What We Wish We Had Known

Sherri Woodbridge avatar

by Sherri Woodbridge |

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There is a question circulating once again in the Parkinson’s forums and Facebook groups. “What do you wish you had known when you were first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease?” This cycle of inquiry seems to repeat itself about once every six months. 

It’s almost like, by asking that question, we hope to find a hidden treasure we weren’t told about at the onset of our diagnosis. Some hidden gem will unearth itself that we somehow missed. It’s as if we are looking for some sort of magic needed to skim over the hard stuff. Something that will enable us to press on as if we were superhuman in the face of our disease. But, we aren’t superhuman. I know that personally.

There isn’t any one answer that will be “it” to our question of what we wish we had known. There isn’t one answer that will fulfill the longing for the secret to making the acceptance of our diagnosis easier. Depending on where you are in your journey with Parkinson’s, there could be several answers.

What would your answer be to the question above? Here are some inquiries made by those who answered that question:

Denial won’t make it go away. Choosing not to accept the truth or even admit it into your consciousness doesn’t mean you nullify its existence. Viktor Frankl wrote, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” When we can no longer change the fact we have Parkinson’s disease, we begin to live at a new level. 

Our future does not rest on the diagnosis we get, but on how we respond to that diagnosis. It’s not a worse life. It’s different. Learn to accept it and get on with living because there’s lots left to do and to live for.

Many people wish they were told about things they could do to slow the progression, such as exercise. It’s hard to recommend treatment when you’re not sure what you’re treating, as is often the case when trying to diagnose Parkinson’s. The exercise phenomena in Parkinson’s is pretty new. According to recent studies, exercise is said to be hailed as the new medicine in Parkinson’s disease.

When I was diagnosed in 2004, exercise wasn’t often brought up. The ideas of boxing, dance, tai chi, and more were pretty new in terms of their benefits for Parkinson’s disease.

Sometimes I have wondered if exercise was downplayed because the disease was predominant in older people. However, with the rise of young-onset Parkinson’s disease, younger people may not be as feeble or afraid to try something more strenuous than chair exercises. 

We have come through a period of Parkinson’s history that relied heavily on medications to treat the disease. Now we’re finding that exercise makes a bigger difference than a handful of pills. And though we may wonder why we didn’t know or start exercising sooner, it’s never too late.

It is not uncommon to grieve over this disease. We have lost a lot. Parkinson’s can steal our identity and independence, and ruin our relationships. For those who’ve been through the grief process of Parkinson’s — it’s normal. And just because you’ve grieved once doesn’t mean it won’t surface again. With every new symptom that surfaces, you might experience something. Or, you may experience nothing. Everyone is different.

Don’t let your diagnosis keep you from those things you love to do, such as dancing, as this clip shows. Some of us may appear or feel awkward in our movements, but often those awkward movements disappear for a bit while dancing, exercising, and more.

Finally, what we should remember, Parkinson’s or not, is that laughter is the best medicine. Keep or get a sense of humor. Laugh at yourself. Laugh out loud. Just laugh. It does a body good. Isn’t that what we’re striving for anyhow?

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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

RONALD WAIGENFELD avatar

RONALD WAIGENFELD

FANTASTIC I WILL SHARE WITH MY NEUROLOGIST

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laura seymour avatar

laura seymour

As always, I love your writings. You give us an extra boost we need and thoughtful insight. I look for your submissions first. Thank you so much!

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Thank you, Laura, for such an encouraging comment!!!

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John Bredenkamp avatar

John Bredenkamp

Hi, I am very new on this journey, only three months since diagnosis. I walk almost five miles every morning and since I’ve been on CarbaLev my walking has improved and I no longer scuff my right foot with almost every step. The walking also mitigates the nausea from the meds, so I already see the benefit of exercise.
Regards
John

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

John - thank you for your comment and sharing your journey. Keep on keeping on!

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Lisa Laurian Hurrell avatar

Lisa Laurian Hurrell

Thank you so much!!!
I am the wife of a loving man who was my dance partner. Michael was diagnosed eighteen months ago - but looking back - we now know he must have had Parkinson’s for 4 years earlier. His balance was not quite right - but the Drs didn’t pick it up. The laughter we share on the good days is precious. ❤️

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Thank you so much for your comment - I am glad you can still laugh and dance together!

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Hilmar Cuhls avatar

Hilmar Cuhls

Dear Sherri, I just love your column and look forward to them. I find them always very inspirational, and when I occasionally feel a bit “low” your conclusions very uplifting. I live in the UK and have been diagnosed just over 3 years ago, but now realise some signs appeared several years earlier. I have fully accepted the diagnosis, in fact, counted my blessings that it wasn’t MND, of which my older sister died. Since joining the local PD Support group I come to realise that a cure is unlikely for me, I am a youthful 77 year old, but pray for all the younger people with PD, that all the international research efforts will be successful. Your column will help all of us to keep the spirit up. Thank you.

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Marti Evans avatar

Marti Evans

Just got word that my husband has Parkinson’s. We’re just starting out on this journey and have seen the drugs already start working. His quiet voice is not as present and his gait has picked up, the tremors are really less obvious. We’re encouraged yet scared. This of course is awful news to get. We are exercising plus looking into boxing. Anyone have good results with this? We are walking more. He’s definitely on board with cleaning up his diet too. It’s a roller coaster of emotions.

Marti

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Grace avatar

Grace

I would love to exercise but because of so many falls due to being off balance broke my vertabrae in my back.I try to walk around the mall with my chair some days..but my back is so bad its a short walk. My voice is really going even though i practise singing some days to help get my voice up there

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Hi Grace - I’m sorry to hear of your struggles. Have you tried googling chair exercises for people with Parkinson’s disease? There are many out there that you can do at home that may help you exercise without the risk of falling. “Delay the Disease” is one organization that has some good ones you can do and they are on YouTube.

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