tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25686671966084378302024-03-12T18:03:23.193-04:00My Life with Parkinson's diseaseAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-2617014247224556122013-01-09T01:47:00.000-05:002013-01-09T01:47:51.816-05:00Who do you see in the mirror?This morning, I wrote a blog entitled "Who is looking back at me?" I believe it is my best blog ever. Check it out at <a href="http://www.activatetheimaginable.wordpress.com/">www.activatetheimaginable.wordpress.com</a><br />
<br />
Therefore, I am entitling this blog as "Who do you see in the mirror?"<br />
<br />
Have you really looked in the mirror since you were diagnosed with Parkinson's diease? I did this morning. I realized I see the same person as I did before I was diagnosed with such a chronic progressive illness. I might not be able to move very fast in the mornings now, therefore, I just get up earlier and take some meds and when they kick in then I get moving to the same old beat as I did before my diagnosis.<br />
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I still look the same, brown hair or maybe strawberry blonde, depending on what color dye is on it. I have beautiful hazel eyes that go great with that wonderful smile of mine. My eyelids might not blink as much as they did before, however, I just look at it as if my eyes want to take in more beauty that surrounds me on this earth.<br />
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I'm still the loving and a caring person that I was before this crazy disease. I still try to help those around me with stories of my own to motivate others. I show others with this disease how much I care about them and teach them as much as I can so they can feel as good about theirselves as they possibly can.<br />
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Now look back in that mirror again. Who do you see deep down inside?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-85135994350170717572013-01-09T01:45:00.002-05:002013-01-09T01:45:34.035-05:00For just one more day<br />
I’m a young woman, whom used to be strong and free.<br />
But now I’m stricken with Parkinson’s disease.<br />
I can’t walk without shuffling my feet. <br />
There are times I feel defeat.<br />
I stay at home all day long, and wonder how it would feel to just work one more day.<br />
If only I had that one day to feel complete.<br />
In complete control of my destiny.<br />
<br />
Mary Killian 2013<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-16821757000646562212012-09-27T04:54:00.000-04:002012-09-27T04:55:17.754-04:00Shopping spreeMy oldest sister found out about 6 months ago that she also has Parkinson's disease. She is in the early stages of this disease. On occasions she will call me to talk about her shopping sprees, which I can't help but laugh as she's telling me to stop. The meds we both take cause an addiction to shopping. However, she told me this time that I should not be laughing and should be telling her to stop. I let her know that is not possible. When I was at the top of my game with that shopping addiction, my 5 sisters were all telling me I needed to stop. I laugh because I sure can relate.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-25953282472815257312012-09-27T00:16:00.000-04:002012-09-27T00:16:02.121-04:00Physical TherapyI have been going to Physical Therapy for over a week now. I have been getting my ankle back in shape. Plus, a lot of core and balance exercises. I am doing very well. I'm amazed at how bad I really was doing. These exercises are going to whip me back in shape and I just might feel like a teenager again....lol<br />
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If your not walking just right or your balance is keeping you from moving too fast, ask your doctor if Physical Therapy is for you. <br />
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A little exercise can go a long way.<br />
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Enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-1231034020160791452012-09-26T08:20:00.000-04:002012-09-26T08:20:31.880-04:00Who do you see in that reflection?This morning, I wrote a blog entitled "Who is looking back at me?" I believe it is my best blog ever. Check it out at <a href="http://www.activatetheimaginable.wordpress.com/">www.activatetheimaginable.wordpress.com</a><br />
<br />
Therefore, I am entitling this blog as "Who do you see in the mirror?"<br />
<br />
Have you really looked in the mirror since you were diagnosed with Parkinson's diease? I did this morning. I realized I see the same person as I did before I was diagnosed with such a chronic progressive disease. I might not be able to move very fast in the mornings now, therefore, I just get up earlier and take some meds and when they kick in then I get moving to the same old beat as I did before until it's almost time for that next set of meds.<br />
<br />
I still look the same, brown hair or maybe strawberry blonde, depending on what color dye is on it. I have beautiful hazel eyes that go great with that wonderful smile of mine. My eyelids might not blink as much as they did before, however, I just look at it as if my eyes want to take in more beauty that surrounds me on this earth.<br />
<br />
Catch me at the right moment and you might see me twitch, jerk or stumble. That's when I will share a laugh with you so you don't feel uncomfortable while this takes place.<br />
<br />
I'm still the loving and a caring person that I was before this crazy disease. I still try to help those around me with stories of my own to motivate others. I show others with this disease how much I care about them and teach them as much as I can so they can feel as good about theirselves as they possibly can.<br />
<br />
Now look back in that mirror again. Who do you see deep down inside?<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-64043777604823751842012-09-24T11:40:00.001-04:002012-09-24T11:40:45.824-04:00ReflectionToday, is the day that we sit in a quiet room. Not even a clock ticking in the background. Think of your favorite vacation, day or person and focus in on what happened that day or why that person is your favorite. Think of the smells around you. When was the last time you went to this place, or repeted what happened that day or seen that person. How is this making you feel? I know I have a smile on my face. I remember that vacation as if it was yesterday, and I can't remember anything. <br />
<br />
I remember the talks with my husband on the beach at night. Watching my kids sit and talk together. It was just the four of us basking in the sun and water. Drifting far out in the ocean on my raft and then wondering how fast I could get back to shore, just in case I spotted a shark. The movies we all laughed at in the evenings before bedtime. The smells of the sand, fell of the sun, the sounds of the waves and birds. <br />
