A Day Without Meds Is Like A Day Without . . .

Written By Carla Collier

"Friendship is a wildly underrated medication" - Anna Deavare Smith

I started taking Levodopa five years ago immediately following diagnosis. Right from the start, I didn't notice a significant impact. Other PWP spoke about their on/off times and how they often watch the clock in anticipation of their next dose and with it, the intended relief. I have never felt that way - in fact, if I didn't have a reminder set on my phone, I might likely forget to take my meds! I've mentioned this to my neurologist, but she has always maintained that the meds were having an impact and that my low dose was beneficial.

I have often toyed with the thought of going off them just to see how they work or don't work, but have never followed through with my curiosity.

Well, purely by accident, this curiosity was unfortunately answered.

I went away for a weekend with the best-ever lifelong friends and when I looked to take my 8pm dose, I was alarmed to realize that I had forgotten my pill pack. Panic followed by surrender. I kept this information to myself and, right or wrong, I chose not to tell my friends. I knew that missing meds would not be life-threatening and I also didn't want to alarm them or cause worry. The meds were a two-hour drive back home and I didn't want to upset the weekend.

All remained relatively 'normal' for the first 24 hours. Time was spent hiking outdoors in the sunshine with two of my favourite people. Laughter, sunshine, exercise, and the enjoyment of spending time with these women, were all producing natural dopamine which is what I will credit for the initial feeling of normalcy. Without these, I predict I would have felt the 'off' period much sooner. However, after a full day unmedicated, all hell broke loose.

I did not sleep all night long.

My left side was tremoring just enough to wreak havoc on my ability to calm. By morning, my body was crying for dopamine. I was emotional, stressed, and physically and mentally exhausted.

Upon arriving home, I took my meds and within 30 minutes, calm was restored.

Did I survive? Yes

Did I have fun? Absolutely

Do I need medication? 100%

Now I know.

Carla Collier

I am so lucky! I am a loved life partner, a proud mother, a grateful daughter, a supported sister, a fortunate friend, and a privileged dog owner. I treasure all who travel with me. I am also a person with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Although this is certainly not something I treasure, it also travels with me every day. My blog is a humble attempt to think about, reflect upon, and deeply consider how to live my best life alongside this chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative movement disorder and brain disease. I knew nothing about Parkinson's Disease until it impacted my own life and I write about it because it provides a comfortable space for my need to explore, examine and express. If another can find something worthwhile within it, well then that is awesome!

https://ponderingpd.ca
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