed to my bones, and a few months ago I had to have my right humerus<upper right arm bone>removed and replaced with a plate and cement...
My worst systemic pain was when it had spread to my arm ie. it ate up over half my arm bone and cause microfractures to the bone, and my arm bone was on the verge of snapping. I reacted to the anesthesia then too - and lost 50lbs. in body weight. Sometimes a person will not even discover they have kidney cancer until such an advanced state.
About 3% of all new cancers reported in the USA and the UK are Kidney cancers, so it's somewhat rare. Twice as many men contract it as women. About 1/2 of Kidney cancers involve a defect of the VHL gene. Obesity and Smoking are risk factors<I am not obiese and had quit smoking cigarettes about 5 years before discovering it - and I do have distant ancestors born with Kidney defects> It tends to not respond to traditional chemotherapy, but does respond to immunotherapy drugs like interferon. In early stages it is rather easily curable via surgery, which is what is so frustrating. Finding it an early stage cures it, but it's often tough to find.
Some people have symptoms at an early cureable stage, but quite a few of us don't have any symptoms...so if there's a history in your family and/or you're just concerned, I'd get a CT scan.
I'm now considered terminal, but if I had not been scanned I would have likely died several months ago. I'm still a fighter, and I'm active, and I haven't given up hope. . I would like to see this cancer defeated - and the key is simply early detection and better ways to detect it.
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