A few people have asked me what life is like with Parkinson’s….like everything in life it’s what you make of it. I prefer not to think of it as a disease but a fact of my life, I am in control of it and do what I need to in order to not let it take control of me.
Here are a few of my systems and I will explain later how I manage them. Please keep in mind that systems differ from person to person.
Right Foot and Right hand tremors.
Right foot and toes curl inward.
Swallow is difficult.
Voice has become quite.
Handwriting has become small and difficult. Signature is impossible to do now and sometimes even writing is impossible.
Both legs and arms will freeze or shoot out uncontrollably.
So….here is what I manage:
Very important to me is socialization. Fortunately I have the best social network of family, friends and co-workers. In fact, I am climbing Kilimanjaro to raise money for the Michael J Fox foundation for research to find a cure for Parkinson’s however, I am dedicating this climb to the Macy’s Altamonte associates and executives. They have supported me for the 20years I have worked for Macy’s. You will see a Macy’s Altamonte banner at the summit of Kilimanjaro. Also, my family and friends who really don’t care to treat me any differently than they always have….I like it that way!!!
Keep healthy by eating the right food and keeping active. I run, box, yoga and walk a lot. Always have and always will.
Rest. Try to get 6 to 8 hrs of sleep. Because my body and muscles are moving 24/7 rest is important as well as drinking as much H2O as possible. When I don’t get enough of this my systems are hard to control.
Schedule. This is the hardest part because I have always been a “spur of the moment” person. Because this is neurological your body responds better when your neutrons know when to fire.
Laugh at lot, have fun, music….I figure, you cannot die from Parkinson’s however, it’s vital you stay healthy because when you do get sick your body starts breaking down faster than normal. Stay away from people with colds. Laughter, fun and music I feel keep my body healthy.
Medication. I take my medication every four hours on time every time. Three times a year I get a full day at Shands where I get physical therapy, speech and swallow therapy and medication review with the team. It’s actually a very fun day.
Like any other person, if you keep you body and mind healthy life is good. I manage mine just the same. If I continue to do the things that I know my body and mind respond to I feel I will slow down the process of Parkinson’s.
I d feel honored that Shands is able to use my case history to help others in time, I feel it my duty to pay it forward by raising money for Fox Foundation Research.
My life is good, I am truly grateful I am healthy, I have so much support. There is no time to sit and dwell…whats the point because I am having fun.
If you have any questions I would love for you to ask. I tell it like it is.
Below are all our kids and then all the grandkids. Pretty good reason to stay healthy!!!! They are my reality check.
As the saying goes – you can’t change what has happened nor what will happen, so live in today
Sheree,
That is the truth. As I continue this journey I will share my good and bad days and have so much fun sharing my Kilimanjaro climb.
So far we have boots, thermal underwear (haha) and chapstick. I have started training on a treadmill on a 13% incline with my boots on….great butt workout. We go on our first long hike this weekend. Living each day and loving it.
I see you everyday, your energy and your passion. It really surprised me to know it has been three years since you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s. You are truly an inspiration to all, I am sure you already helping many by educating all of us about it.
Thank you Foxylady!
My hope is that by sharing my experience with Parkinson’s both Michael J Fox Foundation and Shands can find a cure and in the process help others living with it live a fun and functional life.