I can relate

By fignewtons3

Last Updated:

1 min read

The article about self care sounds like me. I'm not used to focusing so much on myself. The amount I spend on keeping an exercise routine, doctor appointments, etc is exhausting. By mid afternoon I am tired and need to take a nap. My energy level is in compound low, which affects my motivation, which leads to frustration then depression and anxiety.

Trying to be positive

I feel like this disease defines me. Although I know it does not. Recently I was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease. I am trying to maintain a positive outlook, but it is a struggle. This is not what I envisioned for my "golden years." BTW I was diagnosed in 2010, age 54. I retired 5 years ago from a profession l loved, due to Parkinson's. I still miss my job to this day.

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Sharon Krischer Member
Last Updated:
fignewton3, none of us envisioned this for our golden years. It sounds like you are trying to do all of the things you need to do to combat Parkinson's. You may want to look at your exercise routine and see if you can change that at all so that it seems less of a burden. Mix it up and chose things that you like to do. Do you play tennis? Golf? Yes, they count as part of your exercise. Make it something you look forward to doing and the rest the things you do to take care of yourself will be easier. Finally, don't look at taking a nap as a failure. A good nap can help you get through the rest of the day more successfully. Sharon Krischer, <a href='https://Parkinsons.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Parkinsons.net</a> team
Lorraine Wilson Member
Last Updated:
Thank you for sharing. I greatly appreciate the fact you are trying to maintain a positive outlook and recognize your struggle. Your exercise is admirable and I agree, sometimes it simply must be followed by a nap. I wonder about your diet and whether you are getting the fuel you need from it. Maybe that is something to look at to re-energize. I don’t know what your line of work was, but wonder if it is possible to volunteer in that field or a similar one. Because of my PD, I resigned a few years earlier than anticipated but I keep working on some projects as a volunteer. Now when I show up I claim that their “favorite volunteer” has arrived and we need to get to work 😀. Best wishes, Lorraine, <a href='https://parkinsonsdisease.net' target='_blank'>parkinsonsdisease.net</a> moderator
fignewtons3 Member
Last Updated:
Yes I do change my exercise routine every so often. My previous career was a mental health clinician. The mental and emotional energy, plus the level of responsibility it takes to do the job well became too much. Now with the kidney disease, chronic fatigue, allergies, pain and chronic sinusitis it feels like an uphill battle. I still keep up the fight though. Thanks for the suggestions