Columns

Sometimes, the call of nature is a daily dash to the bathroom. At least it used to be for me. I had a regular routine — until Parkinson’s disease came along. Now, I don’t sense “having to go” in the same way. Days will go by without a visit to…

My sister Bev, who has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease (PD), has balance problems and an unsteady gait, which have led to a number of falls. Fortunately, she hasn’t suffered any major injuries as a result. Last year, Bev had a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA, scan to measure…

“How’s your 2022 so far?” I text my dad a few days into January. “Not so good,” his message lights up my phone. “I think I have COVID.” At first, I think he’s joking. He’s always finding ways to look on the bright side of life, and sometimes doing so…

Before I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease seven years ago, I hadn’t heard the term “off periods.” After getting involved in the Parkinson’s community, I discovered that the term is frequently used. One reader asked, “Why do my symptoms get so bad in the early evening?” My response was,…

Parkinson’s is not considered a rare disease, as it affects nearly a million in the U.S., but the people within the Parkinson’s community are rare to me. They are unique, and they are exceptional. I am proud to be an advocate for Parkinson’s awareness and the rare disease communities that…

My sister Bev, who has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease (PD), always comments that she wishes her hair were as thick as mine. Although we were both blessed with natural curls and waves when we were younger, Bev’s hair has become much thinner and less wavy over time. As we…

Many of us with Parkinson’s disease experience a shift from our former persona to our new self. Some readers have reported that they can no longer do what they once used to do. Some lost attributes are physical — we can’t walk as far as we used to or participate…

My dad and I sat quietly in the living room one early evening. The daily hustle and bustle had died down, and we were enjoying the peace of simply existing in each other’s presence. When I’m home, I like to mull over existential questions. I want to know what…

The other day, when I was shopping for sandals, I thought about my sister Bev, who has stage 3 Parkinson’s disease. I pondered how Parkinson’s might affect her footwear options. For example, I thought about how sandals and flip-flops may be trendy, but they typically aren’t good for people with…

Many writers offering chronic disease management tips suggest establishing a routine. Doing this while battling a chronic illness is no easy task. It used to be that I could push myself hard to get something done, and all I would feel afterward is tired. Now when I push like that,…