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This feels so good. Even if I can't physically go there at least I can still in my mind. What a wonderful vacation even if it was only 15 minutes in my mind. I plan to go there another day this week.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-18949783301660011502012-09-23T20:48:00.002-04:002012-09-23T20:48:45.209-04:00Oh Magic Pill<div align="center">
Oh Magic Pill</div>
<div align="center">
Oh Magic Pill</div>
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Please work your miracle on me</div>
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Help me to think, walk, and talk just for a while</div>
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Oh Magic Pill</div>
<div align="center">
Oh Magic Pill</div>
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You are my very best friend</div>
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You help me when my feet want to shuffle</div>
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And make me take those big steps</div>
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Oh Magic Pill</div>
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Oh Magic Pill</div>
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You take away that slur so people don’t laugh at me</div>
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To be able to communicate would just be grand</div>
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Oh Magic Pill</div>
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Oh Magic Pill</div>
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You’re always there to help me to stand upright</div>
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Too many falls may cause me to bruise or break</div>
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Oh Magic Pill</div>
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Oh Magic Pill</div>
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Please help me to move and act right, so my family doesn’t worry</div>
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For just an hour or two, let them think I’m normal again</div>
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Oh Magic Pill</div>
<div align="center">
Oh Magic Pill</div>
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You are my very best friend!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-52824498649961378632012-09-23T20:38:00.004-04:002012-09-23T20:38:59.078-04:00Exercise!Exercise; Have you heard this word recently? I know I have heard it over a dozen times this year. I’m beginning to think exercise helps you with everything. I’ve tried it several times and have failed each time. I’m not making the grade to pass. Thank goodness, I didn’t do that in math and English.<br />
I do realize; however, that I do need to exercise. It would make me feel so much better, however, I don’t know where to start. I usually try something and it only lasts about 2-4 weeks. I’ve tried it at home and the gym. Oh, yes; I’m paying for a membership that I don’t use.<br />
I’ve tried walking, indoors, outdoors and even on a treadmill, and I can say I just really don’t care too much for it. Yoga is too slow and not quite for me. Jazzercise is just too darn fast that I can’t keep up. Water exercise; well let’s just say that isn’t for me either. I think I will google the words ”Exercise Alternatives”. Maybe there is some alternative to exercising. Wow! I’m not the only one that has this problem. There are all kinds of suggestions. 100 fun exercises to add to your gym membership….Dance…tried it! Don’t forget those old exercise video’s that are collecting dust. Now you can get them on-line and down load to your iPod. You’re kidding me? Kettle bells, medicine balls and even sand bags; I think I need to go back to school to learn all this. Not! That would be too much brain exercise.<br />
There are some alternatives to exercise that make me think. You can count house cleaning as exercise. Not me; hate it! Coaching is considered exercise. I think that is because it gets your heart rate going. I did that for over 15 years; burn out! Move on; what else.<br />
Here are some good ones: Home gym. Keep a set of dumbbells in a kitchen cabinet or food pantry, and do a few bicep curls and shoulder presses while dinner is cooking. Use a stability ball as a desk chair to work your abs while you’re paying bills. Keep a yoga mat under your bed, and pull it out for some downward dogs in the morning or before going to bed at night. I’d probably cook the dumbbells; I’d forget to pay the bills and I do the downward dog already every day. It helps me move in the morning. Wow! Score one for me.<br />
Date nights in sneakers. If your date nights typically involve a dinner and a movie, ask your partner to join you on a long walk, or go bowling or dancing. I can see me ask Tony to go walking, etc.<br />
Get a dog. A Canadian study showed that dog owners spend about 300 minutes or five hours a week doing Fido-related physical activities. By taking pooch out to do his business, playing tug of war, and going to the dog park, you will burn lots of calories. I have two dogs and their lazy ones that lay around all day under my feet. Plus, I live in the country and just let them out the door.<br />
There are a few more listed, but my fingers are getting tired from all this typing. Finger Exercise! Score! I have gotten a lot of exercise writing this blog. I’ve seen the word “exercise” over 100 times; I’ve gotten out of my seat at least 5 times to stretch and my brain is tired from all this writing. Wow! I did about 45 minutes of exercise. I’m tired and need to go rest.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-36362222122894261582012-09-23T20:33:00.003-04:002012-09-23T20:33:42.845-04:00Stuff, things or treasuresI have stuff; I have things and I have lots of treasures. Today, I walked slowly through my house and garden to see how much stuff I had collected over the past 12 months. I started out taking pictures of the wonderful treasures I had either received from friends or purchased at a yard sale or peddler mall. Then I said to myself “STOP”. I said it out loud again “STOP”. If I had a roll of film to change, it would have been changed several times. I had small stuff, like a figurine that I used to add to a floral arrangement. A small organizer with several drawers in it for different nails and screws has come in very useful. I had medium items like some larger flower pots to put out in the garden. A couple of medium size shelves to put paint and fabric on have helped organize the basement. The larger items include book shelves, chairs and tables. To most people, that probably sounds like a lot of things and stuff, but to me they are treasures. I purchased a gaming table in hopes that one day my son will challenge me in a game of checkers. I might even let him win. I purchased a couple of shelves that display, not only our favorite books, but some old pictures and memorabilia items. I have several beautiful bird houses that either the birds or I get to enjoy. Some parkinson medication side effects is addiction to ether sex, shopping or gambling. I can say that my addiction to shopping is helping me gain more treasures. What about you; do you have stuff, things or treasures?