Ep. 82 Parkinson’s: A Dangerous Fall

A frightening thing happened last week.
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[@kathieb8104]

What your wife said, “You can’t live in the shame of this”, was such a wise thing to say. Glad that you’re OK. Please keep sharing.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Will do! I have a very smart wife!

[@kendc4725]

Thanks for being so open about your struggles, Jeremy. It’s good for people with PD to fully understand what a difficult opponent they are up against. By being public with this, you are doing a great service for people, like me, who are trying to understand the whole picture. Information is power and we need all the help possible to face this thing. Wishing you all the best.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

It makes me feel a little better that others can learn about Parkinson’s by listening to my stories. Thx, Ken!

[@SDWP]

Sorry to hear you fell. :-( I like the suggestions you made at the end. I think it's a good idea to educate the kids on your side effects...it would also help them to recognize it in others and not be alarmed. Definitely don't spend time worrying about the future....focus on today and make the best of it. Glad you'll be better to your bladder at night too! 🙂

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, Michele!

[@MyPDDaily]

Thank goodness you are relatively okay. I hope you feel better soon. It’s a good cautionary tale. Thanks for sharing!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx for taking the time to watch!

[@ricksuvanto5009]

Thanks for sharing your story.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

You are welcome! Let’s just hope I don’t have any more!😂

[@jackmcloraine5354]

The most powerful video in your series, Jeremy. Glad you didn’t get hurt.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

High praise indeed, sir!

[@rossmiles7169]

Thanks for your Videos...

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Glad you like them!

[@nancyhurley1010]

I appreciate so much your openness. It’s so helpful to hear your experiences. We’re all sending you positive vibes for no more falls. But learning how to get up and go again is the wonderful example you are giving us. Take care of yourself. And hugs to your super wife!❤

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank you so much, Nancy! And yes my wife is super!

[@user-bh3hc9tm5e]

Thanks Jeremy for sharing your video and the struggles you have, but you are a fighter and an inspiration to people across the globe and me, Your friend Jp from the UK.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Wow! Thank you, JP! I would love to visit the UK someday.✌️

[@Don-io6cr]

Thank you for sharing, it helps me so much. Prayers!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Glad it was helpful, Don!

[@shsharrell9267]

Oh man, that was a hard fall. I'm so glad you didn't get seriously injured. That pot seemingly got the worst of it. Yeah you've got to slow down and think about moving for a while I guess. It totally sucks, but i am glad you're talking about it. You are one tough dude and even that in itself gets hard. You can't be tough all the time, you'll wear yourself down mentally. I so look forward to your weekly blog. You always make me feel just a little better. Your voice is your truthfulness and ability to be real. You are making a difference in people's lives with your weekly talks, please don't stop whether it's the good or the bad. I really appreciate you more than you could know. Please please take care!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank you, Sherry! I so enjoy hearing from you. Your kind words always inspire me to keep going.🥰

[@billybob-qz2sk]

That sucks, glad you didn't really hurt yourself. Props to the wife....great support! I had a week about a few months ago where I had fallen twice. First one was kinda my fault, skipped my med time, and was trying to overdo a project to finish when I was totally out of gas and past my nap time....just skinned and bruised my knees and hands up. The second time was about four days later. Got up from the couch to go get a snack....took my first steps ok, and then bam... right foot said nope half way through a step. I lost balance, my foot bent back and I ended up staining my tendons of my foot and calf. Couldn't put weight on it for 5 days, and as you stated, it then hit my emotions big time! Definitely sucks, but ain't gonna stop me, just going to be something I try to prepare for and prevent issues if I can. Thanks for your share as always, take care brother!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Ouch! I know that feeling.🤬 Thx, Billy Bob!

[@kristinvogt6980]

I am thankful you were not really hurt. I have fallen a few times and some days I am more unsteady than others. It takes strength to share. Thank you

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thanks for listening, Kristin!

