 |
 |
Hi All on-off PWP's, I can't help but wade into this one, even as our 501 (c) (3) application sits there waiting for us to predict a perfect future for a disease that can't be defined from one person to another. I tend to think relating PD is an art form and therefore subject to interpretation of all the parties involved. We can help each other by relating OUR feelings about symptoms, drugs treatments and their side effects, and our mental approach and state to both of these wildly fluctuating daily events. I don't know from day to day what is in store for me. It makes it difficult to convey my experiences in a uniform way. The best description I have been able to come up with is: a movement and psychological disorder that is effected by daily stress, diet and mental capabilities for that day. That is as definite as it gets for me. I'm not going to tunnel myself in so that I don't have these fluctuations. As long as I am able, I will try my best to acknowledge the symptoms by treating them as a part of my life, not as defining my life. This is easier said than done. Especially after taking on this endeavor with my friends in the local PD community. However, it will be my pledge in life. I am certain of that. I will go through the off periods to the best of my ability without it dominating me. Off period to me simply means: diminished ability to adjust to symptoms of PD due to insufficient synthetic dopamine and adjunct medications. And on means diminished ability to deal with the side effects of PD due to an excess of synthetic dopamine and adjunct medications. Some people need more detail. I like to generalize. To each his own, symptoms and side effect and mental approach! Just a thought! Greg Leeman PS-Can anyone who has experience with 501 (c) (3) applications help us with this very important requirement of a non-profit to gain tax-exempt status?