Journeying Through Parkinson’s Disease
— Sherri Woodbridge

I had the symptoms long before the diagnosis. They started back in high school. By the age of 32, I was looking for answers, but finding the wrong ones. I didn’t find the right answer until 10 years later: Parkinson’s disease. While exploring the internet, I found Daily Strength……

The other day I did something stupid. Really stupid.  I love to putter in my garden on beautiful days. Only on this beautiful day, I crossed the line. My puttering turned into work, and before long, I was sweating bullets — shotgun-sized bullets on a 98-degree day. Yet, I…

Years ago, Harrison Ford played the role of Henry Turner, the main character in the movie “Regarding Henry.” Henry’s entire world shifts when he is shot in the head during a robbery at the convenience store where he was buying cigarettes. The nearly fatal injury puts him into cardiac…

If you’ve had Parkinson’s disease for any amount of time, you’ve most likely heard that one of the symptoms is a loss of the sense of smell. You may have experienced it yourself. I pondered this reality one day and became concerned. I wasn’t bothered so much by…

Can you believe that August is already here and ticking away even as I click the keyboard keys? Yes, Christmas is just around the corner (although that is not what I was going to say, even if Hobby Lobby already has their shelves filled to the brim with greens and…

I get angry if he does and frustrated when he doesn’t. “He” is my husband. I am getting rather self-conscious about going out in public. Sometimes, I feel like people who don’t know me perceive me as being a little drunk because I’m off balance when I walk. …

Twice in the past month I have had what I am calling panic (anxiety) attacks, which are something I had never experienced before. I had shortness of breath and my heart was beating much faster than normal. Since the only activity I was involved in at the time was trying…

I began taking Rock Steady Boxing classes about nine months ago. The exercise program is tailored for those with Parkinson’s disease, and if you’re like me, you’ve dragged your feet and refused to go for any number of reasons or excuses. Maybe there isn’t a class near you. Or…

Today I spent another day with my 4-year-old grandson. His words of wisdom have come and gone yet again. Finn’s day began early. Before climbing into the car with his mom to skedaddle to Grammy’s for the day, Finn stopped abruptly.  He took a deep breath and exclaimed in…

Today I was sitting in a line of cars. I can think of better things to do on a hot day: eat an ice cream cone, swim in a pool, read a book in the shade of a tree. But it is still early summer and people pulling their trailers…

I have often seen the legend “Parkinson’s Hero” on shirts and sweatshirts. Come to think of it, I even have a shirt with that written on it. But I have often felt confused by the expression. A Parkinson’s hero? What is a Parkinson’s hero? I recently was reading a…

While my grandkids were here last week, we read books every night before bed. And, of course, each night at least one book had to be by Dr. Seuss. The night before they left, we read “Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?“…

My 2-year-old grandson runs back toward the fence that shields him from entering a dark, muddy pond. I am sure there are water monsters that live deep in that 3-foot shallow, but ever-so murky, pond. They lie in wait beneath the scum and the sludge and the slime and all…

I have Parkinson’s disease, but unless you have a good eye and a good listening ear, most days you won’t notice. On most days, my symptoms are internal. Occasionally, such as when I have forgotten to take my medications, I will have breakthrough tremors. And when my deep…

I wrote a column recently about the things you shouldn’t have in your house if you have Parkinson’s. In this column, I take the opposite approach and suggest things you might consider having in your home that may be of benefit. 1. Laughter We’ve all heard the adage that…

Just when I was going to have a pity party, I received this question from a reader: “What’s your secret for dealing with the everyday?” Her question was in response to an article I wrote. Her frustration had to do with her not being able to embrace the “gift” that…