Shorts or Pants? Learning to Embrace Our Parkinson’s Scars

Sherri Woodbridge avatar

by Sherri Woodbridge |

Share this article:

Share article via email
dignity

Last week, I attended my boxing class. Temperatures were in the high 80s, and we knew we’d be sweating profusely by the end of the session. As we prepared for class, one member who wore shorts commented to another wearing pants, “You’re going to be hot with those pants on.”

She wasn’t suggesting that he remove his pants, but rather that he should have worn shorts. His reply, as he pulled up his pant leg to reveal a large Band-Aid, was, “I don’t wear shorts. I’ve got too many scars and bruises on my legs.”

I felt that I should hide behind one of the punching bags so that no one would see my glue gun burn scars, marks on my knees and elbows from falls, bruises from playing with my grandson and running into something, or being bonked by something else — and those were merely the ones I could recall off the top of my head.

Scars can tell a story.

They can tell tales of where you have been, of the things you have done, and of healing. 

Many of us have scars from our past that have healed, but we keep them covered so that we won’t have to explain where we got them. We might have scars from abuse or from battles we were forced to fight. Scars may come from physical injuries or mental or emotional wounds.

The Parkinson’s Disease News Today forums are a place to connect with other patients, share tips and talk about the latest research. Check them out today!

Scarring is a part of the natural healing process.

Sores, burns, and wounds leave behind marks of various sizes and shapes. Our scars are evidence of damage that has been repaired either within the skin or the body.

Those of us with Parkinson’s disease have scars inflicted by an illness that is continually attacking our bodies with intense pain and uncontrollable movements. We have struggled with depression, despair, and fear. These wounds run rampant and deep. They may not look as we expect them to appear, but they are still wounds nonetheless. They include signs of damage to our unsuspecting bodies, trauma that causes us to think the worst about our situation, and hurt that needs healing so that we can live well, to allow us to press on amid the fight through hope of better days to come.

Through hope we find healing.

Through hope, we find strength, peace, and contentment within ourselves. We no longer care what our scars look like because they are welcome reminders of the healing we have experienced on the inside. We don’t nurse fear and worry over what the next day may hold. Instead, we get ready in the morning and choose shorts — not because it’s hot, but because we can.

***

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

James Mourlas avatar

James Mourlas

Dear Sherri,

As usual--very well written piece--it is so true--we all carry physical and mental "scars" that tell us where we've been and what we've gone through---some have healed up over the years and some are still fresh--
I suspect that some of the volunteers like me are carrying caregiver scars--something motivated us to try to help and often I believe it is because we have lived through or are still living through someone else's anguish--whether it was PK or some other affliction.

Seeing the great spirit and determination in the folks I work with helps soothe my wounds--The harder they hit my boxing mittens the better I like it- I see mental strength and the "I'm not giving in" attitude that makes me want to burst with love and pride.

God Bless each of you as you fight this terrible disease and know that there are millions of folks around the world working every day on a cure--it will happen!--couldn't be soon enough for me.

Love Jim

Reply
WHVance avatar

WHVance

Great articles and resource to those with Parkinson and those who are in the family.

Reply
Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Thanks for the encouraging comment!

Reply
Anna avatar

Anna

Just diagnosed . All I am thinking how to end it. Feel embarrassed . Where and how to find strength to live with pd.

Reply
Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Anna - you have absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. Nothing. SO many people with PD go on to live quite well. We all have bumps in the road that jar us but you’ve got to get back up and find the best you you can be. Get into a support group near your home or online. Try this one for starters: https://www.facebook.com/groups/445332425810550/

Message me if you want to chat: [email protected]

Reply

Leave a comment

Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published.