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I'm not sure I should even post this here, it feels like a very personal issue, but then I meet other people with Parkinson's, and I realize that it's a lot bigger than just me. I want to say up front, it's not contagious, it's not hereditary, I'm not going to die from Parkinson's, and no one can tell me for sure how I managed to get it. As of Marh 5, 2019, my diagnosis date, I'm 53y/o and they're calling it young onset Parkinson's - because I've probably had it for many years and didn't know. Parkinson's disease sets in gradually over time. It doesn't strike all at once, but it is progressive, getting worse over time. I am not an invalid, I started walking with assistance in October 2018, If you see me sitting somewhere, you would never guess that there was anything wrong, unless you recognize the slight slowness of movement or the occasional distant stare that becomes familiar to people who deal with Parkinson's as a patient or a care provider. Even when walking, it's hesitation, stiffness, a slight off balance at times. My meds stop my tremors, my worst time of day is first thing in the morning, and when I'm trying to get to sleep. The tremors are usually more of a fidgeting with my hands called "pill rolling" or my restless legs at night as my meds wear off, although I can get a little out of control under stress and then the shakiness is obvious. I didn't realize that I had been doing it for years. I haven't been able to hold a steady schedule for 3 years now. I do park in the blue spaces, but I do still drive, and all of my personal body "parts" still work. I know many of you know someone else who has Parkinson's and a few of you might also be dealing with your own Parkinson's journey. For me, it began with little symptoms that I assumed were caused by arthritis, kidney stones, and old injuries from work and play. This is not me looking for sympathy, I have my life, my mind, and my family and friends, but I wanted to share with those on here who care, and with those who might be looking for others with Parkinson's. I was an outdoors kind of a guy. I was a Lion. I still participate in many activities, cycling is a big one for me. The effort and the cadence makes me feel better, and accomplished as I ride further. Plenty more could be said about it all, but this is my short version. If you, or someone you know has Parkinson's disease, don't give up. There's more to life than whatever you think you've lost. It's just a different direction, a new season. And an excuse for me to come back to Fu and kill time with my friends when I'm not able to do much else :)
If you took the time to read this, God bless you, lol.. I appreciate your effort!
Much love to my Fubar family and friends!
