Episode 11: Business Owners and Parkinson's

The Secret Life of PD: In this episode, our special guest, Dave Kolbe, a local Construction business owner, talks about his journey with Parkinson's (and a cancer diagnosis). He talks about how he shared his diagnosis with family, co-workers, and eventually his clients. Learn how Dave handles stress, incorporates exercise, and how he's managing the future of his company. A true inspiration!
Check out other episodes here: / @thesecretlifeofparkin...

[@mariagardner2758]

Thank u for sharing!!!!

[@lisehusted2587]

Thanks for sharing your story! As the sole proprietor of my own interiors business I could relate to everything you said. particularly the workaholic aspects! As I have entered 20 years of living with PD, this year I am trying to retire. It’s so hard to give up something I love but it’s time. I wish you the best of luck!

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Wow! 20 years of PD and owning your own business? That's incredible! Good luck with retirement!

[@chrisc9259]

Thank you Dave for sharing your story and your journey so far! Jessica and Brian are great hosts :) The timing for this video is right there with what I was talking to my MDS about this week at my 6 month appointment. We were talking about if I was still managing working full time and how it was going etc. I was saying I love what I do but there just isn't enough time in the day to do all the things I need to, not to mention the stress and fatigue setting in. My MDS said I bet you are. Think of it this way. You have 2 full time jobs..Your PD is one full time (and then some) and your work is the other. I knew that, but it never really sank in or that acknowledged the fact. Like you mentioned in the video having a job and a 2nd job. I'm like Dave I've always been a doer. Starting the day at 5:45 and bedtime is hopefully 10-11. Then cross the fingers I can stay asleep to get a decent nights sleep. If you need something I'm there. I put everything, everyone else first before myself. It's time to change this. My work family is very supportive and know that I'll be doing a little less going forward. I said no to something recently and it was a weird feeling and the world didn't come crumbling down haha. Thank you as always for the Video Jessica and Brian :)

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

It’s hard to put yourself first. Once I started doing it (just this year), it became easier and easier. I went from full time to part time last year and it has made a world of a difference. I’m so glad hearing other stories is helping your own journey!