My Parkinson Story is a weekly column featuring member of our community, sharing their stories with PD. We are interested in sharing a wide array of experiences, including yours! PD looks different in everyone, and affects everyone differently, including friends and family of those with PD. If you’d like to share your story on our blog, please email us.
Seven years ago, Dr. Brewer my neurologist and movement specialist, leaned over and said, “Ruth, you have Parkinson’s disease.” I remember my mind being flooded with thoughts, questions, fears, and sadness. Why me? Will I lose my ability to walk? How long will it be until I lose my independence? What problems will I be facing?
As I reflect back over this passage of time, these things have helped me the most on my journey:
God, first and foremost, guiding and teaching me each day to rely on Him for strength and direction.
Secondly, my family ever encouraging and helping.
My medical team who I constantly pester with thousands of questions. They carefully manage my medicine.
Exercise has been a must!!!
Laughter and a positive attitude.
First, I mentioned God. I believe He gave me this challenge to deal with Parkinson’s disease so I could help others and grow! We all have difficulties and can learn from the situation we are in. I know He is always with me and guiding me.
My family has been terrific! My husband is my cheerleader and encourager. My children constantly support my exercise and encourage me to continue when I am feeling lazy! (Yep laziness happens!) My granddaughters love to do exercises with me. What a joy it is to laugh and do these exercises together!
My doctors and physical therapists who plan my medication and therapy are always great listeners and providers. I know Dr. Duker chuckles when I come in with my list of questions! He always says we may as well get those taken care of first! Maureen Gartner is so understanding and helpful with all my questions also. We are blessed to have the Gardner Institute here in Cincinnati with all its programs.
Exercise with Forever Fitness, Mason Community Center, and Power for Parkinson online programs as well as physical therapy, all have helped my disease progress slowly. Voices for Parkinsons has helped me increase and sustain the correct volume for my voice so I can be understood.
It is a joy to work with others and share with fellow patients in exercise and programs as the Mason Parkinson’s Support Group meets weekly at the Mason Community Center. You should join us for our version of chair volleyball on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Thursdays from 4:30-5:30pm. It is guaranteed you will laugh.
Through the years, the sadness and fear are gone and the desire to persevere and be stronger continues each day thanks to the many who have helped me.