RJ Hayden

I live in a very remote area of New Mexico where just getting to a physical therapist is a challenge. I purchased an exercise book/video combination called “Delay the Disease: Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease” which has been an excellent addition to formal PT sessions.

A couple of falls which screwed up my left knee brought me to the realization that it is almost a function of ‘mind over matter’ . . . meaning that I constantly have to think about what I do, where I go and how I step.  Movement is no longer an unconscious effort which can be very frustrating.  I have found that initiating the step was the most c…[Read more]

I have used both a cane and hiking sticks . . . they may not be 100%, but they have helped me to keep my balance and prevent a fall.

I was very athletic during my college years . . . playing both baseball and ice hockey. As I got older I played in a very competitive softball league and then suddenly, I found that I couldn’t throw a ball with any kind of ‘mustard’. Eventually the distance of each throw also became shorter, less accurate and I noticed a stiffness in my throwing…[Read more]

Originally from NYC (Staten Island), we currently live in northern New Mexico.

Yes – freezing of gait is my greatest challenge. Like Robert, I have to put a conscious effort in initiating the walking process . . .  it is no longer automatic. As Caroline said, turns and narrow passage ways can absolutely be an adventure. Once I get started I’m generally ok as long as there are no sharp turns in my path. The carpet in my…[Read more]