What's New in My GDNF Fast Walking: A Weekly Update

Welcome to the first weekly update on my GDNF fast walking journey! I'm excited to share this journey with all of you!

Week 1 and Week 2 Recap - August 26 - September 7, 2024

Week 1 had a special moment for me as I was able to take out the garbage for the very first time. I know that may not sound very exciting, but for me it was a big moment.

Week 2 also had a special moment, as one night I slept 10.5 hrs. I actually woke up an hour late for my first morning dose of medications. I am noticing that I am waking up on more often than not.

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Now, it's your turn! How has your week been, and what exciting updates do you have to share ? Let's continue to inspire each other on this path to wellness.

I will add more to this page as we go along!

Thank you,.

Week 3 - September 8 to 14, 2024

I have been away at my friend Trevor's place most of the week, and have been doing lots of hiking, up to10km one day. The walking has definitely made a difference as I am waking up in the morning some days ready to go. I have reduced my 4pm medication dose by half a pill as I was beginning to have too much dyskinesia at that time of the day. I think it's too early to get excited at such a small medication reduction. I will see what continues to happen.

Week 4 - September 15 to 21, 2024

I have been fairly consistent with my walks this week. Am starting to notice more dyskinesia around 1-2pm, wondering if I need to make another med adjustment, too early to do I think. Will see what happens next week.

Week 5 - September 22 to 28, 2024

Because I had spent a lot of time at Trevor's place the last week or so, I had not been as consistent with my fast walking, and quickly lost most of my progress. Hiking 10-12km in a day is not the same as fast walking for an hour. I quickly found I do not get the same brain benefit(I am going to call it) as hiking. More and more I feel that this may be the SPECIFIC activity needed to roll back PD symptoms.

Week 6 - September 29 to October 5, 2024

This was a tough week because I got quite ill from a bug going around, and was only able to complete my fast walk one time. I went to the dentist before I realized I was sick, and had no cavities or broken teeth. I also had a fluoride free appointment of which I am grateful for. That afternoon though, after my appointment, was when the bug hit and had me out for almost 2 weeks.

Week 7 - October 6 to October 12, 2024

This week has also been tough for me, as I fell behind in my walking and my anxiety symptoms were able to catch up and pass my exercise routine. That is never a good then, because then I have to work extra hard to get back on track. I did near the end of the week and was able to complete my fast walk 2 times, but only up to 40 minutes per walk. I have a lot to do to get back up to an hour. It feels like I am back at week 1.

Week 8 - October 13 to October 19, 2024

This was a tough week, pushing back against anxiety that had raised it's ugly head, as it took five days to get a decent walk in. It was all worth it in the end as I relied heavily on my playlist to get me motivated. Here is one of my favorite tracks.

Week 9 - October 20 to October 26, 2024

I was back at Pine Mountain Railway for some more outdoor fun. Was finally starting to feel better and getting back into shape. Hopefully I can build on this and get ahead of my symptoms.

Week 10 - October 27 to November 2, 2024

This was a really good week for me as I got in four excellent walks, and almost completed an hour each time. Hoping to build on that next week.

Week 11 - November 3 to November 9, 2024

Unfortunately this was not a great week again, although I made progress by finally completing my amitriptyline withdrawal, which is a big load off my mind. I was only able to complete 3 walks, at 30 min each. We are having a bathroom reno done to make it safer and more accessible for me having a walk in shower, but things seem to easily get in the way of walking. This is a difficult task.

Week 12 - November 10 to November 16, 2024

This week is the beginning of our 2 week bathroom renovation. It was very difficult to stay on target, as Kiwi does not like construction, or strangers going in and out of her house randomly. We survived week one, but I was only able to do a half hour at a time for my walks, as I was also completely exhausted.

Week 13 - November 17 to November 23, 2024

Thankfully the renovation has ended. The new walkin shower looks great, and I feel much safer in the shower. I was beginning to feel very unsafe in the bathtub,

Week 14 - November 24 to November 30, 2024

Finally, a week where everything is beginning to come together! I get in some excellent walks, I am beginning to feel even better, this might actually work. It's been a lot of persistence and agony to get my walks in, but it is starting to pay off!.

Week 15 - December 1 to December 7, 2024

Had another good week, but going to make some changes to the blog. Going to record my progress daily as the weeks run away from me quickly.

Week 16 -December 8 to December 14, 2024

Turned 51 on December 8, then had my 29th wedding anniversary with Hayley on December 9. Kept up with my walking, but am excited to record daily progress for more accuracy.

Week 17 - December 15 to December 21, 2024

Sunday 6km, Monday rest day not feeling well, Tuesday 6km, Wednesday it snowed and I did lot of house cleaning, no walk. Had lot's of anxiety Wednesday and Thursday. Got back out Friday, did 11km, crazy day. Saturday was a rest day.

Each km takes around 9 mins, so I need 7km to reach my target of one continuous hour. I am so close.

I have been having days where it seems my smell is returning sometimes and I am beginning to feel hungry sometimes. I am beginning to feel that I can drop some medication from one of my afternoon doses. Beginning to get dyskinesia in the afternoon.