Does Parkinson’s Disease define who we are?

[@ocrodger]

3 years with Parkinson's now. It has changed my life tremendously. A simple diagnosis by a doctor who saw me for 10 minutes and said here take this medicine and come back in 6 months was the start of my journey with Parkinson's. My biggest mistake was going to talk to Google. I should have never done that. I'm still struggling with depression and it's something that consumes my life. The first six seven months of my diagnosis I contemplated taking my life. I still think about it sometimes. I pray for a day that I don't have to worry or think about Parkinson's at all. Even a half day would be great. I tried so many medications for depression. They've all failed. I just got done with TMS and that was a failure too. Now I'll try just living with depression and see what happens with that it's amazing how my life has changed so much. I guess David you might say I'm in stage two. I pray for stage 3 to come along and help me get over this hump.

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Hi Rodger, so sorry that PD has you down. If the depression remains unbearable please let your loved ones know and seek professional help.😊😁😃

[@MatthewFrench-y7g]

I was diagnosed 5 years ago and it sucks. However I will not give in we must fight the dying of the light. This might sound left field but I chop wood and I mean lots, trust me it helps. Stay strong my brother.

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Hi Matthew if you love to chop wood to help relieve stress I think that's a great thing to do at least it keeps you warm in the winter thanks for your comment 😃😄😊

[@MatthewFrench-y7g]

@@LifewithParkinsonsvery true but it’s more than that. It focuses my thoughts,keeps me strong and it’s the best stress relief I’ve found. I know it sounds a little weird, but it’s high level aerobics ( I think)😊. And with the palates that I do my symptoms are more manageable.

[@LifewithParkinsons]

@@MatthewFrench-y7g Thanks for the clarification, I am happy to know your symptoms are more manageable.

[@julesj5853]

I am a family caregiver for my grandpa who was diagnosed 7 years ago. Do keep fighting, keep an upbeat and positive outlook and choose the see the victories over the defeat and fear, your attitude about it makes a huge difference. My grandpa never could get past the defeat and it went fast for him, he has developed dementia and with his recent illness has lost completely ability to eat or drink and now is on hospice. I don't say this to scare you, but be diligent to continue exercise, experiment with alternatives, live your life don't allow it to dictate what you can do, unless it becomes a safety issue of course.

[@LifewithParkinsons]

@@julesj5853 thank you for sharing as well as the encouragement 😀🙂😊

[@erinnoel4306]

You are right if it's not one challenge there will be another challenge. We can only live our best day to day. Take the way of acceptance - I agree

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Thank you Erin for your encouragement and for watching. Yes I agree we need to live our best day to day 😃😄😊

[@kriskimball-i9h]

Well said, David!! I absolutely love your your honest, no nonsense approach to explaining the different stages… It’s filled with love, empathy, and understanding. For those reading this, David is correct, you are not alone!! look for opportunities in your area to hook up with “your tribe”… support groups, exercise opportunities (yes, many places offer free classes for people who havePD) etc. this new life will become your new normal, but you will find your way and you will live well!!🎉🎉

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Hi Kris, thank you for your kind words and encouragement and for letting me know the videos are helpful. Thank you for also encouraging other viewers to seek help and community.😊😁😃

[@nicholashearn5399]

I was diagnosed with PD in August last year, so I found you video really helpful., and I can now recognize the shock stage. No, I will not let PD define who I am, now or in the future! Thank you for honestly sharing you expreience. Nicholas.

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Hi Nicholas, thank you for your kind words and for sharing a bit of your story. I am honored to share my experience, especially when I receive an encouraging comment like yours. Thank you again.😊😁😃

[@SF-cg6kn]

Probably your best video yet - thanks Dave and keep up the great work! 👍

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Thank you so much, glad you find the channel helpful.😊😁😃

[@ElzoraHolland]

Great video! I have Parkinson. It does not have me. ❤

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Hi Elzora, I like that. I have Parkinson's it does not have me 😄😃😊

[@linda5628]

You express yourself so well! Thank you for sharing your experiences!

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Hi Linda, you are most welcome!😊😁😃

[@sharoncribbs7516]

Great video and so right! Thanks David.

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Thank you Sharon it was a lot of fun to make. I worked on it all week then frantically rewrote the entire episode the evening before recording the next morning. Lol. I have to stop doing that 😃😃😊

[@sharoncribbs7516]

@@LifewithParkinsons oh no ....that was a lot of work!

[@Lalaland-q2z]

I remember( as my wife had the type of PD with no shaking or tremors )many thought she did not have PD ,once she was unable to leave our table after a meal at a restaurant due to a" Parkinson's freeze" ,the staff thought she drank to much and unable to move ,I showed them a letter from her hospital stating that this event might happen..I gave her emergency Parcopa pills ..and in 10 minutes she moved enough to depart the restaurant.

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Hi Michael, I hear you. Parkinson's awareness still needs a lot of work. Carrying a letter around is actually a good idea I feel, unfortunate that it is needed, but a good idea, Thanks!😊😁😃

[@elaineyoung9672]

I have experienced that before I began Sinemet treatment. These pills have made a huge difference to my quality of life. And I wont letit define me either. I'm nearly 80 and I don't have much strength but I get up in the morning and i love cooking nice meals for my husband. And i paint pastel lands capes. God is so good.

[@billct657]

@@elaineyoung9672God Bless You and Your Husband