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-57616219250034300022012-09-15T04:25:00.001-04:002012-09-15T04:25:09.877-04:00My Life with Parkinson's disease: Medication, Medication, Medication<a href="http://mylifewithparkinsondisease.blogspot.com/2012/09/medication-medication-medication.html?spref=bl">My Life with Parkinson's disease: Medication, Medication, Medication</a>: Why is it so hard to remember to take your medication when you know it is going to make you feel better? I am constantly forgetting to tak...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-26217256684641476302012-09-15T04:20:00.000-04:002012-09-15T04:20:08.694-04:00Medication, Medication, MedicationWhy is it so hard to remember to take your medication when you know it is going to make you feel better?<br />
<br />
I am constantly forgetting to take my meds. When I forget to take some, it is hard for me to walk.....so WHY do I forget? <br />
<br />
My mother-in-law is contantly reminding me when she is here. I have tried setting my phone alarm, but I hit the button when it rings and then I forget if I don't move fast. How crazy is that?<br />
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I have to take the same amount at the same time every day, so you would think by now I would be in the habit of doing it. NOT!<br />
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Oh well, maybe tomorrow I'll do it better.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-11861089381403999022012-08-30T22:13:00.001-04:002012-08-30T22:13:27.227-04:00Life goes onWow, it took me forever to figure out how to get into this to write a new blog. I guess I need to make time to write out the directions. I am happy I am still laughing out this situation. Oh well, life goes on..............<br />
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It is so strange that with PD you never know from moment to moment on how you are going to feel. Today, I went over to plant some flowers and veggies with my Great Nephew, Barrett. We did get it accomplished, however, I had to ask my sister, Barbara, for help. My hands didn't want to cooperate putting together the little greenhouse. I did my best, but didn't get frustrated. I guess I have realized that some times I need help. <br />
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I had another fall. This time, I was sleeping on the couch and all of a sudden my body took a leap and I fell on the coffee table and broke it. I hurt for a few days and have a bruised arm. I guess I need a bed rail for the couch too. LOL!!!<br />
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I am still looking for my purpose in life. I have been taking it easy and doing my exercises at home and doing my best cleaning the house. I get a little done each day. I only leave my house to go visit the boys and from time to time run to the store with Tony. Oh well, life goes on...........Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-15498418225139553752012-08-30T22:10:00.003-04:002012-08-30T22:10:14.841-04:00Chaos, Crisis & LifeI'm not trying to rush my life, but I can't wait for the month of August to be gone. There has been so much chaos in my life this month. My husband started having double vision earlier in the month. He has to wear a patch over one eye so he can continue working and continue with life. He has been through testing and still to this day we are unsure why the double vision or when and/if it will go away. <br />
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Over the past 5-6 day, both of us have had a viral infection, which has kept us in bed for days. I'm starting to get stir crazy from being in doors so much. Since we got ill, I have been neglecting my parkinson's meds on a regular basis. It has been hard to keep up with the family, laundry, dishes (even though not cooking this week), and being ill and taking care of myself and Tony. I have been sleeping a lot and a little out of connection with life in general. Hopefully, I will get back to life soon.<br />
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I hope when others have to go through this type of chaos and crisis that they can just keep faith and realize their illness will pass.<br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-70794370942900581972012-08-05T09:42:00.000-04:002012-08-05T09:42:11.855-04:00I've been having problems with my memory. I have been forgetting id's and passwords and how to get in and out of computer programs. My dementia is really kicking in. Today, it took me a while, but I got in here. Therefore, I'm going to tell you what has been going on in my life. <br />
<br />
A couple of my face book friends that have Parkinson's are really having some problems. They are both really young in age and I hate to hear the pain they are in because of this disease. Please keep them in your prayers.<br />
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I went to my new Neurologist the other day. She is great. Told me to continue with my meds and come back in 4-6 months. We are still working on some lab work to find out about my feet and hands, plus try to figure out why the M-Spike. I will update you on that again later.<br />
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My new companion Ellie Mae is doing well. She is now 7 months old. She loves to jump and chew. We work on correcting this everyday. I am now taking her out side from the basement where her room is. I was afraid she was going to knock me down the steps. So now I'm taking the safe route.<br />
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We got the swimming pool. I can now do my exercises at home. My body is still aching since I started the water exercise because I am using muscles that I didn't before. Everyday I can't wait to get in it for more exercise. It is really helping me.<br />
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Thanks for listening. Got to rest.<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-21254886829402532902012-06-24T04:24:00.000-04:002012-06-24T04:24:10.610-04:00I want to appologize for not writing in a long time. I have been feeling down for a while now. My meds are under control and things are getting better. Therefore, I felt the post below would be appropriate.<br />
<br />
