On a positive note: Although it has ben almost a year since
diagnosed (male, age 65), and although I don't think I am any
less depressed, angry, frustrated, and insecure than I was at the
outset, I have experienced some positive feelings as well.
My wife (caregiver) and I just returned from a long
tourist/weekend in Toronto. We walked for miles, dined, drank,
went to see a film, attended a jazz session, and stayed up late.
We did the same thing a year ago and I was exhausted, stiff, and
uncomfortable most of the weekend, and could not keep up with my
wife - walking crowded streets was a chore. But this trip was
different! Perhaps it was my meds ( Eldepryl and Sinemet CR). I
had a great time, was ready for more, and outpaced my wife who
could not keep up with me. I was aware of the difference even
before my wife - a more objective observer - commented on the
difference. Hopefully this "up" time will continue this fall
when I go back to work in the classroom and lecture.
All of the above is just so that I can remind everyone of a
positive observation that has been made on this List from time to
time, namely:
The conclusive diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease is generally
made a year or so after the initial symptoms first appear. By
the time a medical diagnosis of Parkinson's has been made there
have already been indications of tremor, rigidity, micrographia,
slowness of movement, postural and gait changes, and stiffness of
muscles. These symptoms vary with the individual. So too, the
progression of Parkinson's Disease and the severity and frequency
of the symptoms vary significantly. Some PD'ers have postural,
gait, and rigidty problems early in the disease while for others
tremors predominate. For some the progression of the disease is
slow. For others, the time period between diagnosis and
significant disability can be short.
But, in addition to the idiosyncratic nature of Parkinson's
Disease we must also note that the progression of the disease is
not necessarily linear. A patient's disability - physical and
mental - may slowly deteriorate over many months and then
suddenly improve and stabilize for a considerable period. There
is, in addition, a variable response to medication by
Parkinsonians and by the same individual during certain periods
of time.
None of us can avoid the grim future unless and until a cure is
found. In the meantime we need to grab on to a positive thought
from time to time.
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| Sid Roberts [log in to unmask] |
| Youngstown State History Department |
| University Youngstown, OH 44555 |
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