About me


As far as I can remember, I have always been athletic. To find out that I had Parkinson's Disease in 2004, was a total surprise! I had to learn everything that I could about this disease. I read everything and went to many seminars and have and still do participate in Clinical Trials. After reviewing my medical records it was determined that I had tremors in 1987, at age 38 years old. I can no longer smell, I drag my left legs often. I loose my balance but I do enjoy dancing. If I fall, I get right back up.

Many things happen to a person with Parkinson's dsease. As of this date, there is no cure, just medicine and/or DBS to help. I can not have DBS because of the damage done from my previous stroke in the area where the surgery would take place. I am getting ahead of myself.

Then came the major stroke in 2004, after my Parkinson's disease diagnosis. How could this happen? Paralyzed on my left side. I had to learn how to speak, chew and swallow foods, regain all movements on my left side including using my hand and fingers to pick up things, legs and feet to move, stand, learn balance and walking., rebuild the muscles. I won't get into that. It took a year of 3 to 4 hours each day of all kinds of therapies. I had a blood clot in a vein burst in my brain. I thank God that I was able to get back to 99% of me.

I have had 4 major surgeries for female problems, beginning in 1981 and so far no more since 2009. In 2010, we ( My husband and I) purchased a motor coach and traveled over the US spreading the word about Parkinson's disease and passing out brochures We no longer have the motor coach.

When I was diagnosed with Dystonia of the feet and calves, I thought ok, I have had enough. Surely, nothing else will happen.

But I was wrong, more would come. I lost the bone in my lower jaw and ended up with cadaver bone, implants, and gums, and snap in lower dentures. I have had 6 other surgeries adding more bone and gum. I also have been dignosed with temors of my voice box, .

Through all of this, I continue to feel totally BLESSED! I Thank God for helping me. Of course I have pity me times, and say, Why Me, Lord? I am human, but most of the time when this happens, I look in the mirror and say, Why Not Me? I am a fighter and I will continue to fight this disease called Parkinson's Disease. I continue to exercise and meditate.

I use to be so shy. Now I give Seminars on Parkinson's Disease Awareness. I also began writing poetry, I hope you enjoy it.

God Bless,

Margie

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Monday, February 2, 2015

Letting Other's Know You Care




I thought I heard sirens, I didn't know for certain
I looked out my window, as I moved my curtain.
There is an ambulance at Miss Tess's home
She lives alone, no family of her own.
How long has it been, since I saw her last?
I feel so guilty, I won't let this pass

There are times when someone may be giving up on life
They may be ill, or lonely and think that no one cares
There is no use to argue, I don't want to cause strife
I am at the hospital because I care and I want to share
my feelings about how special you truly are.
Looking out the window, we saw a shooting star.
A tender touch by holding Miss Tess's hand, a tender smile
The shooting star only comes once in awhile.

Miss Tess, I am so sorry for not being there for you.
I think of you as a special friend,
Can we start all over again.

I bent over and kissed her on the cheek
and she began to speak, 
I will be going home soon to be with my family up above
"You are my special friend, I was sent from God to see
Who would come and be with me."
As Miss Tess, closed her eyes and took her last breath.

A nurse ran in, and said to me, I'm sorry, she 's gone.
The nurse said, Miss Tess asked me to give you this, when she passed.
I sat down, with tears and then I opened up the note 
that Miss Tess wrote,
It read:

          Margie,

I knew it would be you.
Please don't feel sad or blue 
I will remember the warmth you gave to me
The talks and laughter we shared in such a loving way.
You always made me feel so good each and every day.
I knew at times you were unable to stop by
But I always knew if something happened, 
you would be by my side
Always remember the special shooting star 
we shared  earlier today
You never let me down.
Until we see one another someday
I will always remember how loving you are.

Loving friend,

Tess

Written by Margie Rogers Swope

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