PD: The WE Journey – a Column by Jill Hammergren

Deep brain stimulation surgery was life-changing for my husband

I’ve often heard people scoff “It’s not rocket science” or “It’s not brain surgery” when expecting someone to accomplish an easy task. But as I tried to calm my jangling nerves, an important clarification ran through my mind: “This is brain surgery.” I was alone with my thoughts in the hospital waiting room…

How a red light and profanity have helped us in life with Parkinson’s

The 25-watt red bulb in the bedside table lamp gives the room an eerie glow. I chuckle as I remember my husband, Eric, and I giggling when we bought that novelty cherry bulb 15 years ago. At times, we joked it was our “love lamp.” Now, we visit the red-light…

How a herky-jerky, wonky walk led to a Parkinson’s diagnosis

The pneumatic doors whooshed open, revealing an expansive, tiled lobby and a closed door about 15 feet away. I entered the fluorescent-washed space, but Eric’s awkward, lumbering gait halted. I offered him my hand. “You OK?” “Yeah.” He used me as leverage to deliberately rock his left foot forward to…