Your attitude is half the battle!

[Jebbie12]

Nobody wants to received a PD diagnosis. I did 9 years ago. And like most of you, I went through a period of anger and sadness. But when I finally came to realize that I had a choice - I could live with joy with Parkinson's or not, either way I would still have Parkinson's. That was such an epiphany for me! Since I chose joy, that is exactly how I feel! I enjoy my family, my activities, and have even be trying new things! I am training to be a yoga instructor because I do find it is therapeutic and want to share that with others in an informed way. The most important advice to give you is EXERCISE!!! Inspire others with your attitude - do not depress them! That just depresses you and shuts others out of your life. And stay social!!! Good luck!

[M-o-ggy]

I can’t do ‘social’. Can not concentrate on walking and socialising

[12Maxwell3]

You have such an awsome attitude. I feel like I am drowning and can’t breathe, but you give me such inspiration that it is what it is. Please stay in touch.. this positive attitude is what I need!

[Jebbie12 in reply to 12Maxwell3]

Start by finding a positive quote that resonates with you and repeat it thru your day. Embrace what is good. PD does not define you but your attitude does.

[12Maxwell3 in reply to Jebbie12]

Thank you

[M-o-ggy in reply to Jebbie12]

I would say that PD does define me by all the things that my brain can do but my body can’t

I am ok when I am sat but am keeping my target of 5000 steps a day

I am so envious of those who can walk with ease

I was shopping ( because I had to) and had doors held open for me by little old ladies a good 15-20 yr older than me

Not good. Brings home to me what I must look like even though I think I am fine

I am fighting so hard not to use a stick because it labels me ( specialist say I should have a Zimmer frame lol)

[Jebbie12 in reply to M-o-ggy]

I also watch with envy how others can walk without giving it a single thought. I've even left a full cart at the store because I had to leave before I got stuck. But then there are those out there with no use of their arms or legs. Or those born to have never experienced all that I have because of a birth defect or complication. I had an able body for over 50 years. We must stay strong because if that cure finds it's way into our lifetime, we want to be ready for it.

[park_bear in reply to Jebbie12]

My gait still feels uneven but it has become easier for me to walk without dragging my affected foot. We can grow new circuitry! So I tend to my gait with interest and attention. Since you are doing Yoga perhaps your will find my Qigong experience of interest healthunlocked.com/parkinso...

[ddmagee1 in reply to M-o-ggy]

M-o-ggy. I can sure relate to that. I try to be positive and not use a walking aid, but when numbness sets in, and balance is way off, that makes the choice for me- it doesn’t matter what my attitude is then. Really, PD affects so many people in different ways, depending upon where neuro-degeneration occurs in the brain, how extensive it is, and how effective medicines are in helping. So what may work for some, with mild motor impairment, may not work for those in Stage 3, or who just don’t have the motor control they once had. I think remaining positive, and trying to exercise, within one’s limitations, would be a good generalized approach, especially for those of us who are past the beginning stages of PD, where both sides of the body are affected, the autonomic system is very affected, and medicine does not provide a great deal of relief from a multitude of aggravating symptoms.

[Jebbie12 in reply to 12Maxwell3]

Just checking in to see how you are doing. I had DBS 2 years ago. and it has definitely helped.I hope you are doing well. Are you exercising??

[Jebbie12]

Being social can be just staying in touch on phone. And on a good day go out for lunch. Friends understand and want to help. Don't isolate yourself

[12Maxwell3 in reply to Jebbie12]

This is where my problem lies

[alaynedellow]

Thank you Jebbie for your positivity and sharing. I try to stay positive and enjoy life but like all of us with pd i find my moods change but luckily not for long. Since diagnosis i have retired moved abroad found a lovely man- none of which i would have done without pd. Made me realise i need to live my life the way i want whilst i can. I now have time for my tai chi, yoga regular massage and walking my puppy twice daily. It is still a beautiful life I know it early days but heh! You have to go for it. Good luck withthe teaching. 😊

[seamus60680]

Hi Jebbie

Good post, Thanks!

I wondered if that was you in the picture and if so where was it taken! ?

[Jebbie12]

It is me and my husband. It was taken about 6 months ago on Marco Island.

[Rosabellazita]

But do you have Tremor? Thats what has turned me into a recluse.

[Jebbie in reply to Rosabellazita]

No tremor, But I freeze and cannot move. Literally. Can not walk. That is very scary and embarrassing when out in public. Injection of Apokyn helps as a rescue. But I must do it in the belly. Not ideal in public.

[Smittybear7]

Great advice! It's just a scary diagnosis.