By Marva Lee Weigelt
What a revolutionary week this has been for me to integrate new understanding, launched by Gary Sharpe’s post about how trauma and chronic dysregulation affects other people’s perceptions of us in social situations. I had a giant aha that helped me understand and have compassion for my own mysterious social isolation as a child and well into adulthood.
Integrating that with my increased awareness after taking a class a year and a half ago and staying in touch through groups like this, I am able to understand that honing my interoception skills allows me to recognize virtually instantly when I am in the presence of a dysregulated person. I’m sure I’ve always done this, but without the comprehension of what’s happening.
I am using this raised awareness to great advantage in my peer support practice, and also observing how I am assisting others with cor-egulation.
Then, last night, in a community ukulele group I lead, I could understand why I was reacting as I was to a young woman who is a beginning player. It is quite clear that the rest of the group is having a similar reaction to her. In fact, one player stayed afterwards to talk to me privately about how the awkward young woman made her feel unaccountably “nervous.” I was so happy to have the language and concepts to help her understand what I thought was happening at the nervous system level. Then she said, “I used to be that way myself,” and I knew I had a new ally in building compassion instead of following the natural, but heartbreaking impulse to avoid and exclude this young person."
Read MoreBy Mildred Atanasio
Hello Dr. Sharpe, I am very glad I came across your videos and messages on facebook! I just want to say a huge thanks as all your info is very useful. My mum was diagnosed last year. In Malta, even medication is limited. But anyway, I have lately also started helping out with managing the page Malta Parkinson's Disease Association, which tries to bring Maltese people with PD (and others) together. I find your articles (and especially your improvement) very admirable and much more helpful! Thank you once again.
Read MoreBy Julie Brown Sheil
I really admire this man. Gary Sharpe is a Warrior in the fight against Parkinson’s Disease.
He has been tirelessly researching therapies and documenting their effects along the way so that others can witness how he is healing himself. He also shares them with the world so that others can benefit from them, too.
He has refused to let doctors convince him that there’s nothing that can be done to slow or reverse symptoms. He has refused to become a victim of, or defined by, his disease. The best part is, he’s winning. He’s improving his quality of life (and that of others).
I follow Gary because once I found out I had neurological disease from Post-Concussion Syndrome, I began researching ways to help myself. Even though I don’t have Parkinson’s, I do have a chronic disease and I have found all of Gary’s insights (listed below) to be true in my case as well. Doctors don’t know everything. Specialists only know their specialty. Doctors chase symptoms rather than chasing the cause of the symptoms. Patients who are intimately involved with their own healing do better. Patients who think outside the box can make some impactful discoveries, not only for themselves, but for others.
It’s a sad state of affairs that patients are left to navigate their own recovery and healing. But it can lead to some amazing discoveries.
Gary is the reason I started my Mind Matters Mondays posts. I want my journey to be able to help others, to make it a little less likely that someone will have to struggle to find answers or relief the way I have.
Thank you, Gary, for all that you do!
Read MoreBy D. Hutton
I experience chronic pain on a daily basis due to chronic disease. Chronic pain is mentally and physically exhausting. Part of my self care is co- regulating my nervous system with my husband everyday. We sit quietly, calmly together and observe how our bodies feel, just breathing/existing. We are in physical contact, sitting on the couch. We practice observing how our thoughts, conversation and emotions affect our nervous systems. Sometimes I get very anxious if he shows empathy when I don't want it. Sometimes we just sit quietly. I actually resisted the co regulation aspect of the poly vagal theory, but you were so persistent with this information that I finally tried it out. Life is so much better now!! Thank you for your persistence, dedication, and information Gary Sharpe!
