I’m still challenging the challenge.

Probably more than the Parkinson’s, I have almost a daily struggle with depression.  Most days I can overcome the negative feelings that have trapped me on some days.  Lately they have had an added push, making it extremely easy to stay in all day, & not enjoy the freedom that I know.  For years I have put up with a medical problem called OAB (over-active bladder).  I was able to work because I drove a bus, & therefore had a restroom available to me at all times.  This made it workable.  My cycling created a new challenge, to plan my rides only in places where I was sure to find an available restroom, or a tree large enough to keep me from getting arrested for indecent exposure.  Last years RAGBRAI (ride across Iowa) was a real test.  I have to thank the Iowa farmers for growing corn, because there were no trees.  Of late, my OAB has been becoming more & more of a problem.   I know now that this is because of my PD (Dr. P. Gweon).  Two years ago I was given Ditrapan to try to control the urgency.  But within just a few days I went into urinary arrest, & had to use a catheter for three days, until the affects from the medication wore off.  Not fun!  So this was not an option.   I will tell you too, that as much as I enjoy cycling, wetting myself was also, not an option.  Even when you’re the only one who knows, it will take the fun out of a beautiful days ride.  With this, & the pain caused by stiffening muscles in my neck, & aggravated by the cycling

(I thought), I felt quite sure that my cycling days were numbered.  This was of course, adding to my depression.  Through the months of Feb. & March I was only able to ride 237 miles, & I usually ride double that in just one month.  Some of the lack of mileage was due to rain, but there were many days that  just couldn’t trust my bladder. 

Well, 3 weeks ago I decided to try another urologist, to see if there was anything that could be done.  Dr. Gweon told me that many people with PD are troubled with OAB, & that it is more of a problem in men.  He didn’t offer me any magic bullet, but he did suggest more “Ditrapan”.   The only difference being that they now have this type of medicine in a patch form.  No guarantees that it would work,  but either the pills, or the patch were my ONLY OPTIONS.  And the worst could happen would be another catheter.  So I decided to  try the patch, if I could afford them.  It is called “Oxytrol”, & after 4 days into the trial I am , so far, very pleased.  I am still able to urinate, & I am also able to ride with my friends, & I no longer have to be the first one to the pitstop.  Thank you Dr. Gweon!     Not only has he helped my OAB, but because I can ride again,  yes, I guess you could say that I went to a urologist to get treatment for my depression..

 I Never Give Up!

Parky