Ep. 116 Not Letting My Disability(Parkinson’s) Define Me

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[@shakinginmyboots1]

I think Parkinson’s made me realize that anything I thought defined me will change so I just identify as Esther and also a weirdo 😂great topic

[@JeremyMcdonald]

If you are a weirdo, then I am in good company!

[@Don-io6cr]

I think we’re defined by meaning and purpose. Mine has changed so much over my lifetime , maybe we’re all renaissance people. Victor frankel’s man’s search for meaning has helped me understand that some.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

So true! We all need to have a purpose to truly feel fulfilled.

[@kendc4725]

It’s so true that PD tries to take away your self-identity. I’m still me (I remind myself constantly), but I’m me with a tremor, and all the rest. Thanks for the “Tubthumping” lyrics by the way … now I’ve got to get that ear worm out of my gourd! I’ll just have to go have a whiskey drink or a lager drink … maybe that’ll help.🙂

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Sorry for putting that song in your head!😂😂😂😂

[@SDWP]

We'll always be valuable....most excellent point. We gotta just keep on pushin' and live la vida loca. lol

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Amen!

[@Renee-b2y]

Hey JMac, my son was diagnosed with very high functioning Autism when he was 10 (3 years ago) and the 1st thing he said to me was "mum, I don't have a disability, I have a different ability" 😢 I was so proud of him for thinking that way and it it never really even mentioned with us anymore😊 I used to let my anxiety and panic attacks define me until 1 day I said to myself $@#k that, I'm actually a person that has qualities and can do things!! That was over 20yrs ago now and I still keep to that mantra. Obviously some days are hard and it gets te better of me but I'm ok with that too😅. I love your videos!¡! Keep being awesome. Sending lots of love and huge hugs from Australia 🇦🇺 ❤❤❤

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, Renee! I love your son’s perspective. He sounds like a very wise young man.😎

[@tomrio9914]

😂 Definitions are so limiting. You will always be so much more than a doctor’s diagnosis. Keep up the good fight.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

I will keep swinging, amigo!

[@grannyelizabeth]

I'm an artist who has tremor dominant PD. None of the regular PD drugs have helped. I cannot use my hands anymore, unfortunately, and am struggling now to find another outlet for my creative endeavors. I've tried photography but shake too much to get any sort of sharp image, even on a tripod. Have difficulty typing or using a mouse. But I haven't given up - I'm determined to find some way to be creative.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Don’t give up, Elizabeth! I am currently very discouraged about my musical abilities. I am trying to find a way to get through it. Best wishes!

[@alittlebitshaky]

I have a friend, who is an artist and has a neurological disorder. She paints with her fingers on big canvases, makes a huge mess and loves it. Don’t give up!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

What defines us is a deep question….I can’t think of any one thing that defines me. I am animal lover….lover of music, people, of great conversation, art, delicious food, and on. But no single one of them defines who I am. All of them together says something about who I am as a person but not so much the state of my health. Parkinson’s is circumstantial not who I am. Even when it has its impact, I am still me 🥰 Great video! Thanks Jeremy ❤

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx for being such a positive friend in my life!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

@@JeremyMcdonald likewise my friend 🥰

[@RobbofromCronulla]

Here's a weird one for y'all. when my other symptoms are going off I can talk coherently, but when they're leaving me alone I stutter, stammer and can't Communicate.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Wow! That is incredibly strange! Thx, Robby!

[@MyPDDaily]

Great video topic!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank you!

[@GoProGoalieUzi]

Bro that was a great song you were singing!!! Hard question.. as much as pd turns your li9fe upside down, it does not really define me? I don't know...I am still Uzi..a tougher Uzi with a different outlook perhaps..love ya!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

You are Iron Man to me!

[@kelloncannon8901]

Have you had the DBS surgery

[@JeremyMcdonald]

I looked into it and was told I was a good candidate but ultimately decided against it for several reasons.