Parkinson's - Financial Independence to Financial Dependence

I have always been financially independent. The shift between financial independence to financial dependence has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced having Parkinson's. The desire to feel like I am contributing financially in my marriage, is very important to me. In this video I share my thoughts and strategies overcoming this big personal challenge.
Despite these challenges I am so grateful and know how fortunate I am.
Not Just Parkinson's Interview with Jennifer Sullivan
• Not Just Parkinson’s W...
Who Stole My Dopamine
www.whostolemydopamine.com/p/...
The Dill Pickle
thedillpickle.substack.com/
Thank you so much!!!

[@antycoco]

Thank you so much for covering this topic. It is probably my number one source of anxiety is the fear of becoming dependent as my PD advances.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you for your comment! It's a tough one, but I always remind myself that all the worrying in the world will not help and worrying is no good for us. It's easier said than done but I am getting better at it because it's the truth & reduces anxiety ♥

[@DizzyRansmeier]

Taking my first week of FMLA from full time employment due to increased symptoms. It’s always hard to know where the boundary is for me. I have been continuing to work even while it often feels like too much, due to the need for quality healthcare and financial resources. If these symptoms don’t ease up with rest, I’ll probably have to take a good look at some other options… thanks for sharing Jen ❤

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

I hope you enjoy your FMLA and get a chance to kick back and relax and improve your symptoms! This is not an easy subject at all, and for each one of us, there are different factors that go into decisions about our financial futures with lots of emotion attached to it, as well as pride❤

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Thanks Jennifer. Contributing to the finances is a big thing for me too

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you David! ❤️

[@Michael-he7xn]

You’re brilliant. You cover big topics.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Awe....Thank you!! 🥰

[@SDWP]

Congrats on the monetization! As you know, I’m still working…. Sometimes I do wonder when that day will come when I’ll have to stop. Hopefully it’s still far off. You’re so blessed to have that hubby of yours.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

My hubby is the greatest human I've ever known!! ♥You have many years of working ahead of you...had I not owned a restaurant, and an office job instead I'd still be doing it I believe. You no doubt will be prepared and ready for when it's time to retire, unlike me 🙃 Thank you sweetheart!

[@donindusted]

I'm lucky I applied for the (Australian) Disability Pension this has enabled a few things I can still work (self employed) limited hours, I get a small pension and some relief on bills and what really made the difference cheaper (that's cheaper again as on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme they are already cheap) from around A$360 a month to A$36. During Covid the cost of medicine was breaking me. So it is still possible to work with PD I've been diagnosed for 9 years and fix printing machinery (presses, folders, guillotines etc). Thanks Jen.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thanks Don for sharing your story with us! Great to hear you're still working and self-employed. Aside from my bartending day, so am I. I do some freelancing on the side I forgot to mention, but limited hours as well 🥰

[@mollyblueetchegaray]

I always look forward to your latest videos, Jennifer! I saw your interview with Jeremy and now this vid, which both hit a nerve with me. I'm 73, diagnosed with PD 5 years ago. I have to work remotely to make enough income on top of my social security to remain independent. But my biggest fear is always "what am I going to do if/when I can't work anymore? I am trying to build my savings, but ... well, the fear persists. Thank you for broaching the topic and for the tips on additional resources. I am eagerly anticipating your book!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

It's hard to look to far into the future because the fear becomes overwhelming, so while I look ahead, it's not too far. Thank you so much for you comment!!

[@bonnieschwartz8087]

A very challenging subject... I have supported myself - and others - at times since heading off to college at 18 years old. I totally understand the difficulty in transitioning to being dependent on another person financially or otherwise. It has always been a fear of mine. I am fortunate to have had the ability to retire about 2 years after being diagnosed. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to do things and go places before it became too difficult. Even though I am not wealthy, I am at least secure with good healthcare. The thought of being a 'burden' to my family or friends in other ways down the road still looms in my brain... and it's scary. Always like how your videos get me thinking... WWJD ??

