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At 04:19 AM 7/5/97 -0400, you wrote: >In a message dated 97-06-25 23:28:42 EDT, you write: > ><< > > Hi, Jmorey. > >Regarding your question as to whether its time hang up the racquet for keeps >-- "H*LL NO!!! > >First off, you're talking about a full year lay-off from a sport that is >one of the most unforgiving when comes to the impact of infrequent play. I >don't know the level you were at prior to the operation or how often you >played, but I think you had the raised the bar raised a tad too high for >the first time out after a 12-month hiatus....regardless of your medical >condition. > >Second, and forgive the "Psychic Hotline" bit here (but I'm a little short >on facts) , I'm sensing that you're (like myself) maybe a "Graying Baby >Boomer" (or in the vicinity) who (again, like myself) is in a state of denial >that the "old bod" has a fair amount of mileage on it and it just might be >time to realize that maybe we shouldn't expect to perform like a 25 year old. >But even if you can't get past that imagery (I know I haven't), you've got >to at least cut yourself some slack and EASE BACK INTO THE GAME. > >Have you talked to your neuro about your aspirations on the tennis court and >how you might go about setting up a conditioning/training program that could >get your body in the "running condition" it needs to be in to keep those >"9.5" swan dives at a minimum? If you're doc doesn't have a clue (and it >wouldn't be a first) I'm sure posting another message will lead to a lot of >good advice. > >Third, re. the PD/PD symptoms, the tennis could be one of those "defining >moments" as to how you choose to deal with a condition which we have to >grapple with (at some level) every day. And based on that all-out effort you >were making during your "comeback tour", I'll bet the farm that you've >already answered "H*LL NO!!" your original question. > >All the best. > ........................................................................... Concerning PD and athletics: Just because I have Parkinson's doesn't mean I am going to give up my urge for athletics and even with my 53 year old body and 32 years of Parkinson's. For the last 12 years I have played wheelchair basketball and 15 years of golf and 3 years ago I started an adaptive skiing program in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. I realize that not everyone with Parkinson's will be able to do this or even want to, but thats part of my way of coping with this crazy disorder. I have been down both roads and I prefer to take the one I'm on right now. I must say that over the years its been the good Lord, my family and friends as well as trying to keep a positive attitude and sense of humor that have kept me going. About two years ago I accidently discovered a song by Randy Travis (country singer) that has been a real inspiration to me and I play it daily. The song "Heart to Climb the Mountain" goes like this, "There's a spirit only found inside a winner, in those who never lose the will to try. A strength we all can share if we only realize, you gotta have the heart to climb the mountain if you want to see the other side." "Its a long hard road, sometimes you're bound to fall. But you can't give up on your dream. You might get knocked down, but if you give your all, you're a winner every time you play the game. And when the journey's over, you can say with pride, " You gotta have the heart to climb the mountain if you want to see the other side." Now I am not saying that Iam any different than anyonelse with Parkinson's. I go through the diskenisa, on off, freezing, all the things we unfortunaley indure but a person just can't give up and I have tried to keep one step ahead by doing the things mentioned above. Please don't think I think Iam any better than any one of you because I don't. My only wish is that the cure can be found for all of us and soon. Thanks for listening. Russ Ahlstrom [log in to unmask] 53/22