Parkinson’s Disease Stories: Michael’s Journey

This video from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is part of the Parkinson’s 360: Getting to Know Parkinson’s series where patients with the disease talk about how their lives have been affected by the condition.

Christoph Stopka shares his tips for living well with Parkinson’s disease here. 

Forty-three-year-old Michael Fitts, from Birmingham, Alabama, had been experiencing intermittent tremors in his hand for a while before he decided to seek help. He saw his primary care doctor who eventually referred him to a neurologist. He explains feeling devastated when he found out he had Parkinson’s disease and how difficult it was for him to come to terms with his diagnosis at such a young age.

It took Michael about a year to find medications that worked for him, although they do cause side effects. Dealing with the depression that’s developed since his diagnosis is also difficult for him, but things have gotten better since he joined a local support group.

Ex-cop turns to medical marijuana for Parkinson’s treatment. Find out more here. 

Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.