Many Steps I Have Taken

 Parkinson's Disease (Our Symbol)

There are so many people with Parkinson's Disease

The disease is hard, especially with advance stages.

The one thing that is wonderful is all the people you 

meet and come in contact with are so very caring.

I realized the way to slow Parkinson's down,

 is by exercising my body and my mind. 

It is so important to overcome the blahs 

so depression doesn't take a hold of you.

Today, I had an appointment with my neurologist 

and we spoke about this. Yes it is true. 

Medicine helps to work like dopamine,

but exercise is the key.

That is why I speak about exercising so much.

Many Steps I Have Taken from My Beginning Diagnosis  in 2004 until now, that I will share with you:

1. When I was first told ~ Relief Knowing your problem has a name, then shock and fear. Do I keep it a secret? Who do I tell?

2. Doubting that I have Parkinson's. Some people have question you and doubt that you have it.

3. Feeling sorry for myself.

4. Angry~ Why Me?

5. Grieving that I will never be any better and knowing that it is a progressive disease. Saying goodbye to what was before the disease.

6. Learning about my disease.

7.  Accepting it .

8. Finally ~ I will fight it as long as I can through exercise, positive thinking and learning as much as I can.

I will  continue to live as if this may be my last day on earth, I try to golf, dance, ride my tricycle and walk . I have fallen several times this week . It slows me down but I will continue to do what I possibly can.

Helping others by sharing my blogs and giving seminars on Parkinson's Awareness.

A Wish For You

A Wish For You

I wish for you lots of smiles
And sun to brighten your days
Puffy clouds dotting the sky
No obstacles hindering your way.

May this morning find you well We have so much to do Let's start by learning the grape vine You begin laughing and I do too.
It fun doing it together The time has passed so rapidly. You move your feet as light as a feather. I 'll blame my heavy feet on gravity.
I wish that you can get full night's rest So tomorrow you will be your very best.

Never Give Up

The day I was told I had Parkinson's disease

I was relieved and yet in shock, not knowing what it actually was.

I was told years before that my mild tremors were nerves, by quite a few different military doctors. Those years have passed and now after being diagnosed over 10 years ago. I have accepted it.

I will do all that I am able to fight Parkinson's disease.

I begin my day by walking out on my lanai and seeing the heron by the pond's edge trying to catch fish in the water. Oh what a sight.

I heard a noise by the side of my lanai. I go out to see what it is. Oh, it's a turtle moving slowly to get back into the pond.

The sun is shinning and it is quite humid outside already this morning.

I decided to go inside to meditate for a while and then I begin my tai chi exercises.

I hope you are moving too. This helps to fight the stiffness of Parkinson's disease.

It does not matter if you are moving slow, the most important thing is to not give up.

We are in this together, you and I

All we can do is fight Parkinson's

by exercising our minds and body.

We must take care of ourselves

and keep ourselves from getting ill.

Maintain a healthy diet. 

Take our medicines on a timely schedule.

Remember to get your flu shot annually.

Put a smile on your face and keep a positive outlook.

Life is precious and live it to the fullest.

I plan to and I hope you do too.

May God watch over you.

LIVING WELL PLEDGE

I’m fully committed to living well today with Parkinson’s.
I pledge to take at least one step to improve my quality of life:

NAME:______________________________

____________________________________

Date: _____________________________


Post your pledge where it will inspire you every day. Share it with those close to you and with the Tribe on social media.
Make it real!

facebook.com/DPFnd
@DavisPhinneyFND #LivingWellPledge

www.davisphinneyfoundation.org

This is important- Post this on Facebook copy and put it on your Refrigerator.

 Smile

Life is full of Ups and Downs

Life is full of ups and downs,
I don't want to spend my life carrying
this awful frown.

It is my decision whether I spend my day,
laughing or crying
 I don't want to waste it,  that's what I say
so I'll work at exercising and having fun.
Spending time outdoors and feeling the sun.

My days are precious, and I want to live,
Not dwelling on the pain, but wanting to give.
I like to share my blogs with you
Hopefully after you read them, you'll feel better too.

