Not Today

I sat in the neurologist’s office 4 years ago when she looked up at me and said, “you have Parkinson’s." As I made my way to my car, still dazed, I thought of all the patients I cared for over the years who had this disease. I don’t feel sick or look sick. What’s to become of me? I broke the news to my husband and had my meltdown. What next??

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I started on medication and dove in to any information I could find about the disease. The details were brutally terrifying. Was this going to be my fate? I looked at myself in the mirror and said, “not today." I joined a support group and was amazed at all the information I received about resources available in my community. I took up Zumba, and Yoga. I enrolled in an exercise program designed specifically for persons with PD. My trainer was determined to make me stronger and that he did.

It’s been 4 years and I’m in better physical shape today than I was before this diagnosis. I just added a cardio-kick boxing class to my weekly work out. I’m aware of the reality of this disease, but for today I’m strong and I’m focused. I may go down some day, but I won’t go without a fight.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The ParkinsonsDisease.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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