Ep. 54 Putting a Brave Face on Parkinson’s Disease

In this video, I explain some of the hidden struggles of life with YOPD.
/ jeremymac76

[@mikefalch8304]

Thanks for vocalizing how many of us feel battling Parkinson’s .

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thanks so much, Mike!

[@Had2Listen]

My wife has had PD now 10 yrs. We belong to a great support group. Thank you for sharing your journey. I watch your videos and others to gain perspective and learn as much as I can. This was a great video from the heart and impactful. Wish you the best. As I like to tell people no matter what they are going through celebrate what you can do and wake up every day with a goal to enjoy that day. Stay well stay strong !!!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank you! Best wishes to you and your wife!😎

[@wandapetrella7449]

Just so you know..😊...you are one of my major supporters! Husband first then my favourite Parky person. I'm always saying. Honey, listen to this. This is exactly what I experience! Thank you, stranger. We could not be more different and yet I connect so much. Wanda

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Wow! You just made my day! I’ve been really going through it lately, and you couldn’t have picked a better time to write this! Thx, Wanda!😎

[@enidday5396]

Jeremy, thank you so much for this glimpse into your life! I found it very touching. Your videos always make me feel less alone especially this one. Impossible to describe what we go through but you came very close. Thank you so much!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank you, Enid! I’m glad to know ‘I’ve made a positive impact!

[@davidcontreras1896]

Thank you Jeremy for saying on your show the things that I have difficulty saying. People around us need to understand what we're dealing with.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank you, David!

[@grahammcintosh1701]

Hello Jeremy videos amazing I am 64 parkinson since 2017 no medication just now employed as a road sweeper with islingtoncouncil London exercise good manythanks

[@JeremyMcdonald]

@@grahammcintosh1701 Thank you, Graham! I glad you are enjoying my videos. Stay active!

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Hi Jeremy thank you for the heartfelt episode, it really does show the life of someone with Parkinson's in an honest way.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank you, David. This was a difficult video to make as you can imagine.

[@Cabmaker]

Well stated only us people that are living with this disease can really know what it’s like. I know it’s rough on our caregivers also and I want to appreciate them as well.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Well said!

[@jackmcloraine5354]

Thank you, Jeremy. At a family gathering over the weekend my sister in law asked me how I’m feeling in front of everyone. It’s so hard to answer that question in a group setting. Glad you made the video. I was wondering where you were. 😊

[@JeremyMcdonald]

You’re welcome, Jack! Honestly, the few people I still see have mostly stopped asking me how I am doing. I suppose at this point, it’s either obvious or they don’t want to know! 😂

[@tomrio9914]

@jeremymcdonald just watched this from a year ago. The struggle is real and sometimes it rears its head more than others. Keep strong always.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, Tom!

[@schuylervanduyne2372]

You are on point. Very difficult disease. I am much like yourself trying to cope. Tremors are relentless. Cannot sleep. Very real nightmares. Restless leg. Cognitive struggles , depression and continues to progress rapidly. L/C less and less effective. Stay strong. On a positive note I am an avid bodybuilder and look amazing, 55 years old. But as you said, people cannot begin to comprehend our struggles.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank you, Schuyler! Keep moving!

[@alittlebitshaky]

Raw. Honest. Real. Thanks for putting on your brave face and speaking your truth.♥️

[@JeremyMcdonald]

I appreciate that! Thank you for taking the time to watch!

[@mmhervey3449]

Hi Jeremy, thank you for this video and your honesty. I don’t have Parkinson’s but I have a nephew who is 53 and has it for several years now. This has led me to find out as much as I can about it. Take care of yourself and God bless.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Good luck to your nephew and thx!

[@donindusted]

Thanks Mate, one of the truly hard things to accept, both for myself and those around me about Parkinson's is that you are not going to get better. Changes in medications may mitigate symptoms better but you know it wont last. This is why I put on the brave face so we all can keep going on. Apologies for such a downer of a comment.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

No need to apologize, bro. You speak the truth! Thx for your honesty.