I want my life back in more ways than one without illness, fear and pain. <br />
I want to be able to walk fast, skip and run. To be able to walk up the stairs without failing would be grand. No more bruises, scraped knees or hurt ankles would make me smile again.<br />
Multi-tasking has left my life. Now I understand that saying “can’t chew gum or walk at the same time”. <br />
Where have my brain cells gone? Their sure not up there anymore. To be able to say words when I’m talking and say them correctly without a slur.<br />
I want my life back to be able to drive and go places to see the world. Becoming a home body more and more everyday is making me feel like I’m closing out the ones so dear to me.<br />
Cooking used to be so enjoyable now it’s a disaster in reality. No more 3 course meals for you; only mac and cheese will do. <br />
I love to write, but these fingers now just don’t want to type. Oh, what to do? Just take it slow. You’ll get those words on paper for sure. It just might take a day or two.<br />
I want my life back in more ways than one without illness, fear and pain.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-92069377778799189672012-02-23T02:18:00.000-05:002012-02-23T02:18:09.211-05:00A friend with Parkinson's disease<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m going to talk a lot</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I don’t lose my voice</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m going to sing LOUD</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Or maybe I should get lessons first</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m going to dance often</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So my legs don’t go weak</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m going to eat right</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To make my bones strong</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m going to make lots of friends</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I can help them to understand</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The path they are to make</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will talk with them so their voices don’t go soft</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will sing LOUD with them and we won’t care how bad we sound</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m going to dance with my new friends</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So their legs won’t go weak</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eating often together is the thing to keep our bones healthy and strong</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will take this journey with my friends and we will have plenty of fun </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So won’t you be my friend?</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-35220355407796053222012-02-23T02:15:00.000-05:002012-02-23T02:15:04.216-05:00Great NewsAll my testing that was being done for cancer have come out negative. Yay Me! More testing in a year to see what that M-spike is doing.<br />
<br />
Thanks for all your concerns.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-36945683948265791382012-02-09T13:19:00.000-05:002012-02-09T13:19:02.064-05:00My Life with Parkinson's disease: Agenda<a href="http://mylifewithparkinsondisease.blogspot.com/2012/02/agenda.html?spref=bl">My Life with Parkinson's disease: Agenda</a>: You wake up before the crack of dawn Just to take your meds so your feet will hit the ground You wait 30 minutes for them to kick in Then yo...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-80182704857945277252012-02-09T13:18:00.002-05:002012-02-09T13:18:27.405-05:00Agenda<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You wake up before the crack of dawn</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just to take your meds so your feet will hit the ground</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You wait 30 minutes for them to kick in</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then you make your way out of the bed</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You slowly walk towards the kitchen</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just to trip over one more toy</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One more bruise and one more cut is fine with you</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You look at your agenda to see what there is to do</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You look at your agenda again</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just to make sure there is not a client name and time</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then you realize, that you haven’t had any appointments like that in such a long time</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You look at your agenda and wonder, what you are to do?</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nowhere to run or be there by 9</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is nothing that has to get done</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No one to see or nowhere to go</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Could it be true, that there is nothing to do?</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your agenda is filled with doctor’s appointments and times to take your meds.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You still wake up before the crack of dawn</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And wonder what to do?</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You make your way to the porch to listen to the birds and other animals too</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Watch the sunrise; and the beauty around and wonder what you will do next</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You’ve finished reading one hundred books!</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You wake up again before the crack of dawn</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wondering what to do</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Could it be true, there is nothing to do?</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just sit back, relax and enjoy this journey</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enjoy the beauty of the sunrise and sunset</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Watch the planes and the birds fly by</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Smell the flowers and feel the breeze</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Call on a friend and have them over to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you daily</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Could it be that this is on your agenda?