[@SandraLevene]

Sandra England sorry to hear that u fell over I know because I have FALLEN LOTS OF TIMES. l broke my arm the first time and l get very nervous and I have terrible side effects such as trmors in my toes and legs. I do take the sinemet and it lasts about 3 hours but it seems to have side effects like my voice is very quite ad my face goes very tight. I don't know what to do but the hospital said keep taking it. I think we just hav 9:05 to get on with it and hope for the best. Thanking u for your comment you are a great help to everyone ❤

[@JeremyMcdonald]

@@SandraLevene That means a lot to me Sandra! Thank you!😊

[@dakotamouse]

So glad you are OK. Keeping you in my prayers.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, Dakota Mouse!✌️

[@stevethompson4993]

Hello Jeremy, my name is Steve Thompson and I just found your channel on KZbin. Thank you for putting out this info. I was diagnosed on December 22nd 2004. I was 38 years old and on the fast track to promotion to the rank of CMSgt, the highest enlisted rank. It would have been the highest honor to serve in a that capacity. That was almost 20 years ago. I have very similar symptoms to you. Non-tremor predominate PD. Mostly my balance and overall mobility. Anyway I also had a fall this past Saturday night. My wife and I were coming home and I got my feet tangled up with our hands dog and down I went. This morning was in the laundry room which is tile. Not very forgiving tile. I bounced my forehead off the tile and split my forehead but luckily not requiring stitches. Sorry to overflow at the mouth. Looking forward to more videos.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

No need to apologize, Steve. All of us Parkies carry a tremendous burden with us everyday. No one without PD could possibly understand what we go through. I am happy to make a difference!😎

[@user-qs7pr3zk8m]

Take care, but thanks for sharing. While I am only 2 yrs & 5 months into my journey, I am experiencing some new difficulties (like not being able to stand up from a chair, and realizing now that as I am walking, I am spreading my legs out wider) to better balance myself in order to not fall, I think. I am trying to stay positive and keep moving, but knowing that lots of changes may be coming is a little scary. Take care, and know by sharing, you are helping all of us to deal with our PD “one day at a time”. It reminds me to better plan for what I can do in certain situations. It also sounds like your wife is a great support.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Yes, indeed! My wife is fantastic and supportive partner in life! 😁

[@inezzbeadz]

Parkinson like a Ninja, u crack me up...Thankyou for the humor for us parkiees😅...glad u ok!! New twaalet up scale

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Yep! A new toilet. Fun stuff!😂

[@shakinginmyboots1]

Thanks for sharing this! Your leg thing looks like mine. Glad you’re ok. I fell twice and it’s super scary. We have to be super careful.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

It so strange to be relatively young and worry about falling like an old person.!

[@shakinginmyboots1]

@@JeremyMcdonald we are young people trapped in old bodies it’s a crazy feeling

[@adawehi55]

I’m so sorry this happened to you. I appreciate you sharing. I freeze-especially in public. I’m working on getting past the shame and embarrassment. You inspire me to try to do more.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, Karen! I am alive to fight and fall another day.🤣 I, too, struggle with being embarrassed about having PD. But I just came to the conclusion that my shame doesn’t do anything to move me forward. It is truly a daily battle. You are not alone!🙂

[@BrianMcElwain1]

I feel you, brother. That fall and what it may portend for the future are terrifying. Can't spin that in any kind of positive way... But you're here now despite your bruises--to your ego and your ass--so give today the best you've got and don't consume yourself with what tomorrow may or may not bring... Thanks for sharing your struggles with folks here...

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Anytime! Thx for all you do for us Parkies😎

[@MikeMercury]

NEVER be ashamed jeremy it is what it is youre a great guy love you my man

[@JeremyMcdonald]

I’m trying! Thx Mike for the kind words.

[@joantan4219]

Thanks for sharing

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thanks for watching!

[@GoProGoalieUzi]

It is for me too!! Unbelievable, it's like doing cardio all day long!! I hope you are ok from the falls. I too am falling off kitchen stools when trying to exit videos ect..oh boy..keep going buddy, I know it's hard (for me too)❤

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Hi Jeremy, I have had one fall so far. I understand your anxiety and fear. It's difficult to lose control of your own body. What the heck!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, David! Who would have thought that a trip to the bathroom could be so exciting!🤣

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

That you know how to fall safely from skateboarding is good to know, and it could have been worse....so that your body wasn't hurt is a good thing. But clearly your heart, ego, and mind are wounded, so be kind to yourself, knowing that unfortunately falls are a reality that many of us will face at some point in time. Let's fall as safely as we can! 🥰 Like KathieB said....your wife is spot on, "You can't live in the shame of this." ♥Feel what you need to feel to process what happened then keep moving forward...we are here for you Jeremy!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

It’s great to know that I have friends that are so supportive! I am truly thankful for this community that has been a lifesaver for me.Thx, Jenn!