[@KirbyCobbinKC]

I'm having that exact type of day right now...oh hell...you're right, it's everyday. Thank you for doing what you do. It has helped tremendously to give me good reference points and hope. --signed: Loyal Listener in Kansas City

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thanks, Kirby!

[@ryo390]

I am listening to what you have to say. Listening to English is difficult, but I understand part of it. This disease is a big monster. I also struggle with anxiety and depression. Far from Japan.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Wow! I have a viewer in Japan! Thx for commenting. I wish I knew some of your language!

[@ricksuvanto5009]

Thanks Jeremy for your openness and showing your vulnerable side. I feel I keep a brave face for myself firstly because I'd rather go out laughing than crying. Secondly for my children to teach them how you can choose how to deal with adversity. That's not to say I don't struggle physically and mentally, but like most of us, I tend to struggle alone. But we owe it to the people that love us and care for us to let them see the good and the bad. I try to let my family know about the bad times and why they are bad. This way I can keep them active in my life through the good and bad times I also believe we need to show the world our struggles so that we can stop the stigma and embrasemment ,we didn't ask for this disease. But we can choose how we live with it.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Words of wisdom, Rick. Thx for the encouragement!

[@scottfannin5051]

I appreciate this video so very much. Like you, I try not to drone on about it to others, so it’s nice to know others feel the same as I do.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Glad it was helpful, Scott!

[@jeanninehill6009]

Hi Jeremy! I've missed you! I'm so glad to know that you're okay and so happy that you were able to get away for a few days with your sweet family. You mentioned what you called a "honeymoon " period-- this is the first I've ever heard of it--and I believe I am experiencing that right now. I finally am under the care of a neurologist/movement disorder specialist and have begun taking Cinemet in small doses. I feel like a million bucks and almost forget that I have Parkinson's! So this is a normal phase of the disease, and one that isn't going to last? Darn it!! I guess that hope springs eternal....Thank you for being honest and sharing your struggles with us. Your videos are usually light- hearted and humorous, lifting our spirits and brightening our days. Now I know how to lift you up in prayer, trusting the Lord will lift your spirit and help you in every way!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, Jeanine! It’s always great to hear from you!😎 And, yes, it’s unfortunate that the so called honeymoon period doesn’t last. But don’t worry about tomorrow. Today is the only day we have!

[@jeanninehill6009]

@@JeremyMcdonald You're a wise man!

[@jonathanbressler5660]

Thank you for your honesty Jeremy. I’m only a few months into this journey and although most of my motor symptoms are still intact. The depression and this dreadful fatigue I’m feeling both mentally and physically consume me most of my day. All I can say is it’s just terrible. However when I see stories of people like yourself going through similar experiences I don’t feel so isolated. Thanks again for posting.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Fatigue and depression were several of my earliest symptoms as well. Thx for taking the time to comment, Jonathan!

[@debbyleung8035]

I am still beginning this journey, but you and other Parkinson’s veterans are teaching me a bit of what things might be like in the future, and about some of the daily choices and struggles you are sharing. I understand what you are saying about how hard it is to share the harder things. Thank you. Take care.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank you so much, Debby! Stay active and positive!

[@SDWP]

Sorry you have to deal with that stuff. Thanks for sharing and I’m glad to see you getting out and enjoying life with some new adventures. We gotta keep making new memories…especially with family. Stay strong my friend.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank you, Michele! Your friendship means a lot to me!

[@Michele-rj2fd]

@@JeremyMcdonald 👊

[@MLStanleyK]

Thanks for giving voice to aspects of this Phukked-up disease!!!! BTW - I LOVE the albums behind you on the top of the couch - the Great Singers!! Keep your chin up - I'm trying to keep mine up too.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

I love the classics! Keep your chin up, Marn!

