Don's Story

By donh

1 min read

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Jun 1st, this year. Since Jan...we thought it was essential arm tremors so this almost rocked my world. As most people, I learned a lot real fast and was really overwhelmed. So I was told to go to PT.

I found out there are a lot of things I can't do...I'm not used to that so...I put some new rules in place:

I will never let anyone tell me that is your new norm.
I refuse to call it Parkinson's disease...its PARKINSON'S...never say disease.
I refuse to have a pity party.
Always strive to prove doubters wrong.

I'm still working on all this but I won't give up.

I have a good team, God, my wife, Doctors, PT instructor (I recommend the "Big and Loud" program), and also very important to me is a knowledgeable weight trainer.

I WON'T give in, I pray you don't either.

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Chris H. Community Admin
I'm really glad you decided to share your story, <inline-mention user-id="3058512" username="donh"/> ! It sounds like you have a great attitude and are doing some great things to care for yourself. Keep up the great work and I hope to hear more from you in the community! Hope you have a great weekend. - Chris, <a href='http://ParkinsonsDisease.net' target='_blank'>ParkinsonsDisease.net</a> Team
1. donh Member
 Thank you Chris
not found
That is exactly how I approached it. I kept working and living my life. I was diagnost in Oct 2016. I finally had to stop working in Dec but I still keep doing as much as I can. I am stil mobile & some days are better than others. I have Dystonia which hampers my left side and I know it is getiing a little worse. I am getting botox for my clenched jaw next week..something to look forward to..
1. donh Member
 Stay strong...you got this!
donh Member
Well...it has since certainly tried to kick my butt, but, the fight goes on. THANK you and stay strong.
etsmith Member
Good for you! My husband is at 27 years with Parkinson’s and counting. He has never given up and still enjoys every day. It’s work but it’s worth it.
1. Jessica.H Community Admin
 That's so awesome to hear, <inline-mention user-id="3064733" username="etsmith"/> ! You husband sounds like a warrior! Thank you so much for sharing with us and being a part of our community. Wishing you both well. Warmly, <a href='http://Jessica-Parkinsonsdisease.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Jessica-Parkinsonsdisease.net</a> Team
2. donh Member
 Thanks, looks like I found another hero!
bella Member
more power to you, Don! show them you will fight this with all you've got! you can do it! on my first visit to the neurologist; she told me that i will have the shakes, possible skin cancer and dementia in five years! i'm two years past that mark and i don't have any of the 3 symptoms and am just beginning to find out what "off periods" are all about in the past six months. i credit all this to my faith in God, support of my husband and friends and my hopeful and positive attitude. God bless you!
1. donh Member
 Thank you, keep up the good fight! Bella, it sound like you have a great team for support.
donh Member
Well, I must be honest, I've had a setback. After a hiatel hernia and the operation to fix that, I had another scope down the throat. They discovered I have gastroparesis. That is food staying in the stomach to long and digestion is minimal. I guess that is why I lost 85 lbs in 7 months without trying. I then found out that is a little known symptom of PARKINSON'S !!! So the fight continues. I got so week I'm now starting from scratch...the fight goes on! Stay STRONG Don

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