The Inevitable Cull of ConnectionsThere was a pivotal, yet somewhat inevitable crossroads juncture that I encountered in my Parkinson’s "journey." The culling of my social connections. The enormity of the juggernaut diagnosis that I...reactions4comments
Health Care Decisions for Your FutureAn uncertain future can cause anyone anxiety. Caregivers often worry about making health care decisions. An important step you can take for your loved ones is deciding how your healthcare is managed...reactions1comment
Memory Loss and Parkinson’sMy mom is in the kitchen when I catch her with tears in her eyes. I don’t know what happened, but I’m venturing a guess. I’ve seen changes that Parkinson’s...reactions4comments
The Joy of JournalingAfter being diagnosed with a serious autoimmune condition at the age of 12, my neurologist suggested I keep a journal to express my emotions and fears. My parents gave me...reactionscomments
Microaggressions and Parkinson's DiseaseI am aware of social microaggressions in society against minorities, women, politics, and more, through my readings on social mores in America. But, upon further reflection, I began thinking of...reactions4comments
Rogue Genes or Personal Responsibility?Posy has pondered whether she should blame her sweet tooth and carb-rich diet for her Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnosis. Maybe that is a possibility. But then again, was the culprit...reactionscomments
The Timing of Parkinson’s MedicationsWhen my dad was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, he began taking levodopa in order to help to curb his symptoms. Initially, his symptoms were somewhat mild. He’d...reactionscomments
Improving Quality of Life with Parkinson's and DepressionDepression occurs more frequently and is less often treated than many other Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms. Here are some sobering numbers and thoughts about depression in Parkinson's disease ... Depression...reactions2comments
Santa, All I Want For Christmas Is ...Dear Santa, Thank you for all the past holiday gifts you delivered to me such as the great toys, beautiful socks, ties, and handkerchiefs. I haven't written to you in...reactions6comments
Positive or Negative Change Is Hard The self-help industry would have you believe change is easy. Just follow a few steps and you will embrace change. Reality says change is hard. A new job may be a positive...reactions2comments
Making it to AlaskaIt’s the day before my 30th birthday when I wake to a cold Alaskan morning. It has been a dream of mine to make it to the bush, and after...reactions3comments
My Mom, My HeroI have written a lot about my dad who is almost 87 years old and has Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia. It’s been a long road for my dad (Steve) and...reactionscomments
How to Manage Constipation Throughout the Holiday SeasonThe holiday season rarely runs smoothly. In fact, it can be quite hard. The combination of constipation-inducing medications, large holiday meals, and lengthy sedentary time may have you straining for...reactions4comments
What Follows "You Have Parkinson's Disease?"In 1979 I was unaware of a newly published book that would become meaningful to me 42 years later. Reading Transitions, by William Bridges, recently opened my mind and heart...reactions6comments
Maintaining Interest in Hobbies Post DiagnosisAs an introvert, I find comfort in silence. I recharge my batteries from the depths of my home, where I’m commonly reading books or playing music. I think that my...reactions7comments
Don't Refuse, Don't ResistIn Pennsylvania, there is a small town called Centralia. Not much is there, but you may have heard of it since a 1962 mine fire made it infamous. Next year...reactions6comments
Treating the Cause Rather than the SymptomsI recently felt the urge to air out my dirty laundry by writing an email to an uncle. I wanted to know how he managed to live with his disease...reactionscomments
Reexamining My Depression in Light of a Parkinson's DiagnosisPosy was overwhelmed by the responses to her post about feeling foggy. Many of you knew exactly how she felt, so she will dig a little deeper. Are depression and...reactionscomments
Chasing HappinessI have Parkinson’s disease and for me, that means sometimes when I wake up in the morning, I think and feel that "Life is pain." I'm at the stage of the...reactions14comments
Couch Potato? You Might Have Apathy!Last November, I wrote a story titled Apathy and Me. The story did not get a lot of play, so, I’m turning the tables and writing about you. As a person...reactions5comments