 |
 |
Jacob... It seem to me we're each indiviudally bothered by so many different PD symptoms, that whatever is the worst per individual IS the worst indignity THAT person suffers from the disease. IF micrographia (tiny handwriting) IS the worst PD symtom that Ernie suffers (and lucky HIM if it IS....) then why belittle his feelings about it? He WANTS to be "normal," and to be able to do one of the simplest tasks that a "normal " adult person does.... to handwrite. This is a matter of "pride," and perhaps denial, and controlling our own life..(and maybe ignorance about PD, too). It IS embarassingly frustrating to have to ask others to handwrite for us. And it IS embarassing to be forced to admit not only to yourself but to a roomful of strangers that ya need that help because your have Parkinson's (or any disease) and that you've reached a stage where you can't do eveyrthing for yourself, and must humble yourself to ask strangers in a public place for assistance in accomplishing such a simple act. It's embarassing AND dehumanizing. It is embarassing to feel "different" than everyone else in that room. We each adjust to, and eventaully accept that we have this terrible disease only when IT forces us to, and not before. How many of us have bargained with God or whatever we believe or don't believe in (gee.... is that politically correct enough?) <grin>, saying something like, "Well, THIS I can live with, even tho I can't button a shirt ay longer or tie my shoes (or handwrite)... but PLEASE just don't let it get any WORSE?" IF not being able to write IS the worst thing about having PD that Ernie has had to adjust to then whom amongst this group of individuals hasn't faced some other PD symptom and said, "I have stood it all, but THIS I can't stand?" And who are ANY of US to consider that personal loss a "trivial" matter? And whom of us has not grieved for the loss of a "normal" function due to PD? NOTHING about Parkinson's is "trivial" for anyone who has it, I believe. Barb Mallut, [log in to unmask] ---------- From: PARKINSN: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network on behalf of Jacob Drollinger Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 1996 10:21 AM To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN Subject: Re: Does anyone else have these symptoms Dear Ernie, I don't want to sound rude or anything, but your letter seems to be quite trivial. I would give my eye teeth to swing a golf club without falling over, much less make good contact. I write quite well, a little slow, but large and clear, but I would give that up in a heartbeat to be functioning as well as you are. Take heart, Ernie, help is not too far around the corner. Jacob