</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wake up before the crack of dawn</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just to watch the sunrise</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And end the day with the sunset</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s what is on my agenda!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-27719778151737483012012-02-08T20:33:00.000-05:002012-02-08T20:33:00.333-05:00Hugs!<div align="center" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Give me a hug for it will make me feel better.</div><div align="center" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Time will heal and a hug will make it go faster.</div><div align="center" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It will make me forget the pain I’m in and that would be great to forget for one day.</div><div align="center" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hugs make you smile and I want to smile for hours.</div><div align="center" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It’s amazing how a hug can make you feel.</div><div align="center" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pull me close and put your arms around me.</div><div align="center" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hug me so softly like it’s never going to end</div><div align="center" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For I need a hug to make me feel better.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-65835807818196534822012-02-06T15:39:00.002-05:002012-02-06T15:39:13.698-05:00Testing, Testing, & more testing<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As you know, I am on disability leave and 99% of the time I am inside my home. On New Years Eve, my husband convinced me to go over to a friends’ house for a party. I thought it might be good for me to get out, so I didn’t hesitate too much. I actually had a nice time and even played a little poker. As I was sitting there, I thought to myself “it’s about midnight and I am with friends, laughing and playing cards. What a great way to start the New Year. I hope this means my year will be great and better than 2011.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During the month of January, I have endured many tests. I will have either been through lab work or to visit a doctor 10 times. Yes, 10 times in 31 days. Okay, I’m not playing and laughing anymore. My arms have at least been stuck with needles 5 times (great nurses – no marks at all). I couldn’t tell you how many tubes of blood, I lost count at 8. I’ve been through general surgery (not liposuction or breast enlargement either). Bone Marrow and fat pad biopsies where my general surgeries for the month. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bone marrow biopsy was done on a Thursday. Didn’t know much about one so I asked the doctor on a scale of 1 to 10, how much pain should I expect? He said 5. I can tolerate pain, so I didn’t think that was too bad. On that Thursday, I got prepped for the biopsy; however, I would stay awake during this procedure. I felt the needle go into my back and then felt some pressure of the drilling into my bone. The worst part was the removal of the fluid. So which part was a 5? I think he was talking about the needle part or I’m a wimp. Breathing and counting helped me make it through this procedure without screaming my head off or knocking his off. I did get some zanex, but it didn’t take affect until I was about to leave and it made me sleep for 2 days. I think that is so you can forget about the pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My next biopsy was on the following Monday and it was considered general surgery. They put me to sleep then cut a small slit in my abdomen and cut out a piece of fat. I’m not sure why they couldn’t just go ahead and take a pound or two. When I woke up I felt fine. Doctor said to take Vicodin for pain and do it before the pain gets too bad. He didn’t say it causes nausea and hot flashes and I mean dripping wet hot flashes. Plus, all the adventures I took when I was sleeping. I have now found out among many things, that I can fly, get scared at battle, and that snoring can sound like a helicopter. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I couldn’t find the humor in this while I was going through it, but looking back makes me laugh at what a wimp I can really be at times. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So now I will pick myself back up and as my daughter says that I am, I will be strong and not let my struggles get to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-54253751104113740172012-02-05T03:20:00.002-05:002012-02-05T03:20:49.245-05:00Sleep deprived<div class="MsoNormal">Sleep deprived</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sleep deprived</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, what am I to do</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m staying awake almost all night long</div><div class="MsoNormal">And only sleeping a couple of hours during the day</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sleep deprived</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sleep deprived</div><div class="MsoNormal">Walking the floors at night</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wondering what to do</div><div class="MsoNormal">Don’t want to wake family so I don’t turn on the lights </div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe I’ll fall asleep if it stays dark just a few more hours</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sleep deprived</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sleep deprived</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sit in a warm bath to sooth my aching muscles</div><div class="MsoNormal">Relax, relax, relax</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, that feels so good</div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe I’ll just eat one more thing<br />
<br />
