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

early stage, remission, default mode network, insular cortex, criteria, hallucinations, storm Dr. C is the familiar pseudonym for readers who visit “Possibilities with Parkinson’s.” The love of writing has spanned his careers as a research theoretician, brain rehabilitation clinician, and college professor. Dr. C was first diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson’s disease in 2014. His interest in how Parkinson’s disease can manifest itself in other body and mind symptoms has become a focused area for his research and writing. His goal is to share current medical research on how Parkinson’s can be diagnosed in early stages, and to help other early-stage Parkinson’s patients manage their disease process in a holistic healing approach.
March 4, 2022 Columns by Dr. C

The Well of Resources: Managing Chronic Illness

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…

February 25, 2022 Columns by Dr. C

Akathisia and Constipation: The Odd Couple

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…

February 18, 2022 Columns by Dr. C

Off Periods and Biological Clock Malfunctions

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,…

February 11, 2022 Columns by Dr. C

How I’m Doing With My New Parkinson’s Self

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…

February 4, 2022 Columns by Dr. C

Routine Helps When Living With Chronic Illness

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,…

January 28, 2022 Columns by Dr. C

The Loss of Identity and the Quest for a New Self

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…

January 21, 2022 Columns by Dr. C

Facing the Beast and Being Honest About My Suffering

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…

January 14, 2022 Columns by Dr. C

A Caregiver’s Role in the ‘TBM’ Support Partnership

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.

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