Columns

The image of Parkinson’s disease I called a caricature in a previous column about depression does not match how I see the illness, nor does it match what most people experience. We need a new face for the disease that reflects how people experience it, and that offers possibility…

Getting started in the morning is one of the most challenging parts of my day. The last dose of medicine is completely gone, and my body feels like an abandoned car. The structure and engine are there, but nothing is running. My body needs a jump-start. For many of us,…

Before you can let go of the life you’ve planned, you need to have a plan. I don’t know many people who plan out their whole life. Rather, they take what’s been given to them and try to make the best of it. However, some sort of plan should be…

When everything was at its worst, the darkness engulfed me. I yell out, “I hate my life.” In 2017, an estimated 7.1% of all U.S. adults had been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives. It is much worse for those with a chronic…

I stand outside as I water my garden, surrounded by an assortment of fragrant lilies. Dahlia, salvia, and crocosmia blooms dress green stems in vibrant colors of deep purples, iridescent blues, and bold oranges and reds. If it didn’t get so bloomin’ (pun intended) hot out there, I would stay…

Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, I have left no stone unturned in testing out the latest and greatest of nonprescription solutions to ease my symptoms. In my view, some have had good press and showed a lot of promise. Among the more popular supplements I tried without…

“My dad’s neurologist is transparent and compassionate. He is thorough and truthful. If yours is not, I highly suggest finding one who is.” In the introductory sentences, the caregiver says that her dad has a great neurologist. She then recommends that you find another neurologist if yours is lacking.

I bit my tongue hard enough to draw blood, releasing that unique rusty-iron taste. This wasn’t the first time. When I have had multiple teeth removed (leaving open spaces for a few weeks while artificial teeth were being made), my mouth muscles had difficulty adjusting. The consequences are quite painful.

When you live with a chronic illness, it is sometimes so easy to fool yourself into thinking life isn’t so bad. Life isn’t so hard. You’ve got this. Then you go to a doctor’s appointment and walk out of his office with a rock sitting in the pit of your…

I find I can make lots and lots of lists of lots and lots of goals, but rarely do they amount to anything. Some lists were New Year’s resolutions I made in February because I never got around to making a list in time for New Year’s. However, on…