[Maria Cesena]

I always say, Alive and well by the grace of God. I don’t believe people truly want to hear the truth and generally ask out of politeness. I may be judging people too harshly, but I am still angry with this diagnosis and am doubtful and suspicious of almost everything.

[Maria Cesena]

I’m relatively new to this site and am joining rather late to the discussion about what PD symptom most impacts the quality of my life and I’d have to say it’s the severe insomnia. I’ve just recently been officially diagnosed with PD but was told that I’ve probably have had it for the past 12 to 13 years with relatively mild symptoms, well, what the neurologist considers mild symptoms.

I’ve had severe, extreme insomnia that is resistant to medication, natural supplements, holistic medicine, alternative therapy like acupuncture and etc., etc.

This, of course leads to chronic fatigue. I continue to work but it’s with a huge effort. This upcoming Saturday I will be celebrating my 53rd birthday. If, I could retire with full medical benefits and at a reasonable monthly pension benefit at 55-years old I’d feel a bit better.

Because I’m so exhausted all the time, I’ve become a virtual introvert. I literally have not had a date in six-years since my divorce in 2013. My companion is my cat, Mozart. I have two adult children,one who lives out of state and the other extremely running his own business. I don’t mind too terribly they don’t have much time for me.

I’m too tired to engage in my once favored activities. PD is so life-altering. However, my daughter has told me not to let it define who I am. So, it’s just another component of my life. It’s rather simplistic of her to say.

I pray for the day that I can sleep for more than 2 to 3 hours at night. It affects all aspects of life. How can I trust myself to drive, my memory, to make important decisions, to keep my body well so the other PD symptoms aren’t so problematic.  Sleep is so important for our well-being.  This extreme insomnia has taken away any semblance of normalcy in my life.

It can’t be a unique experience to me. Others with PD must have encountered this issue at some point or another though I understand PD is different for each and every one of us.

I would like to engage in life once more and perhaps even venture out of my introverted self. Any stories, encouragement, or solutions?