Possibilities with Parkinson's - a Column by Dr. C

Some people go on vacations to play. For me, play is when I’m creating: writing columns, building garden landscapes, and being of service. Living with a chronic illness can be overwhelming. It helps to have a healthy sense of play, a playful mind, a lightness of being. Being a…

It’s the hand I have been dealt: Parkinson’s for the rest of my life. The good news is I have lucid days. With the right tools, I can remain a productive member of society and a minimal burden on family. I maintain a mental image, my “well of resources,” throughout…

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…

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,…

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…

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,…

My life with Parkinson’s disease is so strange that I sometimes feel as if I don’t know my own self anymore. I have a runny nose that isn’t attributable to allergies or viruses. Rather, it’s a dysregulation effect of the disease. I feel sadness that…

Even after years of practicing the Parkinson’s disease self-management program I initiated and developed, which I call “TBM,” I still experience suffering in the form of intense pain, brain fog, and emotionally turbulent days. Still, I must face the beast. It’s a chaotic experience, difficult to translate, and not…

As this chronic illness progression continues to steal away functioning, I need more support. When I previously wrote about the excellent role Mrs. Dr. C plays within the support partnership, a reader asked, “How do I get me a Mrs. Dr. C relationship?” I didn’t reply at the time.

“Good morning, Mrs. Dr. C,” says Neo, Dr. C’s imaginary talking neocortex and a frequent guest of this column. “Are you excited about the new year?” “I think so, but last year was a challenge for Dr. C. and me,” Mrs. Dr. C replies. “How so?” Neo asks. “Isn’t Dr.