49 y/o Married Veteran, F.D./Emb w Tbi

Hello all,

Apologies but sweet Jesus I loathe typing ANYTHING anymore! Ha!

I’ve got squirrels in the attic when I used to have none and I’ve got speech impediments where I used to be able to articulate my way around any given issue. I’m also in hella pain anymore. In short, life kinda blows.

It began with a mild hand tremor

I’m 49. I’m married. A veteran of the Army Chaplains Corps. I was honorably discharged in ‘93 to get divorced and get custody of my daughter. I did both. In ‘95 we were hit by a car while riding a bicycle. She was A-ok. I was severely jacked and saved by God's grace. I was left with 2 half shoulders, a severely cracked skull, nose off of my face, right arm broken, left fibula broken and a long road to recovery. Years. I was told at that time that I would have severe arthritis by the time I was 50 or so and true to form, I certainly do. I’ve also had Parkinsonism since about 1998. It began with a mild hand tremor in one hand and moved on to tremor in both hands- but dominated in the right, to present.

Memory issues

Memory issues have been constant and worsening. I had never lost employment and was likable, pleasant, easy-going, etc. before ‘95. Slowly I’ve devolved into a frustrated asshole. My memory drives me CRAZY! I get so frustrated when I can’t recall words, places, people, names, etc. It truly hurts my heart. It happens all the time. I used to be able to be dropped blindfolded in the desert, at night, without a compass and find my way home. Now I can’t find my way home on a leash. Ugh!

A breast cancer and Parkinson's diagnosis

Anywho! My wife Connie is quite patient but she has her own baggage as we all do. This is stuff your not supposed to deal with until your in your 60’s yet here we are - I’m 49 and she’s 51. Oh, she just got dx w aggressive breast cancer in January of ‘20 and COVID caused quite the little dodge and parry for us. But we did and she did - she is now (June ‘20) cancer-free, thank you Jesus! Btw I was just dx w actual Parkinson’s w LBD seen on a PET scan in March. So how’s that for fun? Yes, our Spring has been eventful to say the least but God is still good.

Lost many jobs due to tremors and memory loss

Here’s the stats for those interested: I was injured in ‘95 at 25 years old. I was a practicing funeral director and embalmer for most of my adult years but lost many jobs due to tremors and memory. I’ve been married to Connie since ‘97. We’ve got 2 great kids, now adults. Alyssa- now 28. and Chris now 21.

You’re welcome to ask me most anything about my life. Here’s a good one: how many jobs have you had since you left the military: 50. Parkinson’s and Parkinsonism cost me almost every single one. It’s been hell on me and my family.