Hi
I've been taking drugs for PD for over 6 years now - sinemet and mirapexin and have seen the many debates about the problems that come with dopamine agonists.
I just wanted to highlight how the Mirapexin has affected me. I have not been hit by one of the “major” addictions such as gambling but am fully aware that I now have addictions that weren’t there before the PD drugs. Using the word minor in the title isn't really right but I couldn't think of another way of putting it.
Computer – I have been obsessive with playing word games, puzzles such as Silversphere, back gammon – keeping up to scratch with what’s been going on, on the PD forums and chatting on MSN. In-between the games are adverts for bingo etc –so tempting but I will never press that button knowing the problems that can occur.
I spend a lot of time on my own and the computer has given me a lifeline however when it became more important than being with my husband, and getting things done, I realised I had a problem - quite a few times he has threatened to cut the plug off.
This addiction has been so time wasting and also not good for my muscular pain – sitting at a computer desk for hours on end is bad news.
I have cut down considerably. I set myself a time limit at night – normally works. I ask myself – do I really want to be playing this game and if the answer is no – I turn computer off. I make sure I do other things that the computer is not needed for. Winter is the worse time – when I can’t get out.
Buying clothes and shoes - I found myself buying clothes that I knew I would never wear. I justified this by saying “its on the sale rail, a bargain”. I have a passion for high heel shoes but can’t wear them much now so why was I still buying them? Another addiction. I’ve curbed my shopping by not going into town so often but also asking myself the question –“Do I really need this” every time I pick up a new dress etc. It works for me. Don’t get me wrong – I still buy clothes but on a much more sensible level.
All I can say is I control my addictions – my husband knows about them and keeps an eye on the shopping one. The computer isn’t used when he is at home normally, unless he has gone to bed but then I set myself a time to turn it off by. These controls work most of the time which I am thankful of.
For me it was admitting the problem that was tough - finding a solution or compromise has been a challenge but I have achieved this fortunately. I am sure I am not alone with these fights?
Breeze
Breeze, you could be my twin. The computer usage, the shopping for bargains puzzles. I have been justifying by telling myself that I am not doing anyone any harm, I'll never get those shoes at this price again, crosswords & brain teasers stimulate my brain.All quite possibly true, but I am aware that this is not how I used to behave. On the other hand, mobility & concentration difficulties limit my activities. And O/H is resigned to returning unsuitable goods.
I was punding day and night buying and selling on Ebay, most of it rubbish I didn't like or want, but I was obsessed with making a profit.
However this eventually led me to fraud and the law...
However this eventually led me to fraud and the law...
Interesting and valid thread Breeze.
These "minor" issues can cause relationship problems as well as a numb bum.
As Ray points out they can lead to more serious problems.
These "minor" issues can cause relationship problems as well as a numb bum.
As Ray points out they can lead to more serious problems.
For Amy