[@kendc4725]

A year into PD and still working. I know the off-ramp will show up sooner than I'd planned and I'm wrestling with the "what next" thing. I also enjoy writing, which is a large part of my job -- and something I'd planned to do in some way as a second act -- but PD has made typing a challenge. Thank goodness for voice-to-text (if I can just get the hang of it...).

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

You might be surprised by how many more years you have left to work. It's good for our brains as well. Yes typing can be a challenge at times, and I've been using voice to text more often on my cell phone...it's tricky. The dictate function in Word is good for stream of consciousness moments you want to capture but can't type....also tricky! 🙃

[@seanflagg]

Thank you!!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you Sean! 🥰

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx for the shout out, Jennifer!😁

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thanks for the fun interview/chat!! 🥰

[@oswaldcornelius638]

Think of it as a career change. Becoming an author is a good choice. There are loads of resources for new writers and the stigma of self-published (vanity press) is long gone. Thanks for heads up on the Live Stream, now all I need do is to remember to tune in. I shall make a note…

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you Oswald! Self-publishing is not off the table : ) Even when I make notes I still space on dates and plans, it's terrible!!

[@user-or2je2qs2x]

Thank you for everything you do!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

You are so welcome! and thank you for watching!

[@davestahl6676]

5 years after diagnosis, I'm still a self-employed piano tuners technician at 71. I limit my work to 1 and occasionally 2 service calls a day. Combined with SS and my wife's gig at the local state U, we're doing ok. The hard part is fatigue, and old injuries from my youthful days(how did I survive those years?) I am grateful to you for your openness and honesty. Thank you so much!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you Dave! I am with you on the fatigue and wondering how did I survive my younger years 🙃 Tuning piano's is a pretty cool job to be doing! I don't know how to play but love the piano! 🥰

[@davidhughes5998]

Thanks again and your efforts.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you David!

[@rogerokelley]

🚩It is so good to see you walk, hopscotch, etc. I fell last night trying to get to my wheelchair🦽🦽. Im so sore today. With balance issues and hallucinations sometimes I just feel like giving up 😪

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

I am sorry to hear about your fall and soreness Roger! Hang in there, and do all that you can to reduce the likelihood of falling. For example, when I had shingles, they gave me a medication that I tried for one night, but it impacted my balance to such an extent that I didn’t feel safe walking in the middle of the night to the bathroom. So I now keep something under my bed if I don’t feel safe or can’t walk. Not a cure for Parkinson’s but a way to reduce the chance of injury. I hope you feel better soon!

[@rogerokelley]

God bless you for your kind words and thank you. Shingles is AWFUL. My wife took me to a nature park today to absorb peace and quite. Reset my mind maybe. Nature and animals are so refreshing and soothing. Many thanks again 😊 ​@ParkinsonsWigglesProject

[@metalfarmer9286]

I am 47. Diagnosed 2 years ago this month. Had symptoms, and denial, 2-3+ years prior to my diagnosis. I have worked with my hands my entire life. Construction, farming, hobbies, everything with my hands. PD has flipped my life. I have real fears as to what is next. I appreciate your honesty and perspective. My favorite Dr. Seuss quote says it all, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." So onto figuring out what's next.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

I love Dr. Suess and the quote! You might be surprised by what you will still be able to do….and for what you can’t as you say, onto discover what’s next 🥰 Thank you!

[@parkinsons-oc]

Over 3800 subscribers...wow Jenn! You're doing great. Can't wait for your book!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you! Wow is right....I am soooo grateful! 🥰

[@davestahl6676]

It's a good gig, but the physical aspects can wear me down... Thanks for your show here...excellent!

[@brianemmons8960]

Its an honor to help out whenever i can. You're worth it!❤

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thanks babe! 😘

[@shauntaylor-lovelightfamily]

Much respect 🙏 I wait for your new talks here

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you Shaun! 🥰

[@tomrio9914]

Thanks Jennifer. Nothing is better than having friends and working to distract from the reality of PD.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you Tom! I love the moments when I am not thinking about or feeling Parkinson's 🥰

[@MikeMercury]

bonjour dear great job

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you Mike!

