Parkinson's Disease A Strange Gift

This video is my submission to the 2023 World Parkinson's Congress. Is it possible that Parkinson's disease could be a strange gift? Having Parkinson's is a challenge but my goal in life with Parkinson's or not is to live as happy a life as possible. To be stress free and happy is good for us, those in our lives, and most of all I believe the health of our brain.

[@toryberch]

Jennifer, you are so right about not living your life wrapped up in 70 hrs of being a slave to it just to justify what you thought was your dream. But in realties recognized you were given a gift of your own which is being humble, honest and self sacrificing, Parkinson's just opened your beautiful eyes to see that life is the true gift above all else 😊💜🤗

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I couldn't have written it any better and love this..."Parkinson's just opened your beautiful eyes to see that life is the true gift above all else." Thank you so much!! : )

[@toryberch]

@@ParkinsonsWigglesProject Your welcome Jennifer 😊🤗🌺

[@juliet-m31]

Oh my gosh!! What a sweetheart! 💜 Thank you for sharing your story. 🥲

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Awe thank you for your sweet comment Juliet!! 🥰

[@SDWP]

Love this! It definitely minimizes stress when you can turn a negative into a positive. I'm definitely glad it brought us together. hugs

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Yes it does! And you know how I feel about stress 🥰 So happy that our paths have crossed as well, and it’s because of PD. Hugs back!

[@bonnieschwartz8087]

You have articulated, in the wonderful way you always do, about the fortunate side of this PD diagnosis. Clarity. Thanks for all your honesty and the willingness to share it with all of us. 💙

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you for your comment Bonnie!! It is strange to say but yes, there is a fortunate side of a PD diagnosis. I hope you're doing good! 🥰

[@scoop123456789]

You make me say WOW! I consider you a gift to all the lives you touch with your positivity and words of wisdom! Bravo!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Oh thank you Missy!! Kind of like the Wow I say when I see your beautiful wildlife photos! 🙌💕

[@parkinsons-oc]

Yes, it's time to live. Congrats on the honorable mention for WPC. (Should have been a finalist!) Sending hugs my friend!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Awwww, thank you🥰 I am super grateful for the honorable mention and sending you hugs back!

[@dream0nable]

Du berührst mein Herz und sprichst mir aus der Seele. Danke ! ❤️

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Dein Kommentar berührt mein Herz und spricht zu meiner Seele. Danke 🥰

[@peterchryst9714]

Yes a very bad gift for me. I was a very active person and enjoyed woodworking, mountain biking, hiking but I am now struggling to find my place. So far I haven’t met anyone with Parkinson’s.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Hi Peter! There is a place for you and I do know how challenging it can be to find it and adapt, but you can do it! Be patient, I’ve made huge life changes, from a restaurant owner, to a part time consultant, occasional bartender, writer, and KZbinr 😂 my wheels are spinning!! It took me too long but finally I found an awesome support group and I can’t tell you how wonderful and helpful it is to talk with people with Parkinson’s who get it! Davis Phinney is a great resource to look for groups, Michael J Fox Foundation, Bryan Grant, and PMD Alliance. Forgive any spelling errors…Thank you for your comment!! It has inspired my latest video that I’m trying to upload now!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Parkinson’s is indeed a strange gift! It has taken away many things but has replaced them with many new gifts. Not the least of which has been the gift of friendship. Thank you for saying these things!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you, thank you!! Indeed so grateful for the friendships and all the wonderful comments like yours!! :)

[@johndonaldson5126]

My friends and relatives must be questioning my sanity when I tell them I was so relieved to have the diagnosis. I had been tracking PD symptoms for over 10 years, all non-motor. The medical community kept saying a diagnosis requires three motor symptoms to be declared diagnosed. But the skin biopsy and PD marker closed that chapter one day early this year. I felt so relieved and vindicated. Shaky hands are just around the corner for me. That will surely mark a significant change in my life, but my PD seems to be progressing slowly. Anyway calling it a gift is right on target for me. Thanks for your channel.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you for sharing your story with us. Getting diagnosed after 10 years of tracking must be a huge relief...wow! The gift is crossing paths with people such as yourself...the Parkinson's community is such a big help, and inspiration. Thank you!

[@suvarnamehta123]

When you hear “Parkinson’s disease- Think not, now your life shall cease. Let questions clamour in your mind- Get into your groove and answers find. Tremors might trail, powerless your grip. Words too might stumble, on your lips. Let not a setback, stifle your speech. Abandon not your goal, before you reach. Your gait might make every movement stiff. Your balance might make a road, a cliff. The world might pass by, too fast for you- Shuffle if you will, yet, continue. The night, a comfort, might offer no rest. Your pen might find, each word a test. Smell might be a distant, digestion, a plight- Falter in your efforts but, don’t give up your fight. Your brain set to back down, your body on pause. Your nerves, a frazzled route, might depression cause. See not your life as, less worthwhile. Let not a shadow, overpower your smile. Your independence might be, riddled with doubt. Your confidence might strive, to seek an out. Feel not that you are but one, by troubles bound. Gaze at your reflection but, do look around. Think not your condition a burden, forced to bear. Assume not of undeserving; money or extra care. Fear not the eyes that stare nor curtail your zeal. Bemoan not that your future is bruised; give hope, a chance to heal. 🙏Suvarna Mehta

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

I am just seeing this wonderful poem, I love it!! Did you write it? Thank you so much for sharing it!!