in hopes my belly gets full and my mind wander off to sleep</div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t want to play on computer because it will just wake me up</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stay away from writing since that gets my mind being creative</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sleep deprived</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sleep deprived</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh what do I do</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-86720865501920248432012-01-27T22:39:00.002-05:002012-01-27T22:39:37.625-05:00Doctors!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Doctors visit again today!</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I feel like I visit him monthly now.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Oh, what will he say?</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Change this or change that?</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Do this; don’t do that!</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">More blood work; for this and for that!</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I’m not sure I can take it anymore.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Doctors visit again today!</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Why am I so nervous again today?</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I see him now on a regular basis.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Pain still in hands and feet;</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Numbness & tingling still will not go away.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Oh, what will he say?</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">You just have to live this way!</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Slow down and focus on the positive.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">You are strong, and a fighter.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Keep that smile and things will stay brighter.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Doctors visit again today!</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Oh, just what will he say?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-15889106750437923992012-01-25T17:30:00.000-05:002012-01-25T17:30:34.009-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkG-xlNxNPluuPgYnG4VvioM6IJo7iJJGPPfEIbuTWWFVt-WQYIg6ROHEgOox9GL6HzpRfsDiNv-vqpNRaHYsSSqnM4pzTss6d6bdJr0w6S6w-FYWhSY5atOShhKnDXKlz9-ZxX72IYQA/s1600/mary+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkG-xlNxNPluuPgYnG4VvioM6IJo7iJJGPPfEIbuTWWFVt-WQYIg6ROHEgOox9GL6HzpRfsDiNv-vqpNRaHYsSSqnM4pzTss6d6bdJr0w6S6w-FYWhSY5atOShhKnDXKlz9-ZxX72IYQA/s320/mary+2011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is my story and I’m sticking to it. <v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas> <v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"> <o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"> </o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="me head shot.jpg" id="Picture_x0020_0" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 78pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 66.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="me head shot" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\mkillian\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the year 2004, I was so excited to be opening a mortgage broker shop and building a beautiful home for my family in the country. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then in the year 2005, I started to become ill. There were days that I could hardly get out of bed or walk, yet alone go into the office and meet with clients. After several tests and exams, I was then diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. I started taking several different medications, worked on dioxin my system and body from certain foods, went for pain treatments weekly for about 3 months. What a nightmare!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In 2007-2008, the real estate market was starting to change and since this was happening and I was ill, we decided it was best to close the business.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After a while on the medication, I started to feel better. Then, for about two years, I did contract work for several different companies. I was sleeping a lot after work. I thought I might be getting a little depressed, but I kept on chugging at it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then I got a call from a logistics company and took on third shift. After a couple of months, I started getting ill again. This time it got worse and I was very sleep deprived and not eating right. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then the twitching in my hand and in my left thumb started. I was so scared that I tried to hide it from my family and friends. Then, one day my husband noticed me shaking and told me it would be best to go to the doctor.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After several visits to different doctors and being asked to walk a couple of times back and forth down the hall, to make my fingers to touch my thumb as fast as I could and short physical exams, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, a chronic progressive illness. I went numb after being told. Then, all I could think about was how to tell my children. At that time, Kristina was 18 and Brandon was 12. What was I going to be like; could I walk, talk and feed myself?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then, I realized I wasn’t going to die from this illness and that I need to learn as much as I could about Parkinson’s disease. So I went to the library and started checking out books and going on-line to find out as much I could about this disease. My favorite book was Parkinson’s disease for dummies. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: -0.75pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I definitely have Parkinson's disease. It is not contagious or hereditary. No one knows what causes it, but they do know that some of the dopamine cells in the brain begin to die at an accelerated rate. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 3 key signs of Parkinson's disease are </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5847"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">tremor</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (shaking) at rest, rigidity, and slowness in the initiation of movement (called </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11054"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">bradykinesia</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">). Of these features, 2 are required to make the diagnosis. </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9732"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Postural</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> instability is the fourth key sign, but it happens late in the disease, usually after having PD 8 years or more.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tremor</span></u></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tremor usually begins in one arm and may start and stop. Mine started in the left hand and is now in my left foot.