Recently, a large group of people with Parkinson’s were asked in a private Facebook support group to give advice to others recently diagnosed with the disease. Of more than 200 responses, the overwhelming response was: “Exercise! Keep moving!” But that wasn’t all. Other advice was freely given. What…
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
This is for all those people with Parkinson’s disease who can’t seem to make others understand what’s going on in the mind of a PD patient. I’ve heard of people with PD who actually live with others who don’t believe they have PD. You can call it denial.
Several years ago, when I was diagnosed with young onset PD, it seemed the rage in beneficial exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease was bicycling. A few years later, the craze seemed to turn to dance. Now it seems as though boxing could be the in thing. As…
Last week, I wrote about some of the fears people with Parkinson’s disease point to when they discuss what scares them about their future. Some recommendations focused on staying hopeful and having a positive attitude. Another piece of advice in maintaining a positive outlook was to never…
When people with Parkinson’s disease are asked: Are you scared of your future with PD? They say they fear: Losing their driver’s licenses. Losing their independence. Having to depend on others. Facing the unknowns and what-ifs. Having to ask for help. Knowing what their family/caregiver(s) will have to…
There often are studies done relating to Parkinson’s disease. There is research being conducted, in hopes of making life a little easier for people with Parkinson’s or ultimately finding a cure. But as much as we are led to believe a cure is on its way, so often…
I’ve always wanted to take a dance class. Ballroom dancing, country dancing, the tango ― whatever. I’m certain you’d agree that dance is good exercise for most everyone. Not that we all like it or are inclined to try it, but for the PD…
We all are surrounded by people who mean well, people who don’t mean to come across as ignorant, but who are, nonetheless, ignorant. Especially when they are representing health agencies. There is a European agency that runs similarly to the Social Security Administration and assesses individuals needing…
Some people keep journals, some keep diaries, some record life’s events on their calendars. I have done all three. I kept a diary as a young girl, and then moved onto journals (although I tend to think they are more one in the same). I keep a…
Many people refuse to talk about it. Fewer want to admit they struggle with it. Many are embarrassed by it. All would choose to live without it. It’s the “D” word: Depression. On my first visit to see my neurologist several years ago, much to my surprise, I…
It wasn’t irreverent. At least, I didn’t think so. He was just a middle-aged dad who appeared to be confined to a wheelchair. He was coming down the aisle of the church at a faster than “normal” speed for a Sunday morning worship service, and it was…
People from all walks of life are being encouraged to join a support group. You know, like a support group for recently divorced couples, those with an alcohol addiction, or people who have chocolate meltdowns, anger management issues, depression, illnesses, an addiction to chocolate chip milkshakes, and…
Mirapex (pramipexole), a common treatment for Parkinson’s disease, is believed to work by boosting the action of whatever dopamine is available, which is low in people with Parkinson’s. It is a dopamine agonist that directly stimulates nerves in the brain that are not naturally being stimulated by…
My first few years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s were crazy — trying to get the timing of the drugs right, the dosages, the amounts, dealing with side effects. Looking back, I think one of the most frustrating aspects of the drugs was how sleepy they made…
This evening I sat with my neighbor for a while. She is almost 87. I asked her how her son and daughter were doing. She is caring for her daughter who just had a hip replaced. She is praying for her son who just found out he…
If you asked me what is the hardest part of having Parkinson’s disease, I might have to say the pain — today, at least. PD is so unpredictable. As it changes from day to day, moment by moment, second by second, sometimes you don’t know what to…
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