Rock Steady Fighter

Anniversaries are usually happy and joy filled.  They are also times for reflecting back over the past year.  Well here it is.  I am coming upon the second anniversary of my PD diagnosis.  That day two years ago was anything but happy and joy filled.  It was terrifying and fear filled.   My first year of PD was a very bumpy rollercoaster with many more out of control twists and turns than I would have liked but this second year has leveled out and there have even been some very happy high points. During this past year, I became a certified Rock Steady Boxing coach and  a Parkinson's Ambassador.  I also started this website and blog. I have embarked on a mission to let others know that having PD isn't the end of the world and you CAN do something about it.   I did not choose to get on this rollercoaster but I am on it anyways so I am going to make the most of it.  Although I am still fairly early on in my journey, here are a few things th...

  The research is out there.  The case studies are available. Exercise helps those with Parkinson's.   In my opinion, it isn't just beneficial, but it is necessary if you want to live a full life with PD. I know the docs are busy but this isn't brand new research and those being  diagnosed need to know that exercise will help them and the sooner they start, the better.  It is crucial that the word gets out to the patients...those who live day in and day out with this disease. They need to know it on the day of diagnosis.  How do we get the word out if the doctors aren't telling the patients? It is  left up to the patient and/or care partner to do the research and find out for themselves.  On top of dealing with a life changing diagnosis, you now have to do your own research, be your own advocate, and find your way to better health on your own. I wish I could personally appeal to every neurologist out there and show them the research and show them ...

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, a time to shed new light on this jumble of symptoms that we label a "disease."  If you ask people what they know about PD, many will say that it is a disease that old men get that makes them shaky, stiff and unable to walk.  That may have been true for most people with PD years ago but things are changing. The average age of onset is 60 years old and  according to the Fox Foundation, 10% of PWP are diagnosed before age 50. So much for it being an old person's disease.  Sixty thousand new cases of PD are diagnosed each year and men get PD at a rate of 2:1 compared to women. That means that there are a lot of  both  men and women suffering with PD. Although no cure is forthcoming, research is being done and treatments are being developed to manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.  Yes, research is showing that it can be slowed down!   Studies are now showing that exercise can slow the p...

International Women's Day  Men are diagnosed with PD almost twice as often as women.   I get the honor of being in this minority of females.   I never chose this group.  I had no choice.  I do have the choice in responding to it.    I choose to not sit back.  I choose to educate myself and others.  I choose to not  be a victim. I choose to count the blessings I do have in spite of my PD.  I choose to fight.  I now know many women with PD who join me in this battle and they are mighty warriors.  On this International Women's Day, I recognize them and cheer them on.  Fight like a girl ladies because girls are strong and powerful! I am honored to fight beside you.

Today, I learned about a hero. His name is Tony and though his  name may never be a household word and you may not recognize him on the street, he is a true hero in my book.    Today he is undergoing experimental  DBS Plus  surgery. We live in an incredible time of medical advances.  Every day scientists find new treatments  and sometimes even cures for horrible diseases.  Along that journey, real people are volunteering to try out these treatments before they are proven to help or not.  These heroes are real folks like you and me suffering from a plethora of illnesses.  Today, I thank God for Tony and for his courage.  I thank God for those who have been there before him getting poked and prodded in the name of research.  I thank God for the doctors that are in the middle of the battle with us and refuse to give up.   Tony, you are a brave, valiant warrior.  You have a prayer warrior in me that is forever thankf...

Have you ever told a fortunately, unfortunately story?  I used to assign this to young writers to get their creativity flowing.  Fortunately, I am still around today to write about it.  Unfortunately, my storyline has changed.  Lately it goes something like this. Unfortunately you have a chronic illness.  Fortunately, you can change your diet and you will feel better.  Unfortunately, you will have to give up some good stuff...sugar, gluten, dairy.  Fortunately, you can eat all the fruits and veggies you want.  Unfortunately, many of those fruits and veggies are covered with pesticides.  Fortunately, organic fruits and veggies are available, although...unfortunately, very pricey. Unfortunately, you will have to give up meat.  Fortunately, not all the experts say to give up meat. Unfortunately, some experts say you should only eat organ meat (liver, gizzards etc.) Fortunately, the previous experts said you shouldn't eat meat so you don't h...

  I heard it again today.  I hear it every day lately. "My doctor said I have PD.  I left with a prescription for meds that I know little about and go back in three months. I'm shattered and don't know what to do from here."   This happened to me too almost a year and a half ago.  I get it now.  The doctors don't seem to.  I'm praying that the neurologists out there somehow get the message.  What we need is a prescription for hope.  I'm not asking for false hope but even just a glimmer of something that we can do to fight back.  Just because today is miserable doesn't mean every day will be miserable or worse.  Having PD means something has gone wrong in your body.  Not everything, but something.  The day of diagnosis is the day you should be given the resources to optimize your health. My Rx for hope: You are about to go into battle.  It is time to arm yourself.  You need to be strong.  Take care of your bo...