Read MoreBy Brandon Knight
Outstanding information, you are very helpful as you explain what you are feeling in a clear way. Thanks for putting in the effort to make these. Disconnect between the brain and body feels about right to me and I will be making some devices for myself to test out. Just started with sinemet and I am 40 so far it has been a big help my right foot has been about like yours since I was 34. I am not even sure if I have Parkinson's maybe some other dopamine issue have dat scan scheduled seen multiple neurologist and they have not been able to pin it down they are going off medication response at this point thinking it might be a dopamine responsive dystonia. Any way just wanted to thank you for putting these together and explaining that the medication on its own will not be enough. The sinemet gave me to mobility to move with less pain so I can work out again as well as helped me think more clearly but I do believe that it is what you do with the room the medication buys you that will make the difference although I understand we are all different. Thank you again for posting these they do help.
Read MoreBy Simon Clarke
I came across your website at a very opportune time - much of your research, information and experience corroborate my own. Many of the PD symptoms (before and after life hacks) you demonstrate in your videos bought a smile to my face, seeing someone else taking a proactive role and showing real progress. Thank you!
I was diagnosed with idiopathic PD at the age of 48. As you know- getting that diagnoses and prognosis ruined my day... and the rest of my life (or so I thought). I went through the various stage of grief and went on Meds with resignation to my fate.
However about 2 years after diagnoses, I had an epiphany (of sorts) and realised I no longer needed to be a victim as there must be some way of alleviating and/or slowing down progression. This led me to shiatsu, yoga, yin tuinna, mindfulness, meditation and to Zhineng QiGOng which I have been doing for the least 2.5 years with great success. During this time, I have searched the web relentlessly (PD trait!!) and come across some useful info..
However I think your website is one of the most comprehensive resources I have seen of all the information and practical, holistic guidance collated in one place. It’s a very useful place to start when looking for a way through PD that encourages the understanding and healing of the entire BodyMind system.
The last week I have been reading Norman Doige's book-the brains way of healing. Full of good information
Read MoreBy Ken Howard
May I also add my humble gratitude for all you are doing to help us tackle Parkinson’s. In a recent “Live Loud” session organised by the Cardiff branch of Parkinson’s UK, we were asked to nominate someone who has inspired us to fight against this pernicious disease. I nominate you, Gary! You have shown me that we should not give in and accept the inevitable, but should keep on fighting! Rule 1 in any battle is “know your enemy”. You have been tireless in exploring all the potential causes - physical, chemical and psychological, and sharing your findings with us. Secondly, you have amazed us with your enthusiastic approach to trying any potential treatment, no matter how obscure it may seem. I am trying out many of these, principally the exercise, diet and mindfulness related therapies. These have helped me significantly, and I’m particularly interested in your research into the Vagus nerve issues. Please keep up the good work - I shall keep on fighting with you!
Read MoreBy Tina Gebhart:
Gary, I may have been researching before finding your page, but your consistent encouragement, posting of your supplement and exercise trials, and general can-do attitude have been super motivating for me. I would not have gone gangbusters on this fish oil and fasting thing if I had not seen your experimental models. I may not have built up the nerve to go against my first neurologist and then find a better, awesome one. Thank you a million times over. I consider you my big brother, as sappy as that may sound.
Read MoreBy Gregory Layer:
Gary, you are a gift to this world. Your effort to connect the dots of our daily life and daily choices to our long term health and how disease manifests in our bodies is making a huge difference in my life. I am inspired by your work but more importantly, I am inspired by the spirit with which you share your experience with others. Keep up the great work and know that you are loved and appreciated, just as you are!
Read MoreBy Ann Ostrander:
I am reading/gleaning invaluable information...PD is truly multi system...I have incorporated much of your data into my husband's care. We met with neuro this week and the doctor was surprised at the level of improvement!
Read MoreBy Liz Ivory:
Gary I totally agree👍 gaining Freedom to truly listen and connect to our body's wisdom and to move uninhibited whilst being present to the experience and the joy of being Enough and being alive👍
As I often say if being you and being alive aren't enough...nothing ever will be😘
Enjoying your future discoveries already
Read MoreBy Margaret Yo
My journey truly began with the good news I read in Gary Sharpe and that led me to David Spry and PDFU. Which led me to Wahls and Mischley. I read Glen Pettibone's eBook and was hooked on the idea of healing, of doing it for ourselves. It is a far more attractive prospect than the conventional approach. I am grateful for having stumbled onto this path. While I would wish for a complete and permanent cure, who wouldn't, decreases in symptom expression and reliance on medication, with an increase in functioning, etc, are well worth the effort.
