Fellow Parkinsonians: Do you daydream of a dinner of steak with unsalted butter dripping from the top, baked potatoes with soured cream and chives mixing into the granular potato held in by the crusty potato’s skin, green beans with almonds, and a glass of Malbec wine? Let’s pause to savor. Then remember how this…
Blog
Mumble Grumble
“Speak up, please?” “I can’t understand you.” “Louder.” This is a chorus that I began to hear fourteen years ago. Those requesting I increase my volume were not always patient. My brain dubbed this the “Mumble, grumble” Parkinson’s problem. Welcome to Parkinson’s problem number two, speaking so that one is heard– and understood. Vocal cords…
Stumble, Tumble, Trip and Fall
Stumble, Tumble, Trip and Fall is how I began to think about walking when I realized that my Parkinson’s Disease was causing me to trip, stumble and nearly fall. To passersby I probably looked like a bumbling old fool; I certainly felt like one. More than once I was taken as a drunk although I…
My Four Linchpins for Living with Parkinson’s Disease
In 2005, shortly after I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, I began a marathon reading campaign to learn everything I could about the disease and what I was facing for the rest of my life. As a result, I concluded I must focus on four things: walking, talking, eating and sleeping. While other important issues…
Parkinson’s: You and Me
My Parkinson friend, I write this letter to you as a stranger, but I do know you. I may have met you first through the eyes and ears, words and tears of your daughter or your wife, your sister, husband, brother, or son. Then again, I might have met you on the streets of New…