I fall but I get back up

 Sept. 25, 2014

I felt weird  last night and down I went. I felt like I was having another mini stroke. But after a while I began to feel better. I have had these before. I take blood thinner, for the past 10 years, since my major stroke in 2004. 

I have several mini strokes in the past. Nothing can be done for the mini strokes.

This morning was really good. I completed my routine of exercises. I then  went outside with my dog and I lost my balance and fell partially on the driveway and on the grass. I have a quarter size bump right beside my right elbow, bruised my right hip and my leg.

My right arm next to my elbow

My right calf

I am pretty sore this afternoon, so I am taking it easy.  

I am placing ice on the area and hoping to get the swelling down. But things happen and I am up moving around some and getting ready to start dinner.

I will write tomorrow. So have a good evening.

God Bless.

Asking For Your Assistance

I want to share my thoughts with you,

If only the World knew

About Parkinson's disease

and how it takes control over our bodies. 

Our muscles becomes more rigid ( stiff),

we have constipation problems,  

or on the flip side - diarrhea 

We may suffer depression, anxiety or irritability.

Then urinary problems-urgency to go- and nothing or just a trickle,

 or on the other hand you can't hold it, and  it flows.

Some wear diapers, where others may be catheterized.

Some have dry mouth causing dental and gum problems,

Still others have dry eyes, causing blurred vision, sometimes styes.

Some of us have tremors, and others don't.

We become slow thinkers, talkers and slow at doing things.

Quite a few of us are dealing with pain

Some have small handwriting .

 Our voice becomes low or muffled sound

 and often we have to repeat ourselves.

We may have problems concentrating.

Some drool, others don't. Some choke.

Some people shuffle as they walk, others don't.

Some loose their balance and some freeze,

 as if their feet were glued to the floor.

Usually as time passes, 

you may need a cane or walker or even a wheelchair.

We  have cognitive changes- memory problems -personality changes and etc.

Unable to multi-task and some of the time unable to complete one task.

Some have a motionless look on our face, as if it were mask like.

Quite a few have insomnia, while others have vivid dreams

 and some have acting out dreams.

Some have hallucinations, while others sleep well.

Some people have lost there sense to smell.

Some of us can't stand without falling.

As time passes, we need help dressing, eating, hygiene, bathing and etc.

Eventually, we will be bedridden  and unable to do for ourselves.

CDC lists Parkinson's disease as the 14th leading cause of death in America.

Asking for your assistance:

Please share this with anyone that will listen

Here 's a Little Hug For you!

Some days can be pretty ruff

We may feel like we could use a hard drug

Instead on those days, all we really need is a hug.

Taking a walk, even if you are moving slow.

It is a way to exercise and get rid of those blues

Upon arriving back home you will begin to show

Just knowing you did it, and your face will glow.

Hopefully when you begin getting those blues

Don't go moaning and groaning

even if you feel like blowing a fuse.

We can begin each day by passing a hug 

to show that we care.

It is the best drug of happiness,

 that we can share.

Always remember you are never alone.

Remember to help each other,

You will feel better and they will too.

Marching like a Nut

I march through the house like a nut, but it is good exercise.

Pick those feet up and lay them down. 

Practice this a little each day. 

It will help to walk without shuffling too much.

I try to do different things with my exercises so I don't get bored.

Normally by evening, I soak my feet in Epsom salt.

This relaxes me

I push myself each day, to fight my stiffness and it really helps.

I also try to sing loud to help with my soft voice.

I only do this when my hubby is out golfing,

since I don't want to chase him away.

Lucky for me, he golf's several times a week

and if he doesn't golf he goes to the range 

and practices for about an hour.

This works out good for the both of us.

I need not worry if I fall and can not get up,

 I have my Spencer (Service Dog) 

 press the button for an emergency.

I am so thankful.

OUR SINGING REHEARSAL

 What a joy to be part of a group of people practicing. My voice is not good at all, never knowing whether I can sing loud or low. I am also slow at reading the words. I am just thankful that they have accepted me.

This is also good exercise for my lungs, vocal cords and etc.

Every challenge we face,

We seem to do it with so much grace.

The strength we share can't even compare,

We are together you and I

We will fight this thing until we die.

