Episode 13: Parkinson's patient's fears and how he overcame them

The Secret Life of PD: In this episode, I share Steve Brandenburg's PD story, "Pass the Kool-Aid". Steve is a PD patient who has undergone DBS surgery (which we will talk about in a future episode) and is our Podcast Producer. He shares his fears, and the dark place he went to; but then he shares how he found hope and a community that changed his outlook on life. We all want to "get to the other side" of this diagnosis (aka: feel normal again). So we need to learn how to accept it and find others we can relate to you. Find a community of PD patients that you can talk to - get to that other side.
Check out other episodes here: / @thesecretlifeofparkin...

[@keithcrabtree564]

Steve. Your attitude inspires me.

[@stevebrandenburg8198]

thanks Keith.

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Good diagnosis story. Thanks

[@ocrodger]

Hello from Tustin California. Wow I don't know what to say. Steve's story is very supportive. I wish that I could say the same for mine. In 2 days it'll be one year since I started having PD symptoms. More specifically intense brain fog. Which is never gone away. I can barely move without pain. I cry daily. Often wish to take my life too. I don't know how much longer I can go on. It hurts to walk. I walk daily. I wish I had Steve's attitude. I'm depressed and anxiety. I hate Parkinson's and it hates me. Thanks for listening. Probably the worst part of all this is at the Parkinsons, brain fog, anxiety, depression is taking away my ability to drive be independent.

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

I really hope you have the opportunity to reach out to your support network to get the necessary help you need. Whether its from doctors, medication, DBS surgery, family or therapy. This disease is not easy to deal with, and we know your pain. I hope you can find yourself someday soon moving away from the pain and into some relief.

[@stevebrandenburg8198]

Hi Rodger, I wanted to check in with you to see how you're doing now...

[@ocrodger]

@@stevebrandenburg8198 hi Steve thanks for your inquire. Things could be better. I wish I had your tenacity. I'm living day-by-day. I'm seeking a new therapist this week to help me deal with the emotional side of this. I've been seeing a psychiatrist and he's prescribing six different types of medication that helps with anxiety and depression from Parkinson's disease..... Yet none of them have helped. I've joined a new physical therapy group. Now I just need to get my butt in gear. I sure would love to get over this fear. The fear I have is the fear of the future with Parkinson's.

[@ocrodger]

Steve any advice on how to get over the fatigue of Parkinson's,... It is relentless.

[@stevebrandenburg6194]

@@ocrodger I'm glad to hear that you've joined a PT group...I work out 6 days a week, and I go at it like my life depends on it. That's how important exercise is to me...not to mention the comradely of working out with others who also have PD. We are there for each other with a sense of stewardship...because to a point, we've all walked in each other's shoes. I can tell you this: There is life after Parkinson's Disease...and sharing with others with PD can help. I hope you can find some peace regarding the future...and encourage you to continue focusing on things YOU CAN control. Exercise...You can do hard things...it doesn't happen overnight,,,but over time, you'll be glad you did. I wish you well.

[@mommerang]

How do I find a community of PD patients like yours?