Why is it so unfashionable to be slow? I ... - Cure Parkinson's
Why is it so unfashionable to be slow? I always feel guilty at holding queues up st supermarkets with opening purse, cards, money etc...
JennyR
Don't feel unfashionable because you are slow! I am 70 years old and until an uninvited condition (PD) hit me, I was spry, liked sports, hiked in the Washington mountains. I was slowing down, but expected it. Suddenly, due to a ripped Achilles tendon surgery, (caused by a fall on concrete stairs), . I was forced first into a wheelchair, then a walker and finally a walking stick or cane. (all the wile being treated for PD which I have had for 4 yrs DX'd) The disgust I witnessed around me for "holding up the line" and people even bumping me with their carts really hurt me more than physically. I go no where alone anymore and my husband is always by my side - needless to say, the carelessness of others has all but disappeared. So, don't feel guilty at making others wait - their time is coming, and I am sure you will not treat them with such hostility..
You sound very strong and have a good atttitude. i know everyone has their cross to bear. All the best. Keep smiling.
I don't feel guilty about being slow or clumsy, but i'll admit to feeling self conscious and even apologetic. I don't like to hold up the line, never did, bagged my own groceries to get out fast.
You sound like me. I have been living in Paris and people appear to be faster pushier and brusquer than in the uk. They mostly push into you first and then say Pardon! My partner is younger and french and he gets impatient eith my slowness from time to time. The trouble is when you speed up you get more nervy and shaky and that slows you down..like in restaurants putting on your coat etc..
i usually push the cart then i am out of the way, when i am in a crowd i typically just stay on the right side of the isle and people will go around. my kids get more defensive than i do if some one makes a comment they sometimes make comments, sometimes its funny.
You are lucky to have such protective family around. My kids tend to care but turn a blind eye..I find it hard to accept people treating me differently.
as my children aren't always with me i have to take care of things myself. i haven't had too many people that haven't been accepting of my condition when i explained. but i usually say something like "give me a second to move, i have problems with my legs" . that generally gets "no problem take your time". of course i do live in a small utah town and most people are reasonably unhurried.
It is frustrating when your body decides to go against your brain. However, If this starts to happen to me when I am in a queue, I say"Sorry if I am holding you up. I have Parkinson's and it frustrates me too." People generally accept this positively and kindly.
By the way, do others feel that Parkinson's DISEASE is inappropriate? The word "disease" infers something that is catching. I prefer the word "Syndrome"
I like Syndrome better. That is a good reply, I'll try to remember it.
I hate the word parkinsons as name tag for our many different symptoms ;; functional weakness or something like a movement disorder sounds better.
I always feel self conscious when I try to handle money, I have difficulty grasping change and even separating dollar bills. It is much easier for me to use my debit card, though that too can be difficult at times when I have more of a tremor and have difficulty entering my code.
I do to. I use my credit card for everything because it's easiest for me. But the signature OMG that's a whole different story. LOL!
I went to H&R Block to have my taxes filed on Friday, to do an electronic filing, I had to sign several places, it is really hard to look at my signature now...
I went through old checks to shred them not long ago. I could see the progression of the signature over the years, it is so obvious now, just did not realize it was steadily progressing.
hi
i agree but people in the UK r great when they see me with myh 4 wheeled walker
and say take your tiem etc
i tend ot freeze when going in and otu of a doorway a lift turning around
and handlign money and puttign it bakc in jmy purse takes me forever
BUT I rarely go shopping and use the internet for most of my shopping
so problem solved
lvoe jill and a 
I stopped going into crowded stores years before I became a PWP. Upper West Side new yorker, I am Fairway (a popular food market here) phobic. I get groceries on line since I had an injury. When I do go into a store, I try to be organized before I go in, but I have to air a gripe: sometimes the store itself slows you up. To wit: at the drug store there's no room to move your packages to the side so next passenger can move in. ALso cashier hands you change and giant receipt in a giant clump. Sometimes I ask him/her to put receipt in bag please. But yes, I hate using 4 wheeler but people are more patient ! LOL (plus now I can run into them if I'm so inclined--kidding!)
This is the age of instant gratification, instant breakfast, instant whatever. My stick (cane) generally alerts those around me, and, if they are in an apparent hurry, I offer to step aside, saying something like, "Oh, excuse me, I'm awfully slow, can't help it, I have Parkinson's." Generally speaking this disarms people and they realize how impatient they've been. But then again, that's how I feel about it today.
I'd rather not say "Im sorry I have Parkinsons"" unless I know the person, But I admit IM offen embarresed in shops as I'm so slow sorting out my money.If I get it ready while Im in the queue, usually I'll drop it, which makes matters even worse. I bought a big purse with easy opening, but its too big to go in my pocket so whats the answer? Maybe I should be like my husband and just keep it in my trouser pocket? Then I also have difficulty putting the shopping in the bad. Im interested in what Anenome say about speaking up, maybe I'll give it a try in my local shop to see how I feel.
Stuff them all , we are who we are , who cares what people think , we have to get on with our lives as well , so they can go and take a run and jump to themselfs,
as for me Parkinson's is fine
Al
I understand being in a hurry. After all, I spent a great deal of my life being in a hurry. It did not slow down getting PD. As for stores, I use my debit card and have it out and available prior to getting in a line to pay. Most people do not think of doing this one simple thing that makes me look like a jet pilot compared to others fiddling with their wallets, purses, etc. After paying, I slip my card in my top pocket and put it back in my wallet while I am in my car where it is harder to lose.