One day someone will find a cure, 

We would welcome it, that's  for sure.

Until that time has finally arrived

We must move our bodies all of the time.

Many years we continue to suffer

But, I'm proud to say, we are tougher.

Always remember, you are not alone

There is no time to moan and groan.

Continue to fight with all your might

One day everything will be alright.

MY DYSTONIA WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE

  MY                  DYSTONIA ! 

The above pictures are of my dystonia and how my feet and calves get all twisted. Botox and my Parkinson's medicine have really helped me.

 The dystonia is also affecting my upper legs, thighs and hip, but Botox can not be given in those areas. I wouldn't be able to stand and would be wheelchair 
bound. I will deal with the pain until I am unable to manage it, through meditating, praying and exercise. If you would like to read about dystonia, I have it on my  other blog and I will list the link at the end of this.
I am quite fortunate and I thank God for guiding me to be able to be strong enough to overcome these things. I will not lie, there are moments that I could scream when the pain over shadows me, but most of the time it is manageable.
I prefer not to take pain medicine, and sleep my life away, and/or feel drugged.

  Each morning I am blessed, 

since I am alive and up for another day.

The night was long and I must confess

The cramps were bad and after two hours,

I  began to pray asking for God to help me 

to overcome this pain.

I felt a warmth over me and the cramps 

began to go away.

I just get excited and want to shout,

" Life is wonderful, 

live each day as if it is your last,

 you never know what tomorrow will be".

May God be with you and keep you well.

Dystonia :

http://margiesjournal2.blogspot.com

Look around and witness the beauty

Look around and witness the beauty of our surroundings.

Watching an alligator in the pond just floating by.

Each day the turtles are in the pond bobbing there heads up out of the water

As the bugs fly near  the turtles, it is amazing to see the turtle catch the bug.

Of course the birds are flying by, 

and the heron is in the water trying to catch a fish.

Each day seems to an adventure, watching nature from my lanai.

I sat watching my dog Spencer chaise the lizards on the lanai,

I let him play  for awhile

before he goes with me as I make my way inside.

I  share my love of life to all that read my blogs.

I believe in being thankful for each day.

Having my dog Spencer gives me comfort knowing

that help  

will be on it's way, if it is needed.

Spencer helps me when I freeze and makes me feel  

better, when I begin getting the blahs. 

If I am stiff and sore in a certain area, 

Spencer will snuggle to that area and lay,

 this gives me heat on the muscle and it helps. 

I know it sounds odd but it is true.

Yes, I am fortunate to be able to share this with you.

I hope you have a Blessed day too!

Positive Thinking

When I woke up this morning it seemed to be harder than normal

I started to pity myself and the fighter in me, said, "What are you doing"?

I realized that if I gave in, Parkinson's would win. 

But as I thanked God for letting me be here another day.

My spirit seemed to lift up realizing that it is not as bad as I had thought.

I decided to get this feel sorry for me attitude out of my system.

I chose to ride my tricycle. I pedaled 2 plus miles and turned
around and pedaled harder, forcing myself to move my body as I pedaled.

It was a good workout on my tricycle, I was able to pedal almost 5 miles today.  I am so thankful that I am able to do it. As each day passes, Parkinson's is beginning to take a toll on me.

My body is becoming more rigid. My tremor is beginning to show more often.
All I can do is continue what I am doing and try to keep a positive 
outlook on things.

THIS IS MY WHEELCHAIR.

THIS IS MY WHEELCHAIR.

This is my wheelchair for all to see.

It is used only when it's a necessity

I look at my chair each day as I exercise.

I probably wouldn't need it, 
if only 
 I knew about pesticides.
 I want to emphasize,
that it can cause Parkinson's Disease.

My wheelchair is used for shopping or long walks 

since my body can't take

standing too long.But when my day is bad,
 I have to use it, making me feel somewhat sad.

I loose my balance some of the time

I end up falling and hurting this body of mine.

At sixty five it's easy for me, to break a bone as I fall.
Fortunately, I haven't had to make an emergency call.


 I challenge myself by doing everything 
so I don't end up in that chair indefinitely
I thank God, for helping me.