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As with most </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=101182"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">tremors</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, it worsens when under </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=58906"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">stress</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and improves during rest or </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=59135"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">sleep</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Plus, when I am very cold, I start shaking more easily and it is hard for me to stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After several months to a few years, both </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=26231"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">arms</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> may become affected, but the beginning asymmetry (lopsidedness) is often maintained. I have problems in the left side.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PD tremor may also involve the </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9075"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">tongue</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4173"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">lips</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, or </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11995"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">chin</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Maybe this is why I have problems sometimes with my speech. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The characteristic PD tremor is present and most prominent with the </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4162"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">limb</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> at rest. This happens to me when I try to sit still.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The tremor may appear as a pill-rolling motion of the hand or a simple oscillation of the hand or arm. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 9.75pt; margin-right: 3.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="13" src="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/mkillian/My%20Documents/downloads/PicExportError" width="13" /><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rigidity <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rigidity refers to an increase in </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11958"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">resistance</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to someone else moving a </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4074"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">joint</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The resistance can be either smooth (lead-pipe) or start and stop (cog wheeling). (Cog wheeling is thought to be a tremor rather than rigidity.)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Having someone else flex and extend your relaxed wrists tests for rigidity <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Ridgity can be made more obvious with </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=18376"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">voluntary</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> movement in the opposite limb.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 37.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The tremor may appear as a pill-rolling motion of the hand or a simple oscillation of the hand or arm. I have noticed this happening sometimes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 9.75pt; margin-right: 3.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="13" src="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/mkillian/My%20Documents/downloads/PicExportError" width="13" /><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bradykinesia <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 27.75pt; margin-right: 3.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement but also includes a lessening of unplanned movements and decreased size of movement. I am very slow.<b><i><u><o:p></o:p></u></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 27.75pt; margin-right: 3.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bradykinesia is also expressed as micrographia (small handwriting), hypomimia (decreased facial expression), decreased blink rate, and hypophonia (soft speech). So far, I am doing fine in this area.<b><i><u><o:p></o:p></u></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 9.75pt; margin-right: 3.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="13" src="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/mkillian/My%20Documents/downloads/PicExportError" width="13" /><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 9.75pt; margin-right: 3.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="13" src="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/mkillian/My%20Documents/downloads/PicExportError" width="13" /><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 9.75pt; margin-right: 3.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="13" src="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/mkillian/My%20Documents/downloads/PicExportError" width="13" /><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 9.75pt; margin-right: 3.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="13" src="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/mkillian/My%20Documents/downloads/PicExportError" width="13" /><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Postural instability <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 55.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Postural instability refers to imbalance and loss of reflexes used to keep you upright. I fall when stepping up.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 55.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5610"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">symptom</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is an important milestone, because it is not easy to treat and a common source of disability in late disease.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 9.75pt; margin-right: 3.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="13" src="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/mkillian/My%20Documents/downloads/PicExportError" width="13" /><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other symptoms <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You may experience freezing when starting to walk (start-hesitation), during turning, or crossing a threshold such as going through a doorway. You should see me turn, sometimes it looks funny.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Flexed postures of </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=16929"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">neck</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, trunk, and limbs may occur. