Columns

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…

The needs of each Parkinson’s disease (PD) patient varies because there is a large symptom diversity in the disease population. We may think of this diversity as a Parkinson’s disease spectrum: some people display little or no symptoms of a certain type while others describe those same symptoms as severe.

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…

Third in a series. Read parts one and two. Complacency setting in “Complacency is a continuous struggle that we all have to fight.” –Jack Nicklaus It has been about a year since I started Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) classes. It has been a great journey filled with many…

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…

In part two of a series, columnist Jean Mellano’s Rock Steady Boxing journey continues. Read part one. Camaraderie The camaraderie fostered by Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is off the charts, and our coach is so encouraging and compassionate. We are all part of a team united in…

Before I delve into the diverse range of topics I plan to write about, let me introduce myself. I was diagnosed with a type of rigid Parkinson’s disease (PD) in my early 60s. It is an idiopathic form, and hard for others to see. I experience the…