Stressed. This is what my thesaurus had to say: “To ‘stress’ is to emphasize.” Emphasize what? The fact that your life is out of control? The fact that you’re not handling things well? Being “under stress” means that these two elements are wearing on you — being…
Journeying Through Parkinson’s Disease
— Sherri Woodbridge
Sherri was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease over 15 years ago. She can be found working in her garden, going for walks, taking pictures, or reading books to her three favorite grandkids. Sherri is taking life somewhat slower, and perhaps with guarded steps, but she’s not giving in.
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How do I start this? What do I say? A few years after I was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease, I went to my movement disorder specialist for my routine, three-month checkup. We chatted for a while and then he brought up the subject of work. How…
Sherri Woodbridge -- Journeying Through Parkinson's Disease
There are three words in the English language that many people with Parkinson’s disease would rather not hear. Three little words. Three little words that can drive a person crazy. Three little words that can cause a person to feel desperate. Three little words that can destroy because…
Sitting in the neurologist’s office, my questions usually get answered, my fears often get calmed, my symptoms often are addressed. However, I sometimes wonder how my husband feels sitting there, listening in, adding his two cents worth. How does he feel about what he sees happening to me…
Second in a series. Read part one here. In my last column, I shared about grandparenting with Parkinson’s disease. Today, I will give you concrete ways to have a blast with your grandkids (or young kids) without losing your mind or your strength because of Parkinson’s.
You’ll soon be blessed with your first grandchild. The news brings joy to your ears and puts a spring in your step, until you begin to reevaluate: You have Parkinson’s disease. Will you prove to be of no use? Will you be a burden? A bother? Just in…
I don’t feel very good. My stomach feels nauseous because my head hurts. My head hurts because I can’t stop grinding my teeth, which only adds to the stiffness in my neck, which makes my back hurt more, which makes me want to yell, “ENOUGH ALREADY!” But ……
I once heard a story about how we make plans for our lives, only to have them overturned. Kind of like planning to take a trip around the world and somehow you end up at the North Pole. This is my version of that story ……
A few weeks ago, I wrote about Mirapex, the “golden” treatment for Parkinson’s disease, and the negative effects it can have. Another example of a treatment that people with Parkinson’s need to be aware of is Haldol (haloperidol), an antipsychotic commonly used in hospital settings to treat…
When you’ve been blessed with the companionship of the Little Monster, as we so familiarly and unaffectionately call Parkinson’s disease, you may get tense and tight at the mere mention of PD. For some with Parkinson’s, perhaps you haven’t experienced much stiffness. Maybe no pain. Maybe lots. Whether…
I had a shower this morning, then proceeded to get dressed. I pulled on the blue pants I wear when volunteering at the hospital once a week at an adult day care program. The participants have conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke recovery, and more.
Well, I’m thankful for my neurologist, Eric Lee, MD, and I’m thankful for my neurosurgeon, Matthew Miller, MD, but if I were to label a hero for the recent experience of having my DBS battery replaced, the kudos, accolades, honors, and more would have to go to my…
Fear is real. Those who live with a chronic illness may deal with it on a daily basis. It robs you of the joy of in your journey, the thrill of tomorrow, the delight of your day. It steals your contentment, empties you of enjoying the now, replaces wonder with…
I don’t know about you, but I find it difficult to lie. For me, I consider that a good thing. Now, I’m not saying I’ve never lied. If we’re honest, we’ve all lied. But consider what you are about to read, and then ask yourself, if you can…
In previous years, I have compiled a Christmas list for Parkinson’s patients. Some of the most popular items have been terry-cloth robes to dry off in when we just don’t have the strength or our balance is wavering. Also, satin pajamas make turning over in bed so…
I was in the process of reorganizing my life. You might ask why I’d want to do that. I should just live for the here. Live for the now. After all, I do have PD, and by the time I actually do get organized, I may have wasted…
Did you know that tai chi is really a great benefit for Parkinson’s disease? It’s becoming more popular and well-known for this disease, but not quite fast enough, I think. For example … Did you know that falling accidents are the No. 1 cause of emergency room…
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