I have Parkinson's Disease. It's not catching or hereditary. No one knows what causes it, but some of the dopamine cells in the brain begin to die at an accelerated rate. Everybody loses some dopamine cells as they grow older, but if the process happens at a faster rate, Parkinson's Disease developes.
It is slowly progressive and there are medicines that can help. I'll take newer, stronger kinds of medicines over the years. Stick with me, I have good days and bad days.
You are expecting me to shake. Maybe I will, Maybe I won't. Medicine today takes care of some of the tremors. If my hands or feet are shaky, ignore it. I'll sit on my hand or put it in my pocket. Treat me as you always have. What is a little shakiness between friends?
You think you don't entertain me anymore because I am not grinning or laughing. If I appear to stare at you, or have a wooden expression, that's the Parkinson's. I hear you, I have the same intelligence. It isn't as easy to show facial expressions. If swallowing is a problem, I may drool. This bothers me, so I just keep a kleenex handy.
As my deeper tones fade in my voice, you'll notice my voice getting higher and wispy. That too is the Parkinson's Disease. Listen to me. I know you can talk louder, faster and finish my sentences for me. I hate that! Let me get my thoughts together and speak for myself. I'm still here. My mind is okay. The same brain chemistry that makes me slow in movement makes me talk slowly as well. I want to be part of the conversation, let me speak.
We are ready to go somewhere and as I get up, I can hardly move. Maybe my medicine is wearing off. This stiffness or rigidy is part of the Parkinson's. Let me take my time, keep talking, I'll get there eventually. Trying to hurry me won't help. I just have two speeds, slow and slower. I must take my time. If I seem jerky when I start out, that's normal. It will lessen as I get moving.
I need to walk every day. Walk with me, company makes walking fun. It may be a slow trek, but we'll get there. Remind me if I slump or stoop over. I don't always know I'm doing this. My stretching, bending, pushing exercise must be done every day, how about helping me with them?
I may complain that I can't sleep. If I wonder around in the middle of the night, blame the Parkinson's, not me! IT has nothing to do with what I ate, or how early I went to bed. I sometimes nap during the day. Let me sleep when I can. I can't always control when I'm tired or feel like sleeping.
Sometimes I cry and apprear to be upset. Probably not. It is the Parkinson's. Keep talking to me, ignore the tears. I'll be okay in a few minutes.
Patience my friend. I need you. I'm the same person. I've just slowed down. It's not easy to talk about Parkinson's, but I'll try if you want me to. I need my friends, I want to continue to be a part of your life, and I want you to be part of mine.
Love,
Your PD friend