[@joec2174]

Sorry to hear. I’m down three times fractured my left then right shoulder. And then left ankle. Do you check your blood pressure and blood sugar ? Do you also check and notice your footing just before and after taking your meds? PD Drug interaction with blood pressure meds is common. Keeping your energy level up with small frequent meals is another is another helpful aid. Good luck and my concern for you. This disease is an all day issue. Be aware of it and keep going brother. ❤

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx for the tips. I check my blood pressure twice a day. Also my blood sugar is good, too. Unfortunately, I have such dramatic dyskinesia in my legs due to Sinemet. That’s a bummer about your falls. Scary stuff!

[@MummyJo1]

I so know how that feels legs doing whatever they want

[@JeremyMcdonald]

It’s maddening, isn’t it?

[@Anthony99355]

Hey Jeremy, thanks for sharing valuable information. Do you have wiggley legs only if you are off? I’m only 42, and have a hard time getting up from my sofa.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

I have the wiggles legs only when I’m on.

[@johnp.2614]

Sorry to hear about your fall. How do you feel about DBS? Everything I read about it seems real positive by decreasing symptoms and returning quality of life. I am going through the eligibility testing now for it. Thanks for sharing these videos, and keep up the fight.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, John! I’m currently scheduled for a DBS consult and will keep you posted. Good luck to you with your testing, too!

[@PawelKasprzak864]

Thanks for the real picture of PD.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx for taking the time to watch!

[@mdecero]

Hey Jeremy, thanks for sharing! You’re doing great and you are an inspiration! I keep male urinals around house incase I can’t make it to the bathroom. It’s worth a try. Hang in there man, Mike

[@tomrio9914]

Uncle Jeremy, glad you got through this relatively unscathed. Check with your Dr. about Dhivy, it is just regular C/L that is scored and easily breakable to just take a little or a lot. It is just right for when you don’t want to make a scene. I have only had one fall. It was a doozy. Three shoulder operations and a year and a half of physical therapy. I am ok now. After years of skateboarding, skating, bicycling, soccer and judo, I know how to fall. Parkinson’s has affected and slowed my reflexes. In other words, just be careful. Thanks again for a great video.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, Tom! It’s always nice to meet a fellow skater.✌️

[@brucemurdoch6713]

Hey Jerry, I fell today, I was lucky I didn't break a bone etc etc.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Sorry to hear that you can relate, ‘Bruce!🙃

[@MummyJo1]

At least you can drink without needing a lid on the cup like I do

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Oh, I have spilled many a wine glass!

[@alittlebitshaky]

I’m very glad you are ok, physically at least. But it’s those psychological scars running deep and unseen, that are more destructive. Now, I’m not a religious person but I do love to preach, so hold onto your cap, here is the Shaky lesson for today…… fear and falling both suck. Big time. And there is only one thing that works, when battling those two F words…..exercise! Every time. Exercise. Exercise. Exercise. Then you get two other F words……Fighting Fit. 🙃 Love your work, JMac. Take care.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

You are so right, Lou! I got a 30 minute workout in this morning and feel better for it. Thx!😎

[@alittlebitshaky]

Sometimes it’s hard to get started but I always feel better afterwards.

[@rj2842]

Sorry for your struggling. Have you tried or thought about B1 therapy and light therapy?

[@JeremyMcdonald]

I have to be honest. I’m pretty skeptical of things like that. I have asked my MDS and I hear the same thing from her. Thx for taking the time to reply.

[@joantan4219]

How much sinemet are you taking and how often in a day? My dad takes 2 tablets at 08:00, 1 1/2 tablets at 12:00, 1 1/2 tablets 17:00 and 1 1/2 tablets 21:00 100mg Levodopa 25mg Carbidopa

[@JeremyMcdonald]

I take 3/4 tablet every 1 and 1/2 hours. Sometimes only 1/2 tablet.

[@MikeMercury]

I fell not long ago was on my back stayed on the floor for a while had problems getting up my wife put a pillow under my head finally rollef on my tummy then on my knees and finally up take care my good friend

[@JeremyMcdonald]

That’s got to scary!

[@janetayres184]

Friends, if you think using the restroom at home is difficult/dangerous, try using a public restroom! I'd rather stay home.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Agreed! Been there, done that!

[@maggiemcgees9354]

Jeremy sorry you feel, I am falling all the time to the point they want to put me in a motorized wheelchair. I am not real happy about this but my feet and brain are not talking to each other anymore. Be careful the PD does not play fair with us.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

That’s a bummer to hear about your wheelchair situation. I too use one from time to time. Thx, Maggie!