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Altered mental status generally occurs late in PD and affects 15-30% of people with PD. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=7142"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Short-term memory</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and visio-spacial function may be impaired. If I forget your name, please understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The onset of PD is typically lopsided, with the most common initial finding being an asymmetric rest tremor in one arm. About 20% of people first experience clumsiness in one hand. I can’t count how many glasses I have broken. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over time, you will notice symptoms related to </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10697"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">progressive</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> bradykinesia, rigidity, and problems with walking (called </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3533"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">gait</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> disturbances). I have been collecting canes because I have already started experiencing gait disturbances.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 9.75pt; margin-right: 3.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="13" src="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/mkillian/My%20Documents/downloads/PicExportError" width="13" /><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 9.75pt; margin-right: 3.75pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><img alt="*" height="13" src="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/mkillian/My%20Documents/downloads/PicExportError" width="13" /><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The initial symptoms of PD may be nonspecific and include </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=58902"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">fatigue</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=58644"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">depression</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some people experience a subtle decrease in dexterity and may notice a lack of coordination with activities such as golf, dressing, or climbing stairs. This is me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some people complain of aching or tightness in the </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10341"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">calf</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> or </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9056"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">shoulder</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> region. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The first affected arm may not swing fully when walking, and the foot on the same side may </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5423"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">scrape</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the floor. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over time, </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9731"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">posture</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> becomes progressively flexed and your stride becomes shorter leading to a shuffling gait. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Decreased swallowing may lead to excess saliva and ultimately drooling. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Symptoms of problems with your </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=18375"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">involuntary</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> nervous system are common and may include </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2829"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">constipation</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9299"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">sweating</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> abnormalities, and sexual </span><a href="http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=13498"><span style="color: #3a46dc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">dysfunction</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. I don’t like these symptoms. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sleep disturbances are also common. Am I really supposed to sleep?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 19.5pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Exercise is very important for people with PD. I need to walk each day. Two to three miles would be great, if I could make it that far. I may be slow at walking, but I will eventually get there. Stretching, bending and exercise must be done daily. “Move it or lose it” is the saying around people with Parkinson’s. Please feel free to come see me and we will take a walk around my garden or down to the pond to talk. I have limited my driving due to the fact that I have sleep attacks and am trying to get this under control. I’m not sure how much longer my car will continue to bounce off of the mailboxes. They're everywhere!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now that you know more about Parkinson’s disease, please understand why sometimes it seems like I am not all there.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have 90% of all the symptoms of PD. I take approximately 15 pills a day. These pills are to control the symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill to take this illness away. Some days are good, some fair and some really bad. However, I do my best to stay positive every moment of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my story. It is greatly appreciated by me and my family.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Ease the burden, and find a Cure” for Parkinson’s disease.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mary Killian<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-right: 7.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2568667196608437830.post-12851317638913320182012-01-25T01:04:00.000-05:002012-01-25T01:04:17.242-05:00<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">Come along with me on an enjoyable, inspirational, educational, and most of all motivational journey through life as a patient with Parkinson's disease.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710753117921912815noreply@blogger.com2