[@kendrapatterson4629]

Diagnosed at the age of 42, I turn 48 tomorrow. I still work full time, which makes it difficult to manage all that needs to be done in a day. I am a disabled veteran so I’m squirreling money away for when I can no longer work. But, I still feel I need to live life to its fullest while I’m still healthy enough to do so. It’s all really a balancing it for me 😅, which, of course, like physical balancing, has become more more difficult through the years.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Happy Birthday Kendra!! 🎂🥳🎉 Well said on living life to it's fullest while you can and trying to find balance. Squirrel away and have some fun! I turned 48 in September....will be 49 this year, yeesh 💕

[@ilovesuccess]

6 months since my initial neuro visit with suspected PD diagnosis. Confirmed last week thanks to PPMI study. At least now I have an idea which direction to start facing the fight of my life. Great big thanks to selfless people who like you, share their experiences. It gives me some solace that I don't have to deal with this completely alone. ❤

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

No one wants to hear those words but when you finally have the answer it does give direction. And you’re not alone! The Parkinson’s community has been here for me and we will be here for you 🥰

[@ilovesuccess]

❤@@ParkinsonsWigglesProject I appreciate your sentiment. I have to say, my experience so far with PPMI has been heartfelt and extremely patient and caring.

[@rogerokelley]

I found your channel last week and immediately subscribed 😊. While I dont have Parkinsons I do have Lewy Body Dementia which can be similar to some people. You are such an inspiration to listen to and it gives me hope. For my mild involuntary movements my doctor put me on 3000 mg daily of Keppra (Levetiracetam). It helps about 80% so I am quite satisfied. We just cannot find a good medicine to get rid of these auditory and visual hallucinations. They can be so awful and scary. Soft calm music 🎶 🎵 with noise canceling earbuds seem a little relief. Thank you for all the knowledge you share and was so excited to see your channel alert me. I have placed your name and your KZbin channel in our daily prayer book.🙏🏻🙏🏻. Take care yourself.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you Roger! It's good to hear that soft music offers some help and I am sure you've read up on your options but maybe there's something new here 🥰 www.dementiauk.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/dementia-uk-lewy-body-dementia-managing-hallucinations-visual-perceptual-changes.pdf

[@rogerokelley]

Many thanks. I have it printed now and will look over it. I will surely take all help I can get. 👍​@ParkinsonsWigglesProject

[@susanwood8086]

hi, you are brilliant. i wwas diagnosed 12 years ago. on sinemet. but no relief from tremors both external and internal. tremors last 48 hours plus and never go away. i have lost my mobility and use a wheelchair. please can you advise me as to how i get at least a little bit of life quality. good luck with all you do. Sue uk

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Hi Sue! I found a great therapist when I was diagnosed, a Cognitive Behavioral therapist, this has made all the difference in the world for me in terms of perspective and quality of life. To anyone I would recommend finding a good therapist and taking the time to find someone they connect with....it may take meeting a few different ones, but a therapist that you connect with is key.

[@viproo6302]

༺ ❤️💜❤️༻

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

🥰💕🥰

[@erichouck9487]

that is my biggest fear is having to be dependent or a burden on my family

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

It's a very real fear! Do what you can to let go of that voice telling you will be a burden, because it's not true! ♥

[@erichouck9487]

@@ParkinsonsWigglesProject it's difficult to do as I see what is happening to my body. I have been a life long athlete and the decline that I feel scares me

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Not sure if you have a therapist but my cognitive behavioral therapist has been a life saver. She helps me get a hold of my fears and find a way to face the reality of what's to come with Parkinsons' with a healthy perspective. She's amazing! No matter what you see happening to your body, know there is a way for you to not fear it. You have to find what that is for yourself but it's waiting to be found. @@erichouck9487