[@chrisc9259]

Jeremy, you rock my friend! Your candor is refreshing. You speak the truth. I don't know how many times in a day or week I put my "Game Face" on and say yep, let's do it. There's always something at work I say I can do it to someone then I'll stress about it for the next 30 mins, which makes things worse, then I'll Do it or try...Sometimes in a good way way. It was easily done or I just show cased, the ShitShow I can be with this awesome disease. Good thing for having a great sense of humor! lol I venture out some, but the home is my safe/happy place. I might one day follow your lead and do a video, but at times my speech is horrible. Some day, some day lol Stay brave, strong and inspiring! Thank you for the vid bro!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Game Face is right! All the things I took for granted all my healthy years!

[@stellasweden]

Havnt been diagnos yet. But I see you and I see me in you ❤ thanks for sharing ❤

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, Stella!

[@GoProGoalieUzi]

Thx for the video bro ❤your right about everything. I’m the same way and experience the same shit! It’s a brutal disease indeed. I recently shared it to my channel, and IG. It’s a battle every single day. Go Oilers Go

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Parkinson’s is the gorilla on our backs that just won’t get off! I watched your video. Thx for your honesty, Uzi!

[@GoProGoalieUzi]

@@JeremyMcdonald the mountain bike one I am assuming?

[@JeremyMcdonald]

@@GoProGoalieUzi yep!

[@shsharrell9267]

Thanks for being vulnerable. I have not been diagnosed yet. I'm pretty positive I have Parkinson's. I've always been a very private person, when I left work people didn't know anything was wrong with me. I had been struggling badly at work for the last year. I too try to stay upbeat, it is mire help to me when you talk about your struggles with parkinson's. You probably can't do that all the time, yoh have to just do how you're feeling at the moment. I guess I'm just trying to say that i appreciate bith sides of you. Springfield Mo so not too far from St. Louis. Thanks

[@JeremyMcdonald]

I’m happy to know that you enjoy my videos. I think it’s dishonest not talk about both my victories and my struggles, so thank you for watching and understanding!

[@jacquelinerivera3919]

Yeah it is frustrating scary and exhausting

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Amen! Thx, Jacqueline 😊

[@megith-hj4qo]

Thanks

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Anytime!

[@charmosityj1779]

Thank you Jeremy.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx for listening!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you for opening up about what you’re going through! Your mental health ninja is within you to help pick you up when you’re feeling down or the PD “monster” is too much.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank you for being a great friend, Jennifer!

[@nickwilson3294]

I live in the UK, and I am waiting to see a specialist. Thanks for the video! It summs up what I am experiancing but I find it hard to explain to My GP!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

You are welcome, Nick!

[@ASHEEHAN]

I can sure relate to this topic. Parkinson's sucks. Having it really sucks. Every day it is a struggle but we do what we have (can) to do. What choice do we have? Keep going forward because we can't go back. Never.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Keeping on keeping on! Thank you , Ann!

[@prismyogahealing]

Windows 95 lol I feel that pain!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

My OS is in overload!🤣

[@zachburch4113]

As a newbie to PD, about 1 1/2 years since diagnosis and MDS estimates 5 years with disease, I would like a video on the so called honeymoon period. I function pretty good taking C/L 3 times daily but am wondering how long this period will last? Fatigue and sleep problems are biggest issues right now.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank, Zach! Good question but not easily answered. Everyone has a different experience with C/L. My "honeymoon" period was rather short (2 yrs.) compared to others I know. My best advice is to stay educated about PD and ask your MDS a lot of questions. Good luck on your journey!

[@rickypastille]

"Normal" is over-rated, Jeremy. W-w-w-w-way over-rated. Don't think about the past. Don't worry about tomorrow. Right now, you are doing well. You really are. Focus on that.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, Ricky! I needed to hear that today!

[@davidcontreras1896]

Thank you Jeremy for saying on your show the things that I have difficulty saying. People around us need to understand what we're dealing with.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank you for taking the time to comment, David! You are not alone.