Muscle waste

About Parkinson's and health Wellbeing
1

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone has experienced any obvious signs on muscle waste as part of their Parkinson’s journey?

I am 51 and have been diagnosed for a year. Over the past couple of months I have experienced increasing issues with my right leg. It is becoming increasingly unresponsive and heavy which is making walking more tricky.
I use a Peloton bike for exercise and have noticed more frequently that my left leg is now doing most of the work. I am fighting it as hard as I can but its certainly becoming a challenge.

As a result, the muscles in my right leg are fading quite fast. My calves have always been the topic of jokes among friends because they are (or were in the case of my right leg) huge.
The difference now between the legs is quite alarming and worrying.

I guess it’s to be expected but just wondering if others have had a similar experience?

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Hello Jim … I am 71 & was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in June 2023 following a positive datscan. I have been a very competitive sportsman into my mid 60s. 3 years ago
I could walk 10 miles a day. Now I can barely do 100 yards & I use a walking stick.
I have trained all my life. I would suggest that the setting you have on your bike is way too high for your right leg, it currently can’t cope & maybe never will. Parkinson’s isn’t something that gets better.

Two things to try … maybe give the bike a rest & perhaps walk for your exercise. Or tone back the tension on the bike so that your right leg is able to cope rather than your left leg doing all the work.

I suffer with “heavy legs” & an uncomfortable lower back.

I hope you think my ideas make sense.

Best wishes
Steve2

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Thanks Steve for the reply and advice.

I’ll certainly look at lowering the resistance. I know I am pushing it a bit.
I have also trained most of my life and been active and I guess I am letting the competitive nature dictate a little too much given the circumstances.

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Very sensible Jim … I am amazed how much I can do has significantly decreased in only 3 years. Any walking over 20 yards is uncomfortable for me.

Best of luck.
Steve2

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Yes same here Steve. Walking is tough with dystonia affecting my toes and the fact I cannot place my right foot down flat. It gets very uncomfortable and distressing.

Still, we keep fighting… Thanks again

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I find that my left leg( the 1 with the tremor) , feels heavy, less responsive and foot feels bruised/ numb, like im walking with a club foot. But cant say ive noticed any muscle wasteage yet. Do you keep youre protein intake high? Ive read that people with parkinsons can lose weight because of the constant tremor. Try increasing youre calorific intake but keep youre macros in order and youre sugar intake low. Add organic coconut oil into youre diet, this will increase youre calorific intake and also provide m.c.t’s which feed the brain ketones( which are the brains energy source) giving neuroprotection to the brain, slowing down neurodegenerative diseases like parkinsons and Alzheimer’s

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Yes, Rob has significant muscle wasting in his thighs, arms and hands. Going to bring it up at his next Parkinson’s meeting.

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Thanks for this. Yes, my protein intake is good and diet well balanced.
I’ll certainly look at the organic coconut oil.

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Sorry to hear that. Let us know what they say. I have an appointment in 13 days time, so will see what they say there too.

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I’ve found that upping my protein and calorie intake really helps counteract the weight loss from constant tremors. I also throw in some organic coconut oil for its MCTs, which I believe gives my brain a nice little boost

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