Read MoreBy Jackie Potter
I have twin girls aged 12, a husband who works long hours, limited family support but so fortunate to have amazing girlfriends who make me laugh (so very important as you have covered in previous articles Gary).
I could not agree with your more about stress affecting medication, movement and pain, i.e. increases the latter and makes the other two ineffective. I have had Parkinson's for 7 years and I have spent a considerable time getting rid of as much stress as I can control (I won't go into detail on the control aspects as we are all very different).
What has helped me and still does on a daily basis:
Doing the things I love, gardening, painting, craftwork - makes me happy;
For relaxation I use calming zen music, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises;
For exercise I cycle, walk and use a weighted hoop for stretching and hooping.
When I am in a stressful situation, I use Faster EFT and I get am immediate response which allows me to move normally again.
Nutrition is an area I am working on and I appreciate all the information you are sharing Gary, it really is keeping me motivated. I see a Neurological Consultant only once a year and a Parkinsons Nurse twice (to increase my meds) so fairly minimal support.
This forum is so helpful to so many. Sharing individual experiences allows us all to tap into information and as individuals we can choose to try various foods, exercise, stress tools etc. etc.
I hope that maybe one day we could organise a gathering of like minded people for a day or even better - a weekend where we could support each other in an environment open to sharing freely experiences and demonstrate many of the tools you have tested and commented on.
If I could turn the clock back Gary 2 years when I raised a lot of money on a charity walk, I would pledge the money to you because you are doing something Now, Today, this Minute and being brave enough to share your research, opinions, videos and be so inspiring.
Thank you, again and please don't give up! I too want to come off meds and I too strongly believe we can heal our bodies with the right ingredients of exercise, foods, practicing calming techniques and definitely surrounding yourself with positive, supportive and happy people. Thank you.
Read MoreBy Jahred Boyd
Gary, I know many doubt these techniques as helpful but they are a Godsend for me. Hard for me to verbalize and write but I am able to accomplish physical acts that were out of reach for me years ago. About a week ago I delivered a foal from one of my mares in distress all the while my nephew live streaming it to FACEBOOK. When I watched it minutes later i realized I was moving quite normally, movement was fluid and I was successful. Check-out Tim McCormicks video of colt being born. Mom and baby doing great! Really helped my self esteem and confidence in ability to continue to care for my precious animals that keep me going!
Read MoreBy Carla Buffenbarger
Look forward to your most informative posts each morning Gary Sharpe...
You are a wealth of positive and encouraging information....
Thankyou
Read MoreBy Gilbert Paniagua:
I'm sure I speak for many, Gary, of how much your posts are appreciated, helpful, and very insightful. I'm especially appreciative that you use yourself as a "human guinea pig" and pass along both the good and bad results. I hope you feel better and I'm glad you're fighting not just for yourself, but for all those afflicted with this terrible disease. I'm honored to fight along with you.
Read MoreBy Poldi Dell
Thank you so much, I've been treating Parkinson's patients for over thirty years through my dental office. I've seen them through the initial diagnosis until the end, and until my own husband was diagnosed 6 years ago with a very fast progressing type; I had no idea what these folks had to go through just to get to my office. And until I read your post today I did not have an understanding from my Husband's point of view of how he is feeling.I do now and boy let me tell you your expressiveness is overwhelming . Thank you again from the bottom of my heart, we've been married 27 years and because of you I have hope for many more. God Bless.
Read MoreBy Julie Plumley:
you help me so much, dad and many people I know have Parkinson's - your advice helps give hope when feeling helpless.
Read MoreBy Alison Hindhaugh:
You are an utter giant - keep on moving Gary! We have this challenge in the family so it's totally inspiring to see your research. I basically go along with everything you are discovering - way beyond traditional approaches with mega emphasis on music for neurological stimulation. I totally concur. Keep moving
Read More