Don’t Give Up on This Bittersweet Journey

Sherri Woodbridge avatar

by Sherri Woodbridge |

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Back to the Future

Sherri Journeying Through

Everything’s not all right or OK. Like it or not, we have a chronic disease that won’t go away. Our days are consumed with uncontrollable thoughts; they ravage our minds, threaten our souls, and grasp for our spirits.

Will we ever be “us” again — those beings who once dwelled inside these bodies? Will we become the burden we think others perceive us to be or that we believe ourselves to be? Will we pout and feel sorry for ourselves, thinking our lives are nearly done when not long ago, it seemed that they were just beginning?

We need to find a way to view our circumstances with new eyes. To realize that our situation may actually be a blessing instead of a curse. We can choose to travel this bittersweet journey that’s been laid at our feet.

Remaining positive despite this disease can be extremely challenging. We must remind ourselves that things could be worse and be thankful for what we have. 

We can consider what we can still accomplish. Adopting a fresh perspective helps us to get through each day instead of wallowing in “what could have been.”

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Once in a while, someone will say something to us that should have been left unsaid; words they deemed wise yet when spoken aloud came across as ignorant, inappropriate, or distasteful. Incorrect and inadequate information about Parkinson’s disease leads to foolish comments. We can feel defensive and sad at the remarks we hear. Or we can put on our masked smiles and let them think they know better when in reality, we know best.

These are the facts of having Parkinson’s: We shuffle when we walk, we choke when we eat, we drool on our pillows. We shake on the outside and the inside. Sometimes it feels as if we are going to come right out of our skins. Our toes curl and cramp, our fingers as well, and sometimes we wonder if we will ever feel normal again. “Normal” becomes a distant world.

We experience stiffness on the left side and rigidity on the right, along with intense pain. 

We grieve for things gained and lost. Depression vies for our attention; even as we try to push it back into its place, it seeks to control by beckoning, mocking, and screaming out our names.

Our speech may be soft or so slurred that others strain to hear our words. We are interrupted, cut off, and misunderstood. We feel as if we have nothing worthwhile to contribute to conversations, which in turn leaves us feeling insignificant.

However, despite our “abnormalities,” and mixed-up and out-of-control feelings, we cannot, and will not, quit. Quit is a four-letter word, as foul as those others are when used in conjunction with the unrelenting challenge of finding a cure. If we quit, we give up. We relinquish control to this disease. And that is something we must — as long as it is within our power — never, ever do.

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Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.

Comments

eric schneider avatar

eric schneider

Thanks Sherri, I needed that today after a long night waiting for meds to take effect after a bigger dinner than usual, so I get could get some sleep. Sometimes it helps to know others think and feel the same as we do as we journey through each new day in similar fashion.

Reply
Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Thanks, Eric for your comment - I’m glad it encouraged you and hope you finally got some sleep. I was awake 1/2 the night too. As you said - we journey thru each new day in a similar fashion and if not today, we will tomorrow! Have a great day.

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Bill fisher avatar

Bill fisher

Thanks for your insightful article. I was going to cancel my boxing class today because I’m feeling terrible, now I will go. No matter where we are on this journey we should “rage against the dying of the light”. Your words were encouraging, thank you.

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Bill - Thank you for your kind comment. I am so glad you were encouraged to go ahead and go to your class. It’s so easy to talk ourselves out of doing things, isn’t it?!? Hang in there!

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Clifford E. Grosvenor avatar

Clifford E. Grosvenor

Thank you so much! You said it so well and so on point. The fight gets
Overwhelming for both my wife and I. It is a struggle for me, everything is
Different. I try to feel blessed everyday, in spite of the limitations.

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Cliff - thank you so much for your comment. It can be overwhelming but you have a great attitude!

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Barry jordan avatar

Barry jordan

Thanks...need it...anxiety...takes over..

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Glad it helped!

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Barry jordan avatar

Barry jordan

Dbs....your thoughts...

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Barry - I have had DBS and would do it again. My journey with DBS is chronicled on my blog Parkinson’s Journey. What are your symptoms? Are you on medication and if so, what and do they/does it seem to help with the tremors if you have them? I look forward to hearing back from you.

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