My Parkinson

I never thought I would get Parkinson disease, let alone write about it.I have always been a very active person. This came as a really big shock to me when I found out I had two diseases of the brain, I started out falling and after that I could not ride a bicycle Each time I rode the bike I would fall over. If I tried again I would fall. Things I learned from this life lesson is do not laugh at others, because you may be next. I never did laugh at anyone with a disability. I tried to ride my little moped and it is low to the ground, but I could not balance myself. My family laughed at me, I said nothing but it did tic me off. I now drive a three wheel trike, it gives me my exercise and I have no fear of falling.

We were leaving for a trip to Texas the following week, we had a lot of packing to do,as we were supposed to be gone for 2 or 3 months. I was packing the motor home and fell in the kitchen. I could not get up. My husband and my neighbor got me off the floor. I felt like a fool.

The next night I was sitting in my usual chair and when it came time to get up I could not. Again, I felt this to be because I had gained 8 lbs and I reasoned that is why I can not get out of the chair. I felt terrible and went to the doctor and found she could not tell me anything. I complained about not remembering lunch dates and appointments.The doctor sent the CNA in to give me a test to see if I really am losing my memory. I know I missed several questions the CNA asked me, but I never heard another word.

The child in the photo is my youngest granddaughter. My son and his daughter stayed with me for 4 weeks. I had been depressed, but this little girl brought a spark of sunshine to my life.

Sleep has been totally out of the question for a long time. I sleep better now that I have a CPAP machine.Emotionally this has been a very trying time, but I am surviving and will continue to take one day at a time. It started with a little shaking and led to be unbearable on some days.I have always had a tremendous amount of compassion for others and how not to offend people who are handicap. I had an acquaintance come over to see me and the first thing out of her mouth was to tell me that I really shake.. I already know this.

I am glad my family is very supportive to me, now that they know more about this disease. What helps me deal with the disease is exercise, walking or riding my 3 wheel bike, and my cpap machine.

April 22 2017

I just wanted to give an update on this article. I can not do much anymore. I still play the guitar and teach a little. I do not know for how much longer. My right arm is getting too stiff. I take about 16 pills a day, and it is a real chore to keep myself going. I have therapy a few times a week for different things. I enjoyed this site and reading the articles. I really just wanted to say, "Thank you."

I want every reader out there to know what my signs were and get to a doctor before more problems start.The night before we left for Texas, I could not sleep at all. I thought it was anxiety to see my son and his family. I could not stay in the bed over 5 minutes at a time. I had to get up and keep walking. This is terrible.

Signs of Parkinson

1.Falling down

2.Losing my balance

3.Can't get up from chair

4,Losing memory

5. Right leg and arm would shake

6. Drooling out the corners of my mouth

7. Sleep is out of the question

Falling down was being an everyday occurrence for me. I am in Texas now and I fell off of the motor homes step. My next problem no matter what I did I lost my balance. I started to use a walking stick.

Third losing my memory I think is the most embarrassing thing. I have always had a good memory. I could retain facts and loved to read. My friend stopped over to tell me to meet her for lunch. I told her I would be able to meet her at the restaurant. It was 10:00 in the morning when she asked me to go to lunch. At 12:00 I forgot the whole thing and went over to my mothers. This is terrible.

My right side when resting I have tremors, after I put my patch on the tremors slow down. I thank God for these patches They cost over $600.00 a box and come from Germany.

I went to kiss my granddaughter good by and she told me that my corners of my mouth were wet. It is sad when the five year old tells me.I 'am drooling. Nothing I can do about this one just carry a paper towel with me.

I have found that a lift chair helps if I can't sleep or get out of a regular chair. This has been a great help. In the beginning I use to sleep 15 minutes and up for 2 or 3 hours, now I don't have to have anyone see me struggle to get up. I have always been very independent so this takes a lot off my mind.

Every day if I make it out of bed is a blessing. I try to take nothing for granted. While my mind is clear I let those in my family know I love them. I have seen some young people with the Illness. It is a shame when they have kids to take care and support their families, I have see so many young people. I have always thought that older people got this disease. It is not true.

I have really learn to laugh at myself and enjoy what I have especially my family. Update, I went to the neurologist and am still in the same stage he said I have done good. I laugh a lot more these days.

Went to my Neurologist yesterday Oct. 16, 2014 and my Parkinson has not gotten any worse. The disease on the other side has not progressed anymore either. Just thought I would take time to thank God. This means I don't have to go back for three whole months. I can still play my guitar for a while longer.

Update August 7 2015 I went to my Neurologist and had medication changed to a slightly higher dose. I had a MRI, Brain Scan, and a CT. I am still going strong and make myself go. I just want to take a moment to thank God.