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
Larry & Margie
Translate
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Sometimes all we have to do is try.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Being slow is no excuse.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Life Has Knocked Me Down
I have been knocked down, many times in my life
Through the Lord, I know I will be alright.
I can still hear my Mom's voice, saying get up and move
I listen to the voice, and know that I will improve
But if I give up and do nothing with my body and mind
Then I would be selfish to God, and my love ones, left behind
I have this will power that does all that is possible
I realize that life is short, I am unstoppable.
Often, having to repeat my words and still it was inaudible.
With my continuous practice, now my clear voice is possible.
Each day upon rising, my body is stiff and I am weary
But with medicine, exercise and faith, I move and think clearly.
I have fallen many times but able to get up, sometimes with assistance
While people stared and whispered, keeping their distance
Some people may think that I probably had too many drinks
I just continue shuffling, not worrying what others may think
I have my 10 pound maltese service dog with me
He assists me, when I have an emergency or freeze
Some people question, whether he is a true service dog
If I didn't need him, would I make him walk along?
I have my MDS doctors prescription for him as well as his certification
They don't care what he does, being small is apparently their fixation
I explain, since I am unable to smell, because of loss of dopamine in my brain
He saved me from an electrical fire in my iron, before it burst into flames.
Yes, I have things wrong with me, as many do
I will continue to get up and will not be blue.
SaveSave
Monday, June 20, 2016
Chippy and Me
Chippy and I went through the flower field to go on a picnic.
As we were sitting down and eating, we heard a clickety-click
Chippy said to be quiet, here comes the Parkinson's man
Chippy was shaking as if it were the boogieman.
When I saw the Parkinson's man, I said Hello Sam
Sam responded saying, hello Maryanne.
Chippy looked at me, saying weren't you afraid.
Sam is a friend, when I fell, he gave me first-aid
But, he has Parkinson's, feeling ill at ease
Oh, Chippy, No one can catch Parkinson's disease.
But Sam shakes and shuffles and he doesn't even smile
I said, Sam can't help it, do you want him to be exiled?
Chippy said no, but he is so different than you or me.
Really, we are talking chipmunks, can't you see?
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Playing Hop-scotch
There are times, my mind says I can play
Playing Hopscotch, my body started out ok
I went up in the air, just as I began to hop
I remember coming down hard and everything stopped.
I looked up and my grandkids were scared
My hubby helped me up into my wheelchair
He said, I'll be right back so just stay there.
I sat saying a silent prayer.
What is wrong, where did everyone go?
All of a sudden I felt something flow
I was bleeding, at first I didn't know
My hubby is now by my side applying pressure
To the back of my head, as I was now placed on a stretcher
Yes, I am on my way, by ambulance to be safe.
I remember saying, this is not an emergency, so don't race.
I had a concussion and some sutures in my head
I remember what the doctor had said
I have to be here for 24 hours or longer, to be safe
I was fortunate that my bones did not brake
So don't do this again, he said, for heaven's sake
As I lay here wondering when I get home
Should I stop and purchase some foam
To pad myself, when I try to skate
Or am I just pushing my fate.
(This has not happened to me, it is make believe)
Monday, June 13, 2016
Try to be happy and smile
Not wanting to feel aggravated to just sit and frown
Instead, I do all I can, to overcome those blues
Times like these, I like relax and defuse
When it is stormy outside,
On my computer, I like to play word games
It can be challenging, working my brain
It helps me feel better, everytime it rains.
I enjoy a show that is full of comedy
Or contagious laughing may possibly
Make me feel better, or listening to a song
Hopefully, I could sing or dance along
I truly like to think positive and smile
I do all I can, because that's my style.
Living life to the fullest, is all worthwhile.
Watch this video, I hope you will smile.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
My Voice
I was singing in a Chorus Group and after awhile
I could not keep up with the verses, am I going senile?
I began loosing my voice, even when singing at home
It is just another Parkinson's syndrome.
I enjoy singing, even if it comes out squeaky
If I sing at home, my hubby and dog, Spencer, are sneaky
They leave immediately, that is being a meanie.
I decided to get some help to improve,
No one in the area does LSVT, and I can't move
I work from my LSVT (DVD) the best I can do
I practice when I am alone, my voice is improving
But it will take more time, so I will continue doing
What I can do to assert myself, is to continue practicing
I may not be able to sing in a chorus, but it's better than rambling
No more slurring or rambling of words when speaking
So I don't have to keep repeating and repeating.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Let's Keep that Torch Lit in Memory Of Muhammad Ali and Other's Fighting PD
Sources: http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/06/health/muhammad-ali-parkinsons-stacy/
margiesjournal2.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 2, 2016
I Made it out of Bed today!
Some days it is a struggle just to get out of bed
But if I just lay, I might as well be dead
I thank God for this inner voice that's in my head
Each morning, I thank Our Lord for giving me another day
I try to find joy in everything that comes my way
Just by moving this crooked body of mine is hard, I must say
But I manage to move myself even when my body wants to stay.
I do Tai Chi from videos on my computer and then I meditate
This helps me to maintain my balance and improves my heart rate.
Relaxing my limbs as I meditate, It's as if I rid myself of that added weight.
Joy is something I want to always display
Even when things may seem a little grey
Life is full of wonders to do and see
So thank you Lord for being with me.