[@Rosie_Apple_Delight]

Well said and appreciated! I’m contemplating sharing my diagnosis, protocol, life upheaval too but I’m just so nervous. How has it been for you personally doing this? You are a gift to US but how is sharing for YOU? Fellow YOPD here sending you appreciation and ❤️

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

You will know when it is time. I only shared my diagnosis with close friends and family in the beginning. Not so much because I was nervous about telling people but because I owned a pub and didn't want my customers to worry or have to talk about it all the time. There was also I think a bit of feeling like if I don't talk about it I don't have it, if that makes sense. Take your time and don't feel like you have to share. I have found it so freeing to say it, and if anyone asks about it I am open and not offended.

[@kelvinwood5616]

Well done All the best with everything ❤️

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@brianemmons8960]

Good positive vibes! Everyone needs to hear this!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you Brian!! Or listen to the Beach Boys :)

[@lila5555100]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@daniellelittle6981]

I could FEEL that emphasis when you said, "crystalizes FOR REAL". I relate soo much. I'm pulling for you on this. I hope you win and get to have this experience of going to the WPC as part of the victory of your giving yourself permission to live.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you so much Danielle!! You know what I mean....I posted on Facebook saying it's my version of Shawshank Redemption wisdom.."Getting busy living!" :)

[@howardj2878]

What a sincere thank you to Parkinson's.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you Howard!! 🥰

[@ricksuvanto5009]

I guess the gift Parkinson's has given me is...the cup Is neither half empty or half full, I always believed it to be twice as big as it needed to be. But now I find I'm just happy that there's something to drink for yet another day.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

I love it!! And have seen photos of those yummy looking drinks you make 🥰 Thank you Rick!!

[@davidhughes5998]

Very true and wise words. Enjoy life.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you David! You as well.

[@sharoncribbs7516]

You have a great attitude. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you Sharon!! : )

[@carolbrenner3121]

It’s been difficult with sleep lately. I am going to try Neuralli probiotics for PD. I’ve lost 100 lbs since being diagnosed with a normal blood work at age 67. I never thought I would be walking with a dog every day either. I plan to go to Paris when science resolves this disease. Every day I’m grateful to be able to walk and minimal pain. I have to wonder if sugar impacts PD. I used to have vitamin deficiencies.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

I go through periods of amazing sleep and then not so amazing. Currently in a good sleep zone. Diet is important and I find each one of us has our own sensitivities, like caffeine used to be no problem, now it makes me zing! :)

[@evabeaver3452]

True

[@GoProGoalieUzi]

Well said! Definitely a strange gift 😐🤔😁❤🇨🇦

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Cheers!! 🤗🙃😀

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Parkinson's as a strange gift, I like that. Yes, it has given us lots of opportunities to share life with so many others, that is definitely something to be thankful for.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you David! Lot's to be thankful for :)

[@yessanknow302]

To quote Michael J Fox, 'Parkinson's is the gift that keeps on taking'. I'm struggling to see any upside to having this intruder in my life.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

I absolutely understand what you say....For me I feel like it is a necessity to find the silver linings in life...perhaps it's because I've been dealt many bad hands over my 47 years and I don't want to focus on the bad. I just added this to the description..."Having Parkinson's is a challenge but my goal in life with Parkinson's or not is to live as happy a life as possible. To be stress free and happy is good for us, those in our lives, and most of all I believe the health of our brain." Thank you Yessan!!

[@donaldwolff5211]

Thanks for sharing!!! You really need S M Zeus.

[@jerrym1070]

You looked great ( like having a good day GREAT ) . I am going through a ton of emotions RN , dr this morning started off with " you know you don't have PD , right ? " . I left with prescription for carba dopa Leva dopa . Just a crazy feeling ATM . Going to have a beer before starting meds , been 6 months since I had a beer . Sure do need one . Don't know why I am not getting your videos . I am a subscriber .

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

I hope your weekend has improved! And I always do my best to make the most of every day. If you hit the bell I think it will come up when I post a new video. Hang in there and maybe the C/L will help!

[@princeorakzai2784]

Please help me im 31 years old parkinson's disease

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) www.parkinson.org/resources-support There are great resources out there for people with Parkinson's who need help. I found a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist to help me process my diagnosis when I was 38 years old, and I still see her when I need professional help. There are other non-profits as well....I hope this helps! I know it's difficult but find and build your health care team to help you navigate your PD journey....this takes time but is worth it 💛

[@keitymarley733]

Parkinson disease is a very terrible illness, my Dad suffered from it for 19 years until we finally got a help and a medicine that truly works that helped treat, cure and reversed all his symptoms•••My Dad is completely okay and healthy now.

[@maricelpaguagan2276]

can you share with us what is the medicine?