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You’ll soon be blessed with your first grandchild. The news brings joy to your ears and puts a spring in your step, until you begin to reevaluate: You have Parkinson’s disease. Will you prove to be of no use? Will you be a burden? A bother? Just in…

I don’t feel very good. My stomach feels nauseous because my head hurts. My head hurts because I can’t stop grinding my teeth, which only adds to the stiffness in my neck, which makes my back hurt more, which makes me want to yell, “ENOUGH ALREADY!” But ……

I once heard a story about how we make plans for our lives, only to have them overturned. Kind of like planning to take a trip around the world and somehow you end up at the North Pole. This is my version of that story ……

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Mirapex, the “golden” treatment for Parkinson’s disease, and the negative effects it can have. Another example of a treatment that people with Parkinson’s need to be aware of is Haldol (haloperidol), an antipsychotic commonly used in hospital settings to treat…

When you’ve been blessed with the companionship of the Little Monster, as we so familiarly and unaffectionately call Parkinson’s disease, you may get tense and tight at the mere mention of PD. For some with Parkinson’s, perhaps you haven’t experienced much stiffness. Maybe no pain. Maybe lots. Whether…

I had a shower this morning, then proceeded to get dressed. I pulled on the blue pants I wear when volunteering at the hospital once a week at an adult day care program. The participants have conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke recovery, and more.

Well, I’m thankful for my neurologist, Eric Lee, MD, and I’m thankful for my neurosurgeon, Matthew Miller, MD, but if I were to label a hero for the recent experience of having my DBS battery replaced, the kudos, accolades, honors, and more would have to go to my…

Fear is real. Those who live with a chronic illness may deal with it on a daily basis. It robs you of the joy of in your journey, the thrill of tomorrow, the delight of your day. It steals your contentment, empties you of enjoying the now, replaces wonder with…

I don’t know about you, but I find it difficult to lie. For me, I consider that a good thing. Now, I’m not saying I’ve never lied. If we’re honest, we’ve all lied. But consider what you are about to read, and then ask yourself, if you can…

In previous years, I have compiled a Christmas list for Parkinson’s patients. Some of the most popular items have been terry-cloth robes to dry off in when we just don’t have the strength or our balance is wavering. Also, satin pajamas make turning over in bed so…