Sherri Woodbridge,  —

I often refer to my journey with Parkinson’s disease (PD) as a battle I am fighting. One Merriam-Webster definition of battle is “an extended contest, struggle, or controversy.” Another is “a struggle to succeed or survive.” To go to battle is to engage in a fight…

While searching for a movement disorders doctor, I happened upon a government listing for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) Centers of Excellence, which fascinated me. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, PD Centers of Excellence deliver care worldwide to more than 127,000 patients. The centers “advance research to improve the lives of…

I am part of several internet support groups for Parkinson’s disease. A while back, a member posed a question on a discussion board: “I was wondering if craving sweets is an unusual symptom of Parkinson’s disease.” A few replies came back. One woman had just returned from the store, toting…

Editor’s note: A continuation of the “ABCs of Parkinson’s” series. “You have Parkinson’s disease.” “What exactly does that mean?” I asked. While I waited for a response to my question, my thoughts covered a multitude of fears in a minimal amount of time. I sat and listened…

About 12 years before my “official” diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, I originally went to an eye doctor, as I was having issues with my right eye. It would feel as if it were literally burning, and I could “see” a fiery red fireball behind my eye. The ophthalmologist…

I recently received an email from someone concerned that he may have early signs of Parkinson’s disease. I have met others who have PD, but not someone in the throes of wondering if the symptoms he is are experiencing are, in fact, PD. I can’t stop thinking about…

Several years ago, my youngest son discovered the camera, and through its lens, he discovered a whole new world. On one particular day, I was feeling down and he asked why. “I don’t know,” I replied. There was no real reason. Some days are just like that when you…

As a young parent, it is often hard to realize how fast time slips away. You’re too busy changing diapers, refilling milk bottles, wiping dirty faces, and running bath water. You’re doing tubs of laundry daily and wiping up spills hourly. You’re consumed with the next activity, whether…

According to Wikipedia, a “team is a group of individuals working together to achieve a goal.” But a “group does not necessarily constitute a team.” Teamwork is defined as “the collaborative effort of a team to achieve a common goal or to complete a task in the most…

You have been asked to speak to a group of newbies in the Parkinson’s world. You have been asked to share with them wisdom you have gleaned from walking this journey of having Parkinson’s disease. What will you tell them? This is what I might say: You must…