Happy(?) 10th Anniversary

February marks the 10th anniversary of my Parkinson's diagnosis. It is more like my 11th anniversary as, like many parkies, I started having symptoms months before I was diagnosed.

When I was diagnosed, I was numb and feared the worst. How can someone in his early 50s have PD? How much longer will I be able to work? What symptoms will I have and how will they impact me? In other words, I was in a state of panic.

My crash course on PD

To alleviate this, I took a crash course in PD 101. The only thing I knew about PD was that it was incurable and you shook a lot. The only people I knew with PD were celebrities like Michael J Fox and Muhammed Ali. In short, I knew next to nothing.

However, after I started learning about PD I felt a sense of calm. Yes, having PD is no walk in the park but it need not define you. There are things you can do to have a good quality of life. No, you can’t go back to who you were pre-diagnosis, but there is plenty you can do to live well with PD. It’s NOT a death sentence.

Tips for living well with PD

Exercise is critical!

One thing I learned about PD is that staying active is critical to living well with PD. I’ve always been active so this was not a problem for me. I participate in the Rock Steady Boxing program for PD, take walks, ride my bike, and do yoga. Every day I try to get some form of exercise. On days that I can’t, I can feel the difference. For me, exercise is the best medicine.

Find a support group

My boxing class has two benefits - I get good exercise and I’m in class with other people who not only have PD but who are actively fighting it. Their optimism and willingness to do all they can to slow the progression of PD inspire me. We enjoy each other’s company and have learned to laugh about our various symptoms.

Keep informed

I try to keep abreast of recent developments in the treatment of PD. I want to know everything I can do to live better with PD. When I decided to have DBS surgery, I did significant research into the pros and cons of this surgery. Whenever a new PD drug is introduced I read all I can about it and meet with my movement disorder specialist to get his opinions. The more I learn about PD the better able I am to fight it.

Be grateful

Michael J. Fox wrote a book titled “Lucky Man.” When I was initially diagnosed I could not conceive how anyone with PD could call themselves lucky. Having lived with PD for 10 years, I understand what Fox was trying to tell me. PD makes you humble and more appreciative of things you probably took for granted before your diagnosis. The ability to walk, to move about freely, or the love of those who provide the support you have become dependent on. The list goes on.

What's the most important thing you've learned on your PD journey?