Parkinsons

[dellzeqq]

I've just registered a rider for the Southend FNRttC. He has Parkinsons. He's an experienced cyclist, and he's very confident, but it's a CTC ride which means that we will do whatever we can to adjust the ride to suit him - if it proves neccessary. I've naturally asked him to give me a steer on this.

My ignorance on Parkinsons and cycling is total. If you know anything you think I would benefit from knowing, would you e-mail me on fnrttc@yahoo.co.uk

 

[Banjo]

I have a friend with Parkinsons.Its vital he takes his medications at the correct time. often forgets and the symptoms get worse very quickly.

Maybe you could ask him what times he needs to take pills and have rest stops to suit.

 

[Hacienda71]

My father has had Parkinsons for five years or so. He still rides his bike, each sufferer has different manifestations of the condition so it needs to be down to the individual as to their ability to complete a task. I know of a sufferer who after going on drug treatment has been able to start playing golf again. I think what I am trying to say is treat him like anyone else if he feels upto it. Withdrawl and depression are more problematic than the physical symptoms in earlier years of the disease, so good on him for getting out there.

 

[ColinJ]

My mother has had Parkinsons for many years. Banjo is right about taking the medication on time - it soon becomes obvious if it has been forgotten. My mum's life is based around what she takes and when she takes it so she rarely gets it wrong but when she does, she gets in a right state and it can take an hour or more to recover from that and it is pretty distressing to witness. 

I'm sure that the rider in question is well aware of his needs but I'd suggest that it might be a good idea to check what his regime is, and make sure he has enough meds with him to cover the duration of the ride plus any conceivable delays. Also - ask him to tell you when he should be taking the drugs and check that he has taken them at those times. It's possible that he might get distracted and forget to take them.

My mother finds that the timing and nature of her meals has a big effect on how well her medication works so she bases her meals around her medication regime. If the rider is the same, he will have to either carry the right type of food with him, or you will have to make sure that he can buy it en route at the appropriate times.

My mother has to take the drugs every 4 hours during the day, but it might be different in this rider's case. I'd just have a chat with him and find out what his needs are.

 

[Jacqui]

A couple completed the L2P last weekend on a tandem rasing money for PD and the woman ( whose name I did not get ) had PD herself.

They were amazing . I think like everyone has said they probably know what their regime is and manage it .

Good luck

 

[ufkacbln]

Interestingly it looks as though this should be encouraged. There is some evidence that exercise (in particular cycling) can benefit sufferers and slow progress.

Although in the early stages, this Medscape article gives a summary

 

[mangaman]

I've just registered a rider for the Southend FNRttC. He has Parkinsons. He's an experienced cyclist, and he's very confident, but it's a CTC ride which means that we will do whatever we can to adjust the ride to suit him - if it proves neccessary. I've naturally asked him to give me a steer on this.

My ignorance on Parkinsons and cycling is total. If you know anything you think I would benefit from knowing, would you e-mail me on fnrttc@yahoo.co.uk

Hopefully you have mail - if not, let me know by PM.

I'm not sure about my e-mails at the mo.

 

[dellzeqq]

I've now received some top advice, and a plan is now being put in to place.................

This ride will, in any case, be a bit more supervised than most, particularly if it's wet. The Southend ride sees a deal of bunching, and I'm going to be asking people to keep an eye on that, and I've asked particular experienced FNRttCers to keep an eye on particular riders.