Posted 11/18/2007 12:40 PM (GMT 0)
Girlirish, I am sorry you are having problems with your doctor. It is so important to have a physician who listens and takes times with you and is truly interested in your well being and quality of life. I am 50 yrs. old and was diagnosed 5 years ago. Probably had this long before because I have been in and out of hospitals, labs, doctor offices, er rooms, etc for the past 12 years, and have been treated for numerous things, mostly because no one ever suspected PD in younger people. I am very blessed to have an outstanding internal medicine physician who goes over and beyond what most doctors do for their patients. He never gives up searching for answers; he listens to me, and if he doesn't like a suggestion I make or "belittles the idea"I tell him about it and remind him he is not the one living with the disease. I also have a wonderful PD doctor who is a real "go getter" and into research and keeping people productive. Last year at this time I was walking with a walker, and deteriorating quickly. I went to a seminar where David Phinney spoke(a former tour de france cyclist who has PD). HE still rides his bike but not to that extent and does exercises, takes his meds and has an outstanding attitude. After that seminar I decided I was taking control of my life, my disease. My doctor wanted to increase my meds but I asked him to let me try this exercise program first and see what happens. He agreed, and since Last oct, 06 I have had no increase in my meds. I workout 3 days a week for 1- 1 1/2 hrs and take a parkinson movement class once a week. I walk without a walker or cane, my balance, mental clarity, stamina and fatigue were dramatically improved. My doctors are thrilled with my progress. I have to tell you, though, that it is alot of your mind set when it comes to getting things done. I fight every day to get out of bed and do what I need to do, but I know if I don't do it, no one else can, and I am making a choice in my life to live it to the best of my ability for as long as I can. I have down days like everyone else, but I try to keep positive by reading positive inspirational books, surrounding my self with positive people, and I have a strong faith in God that no matter what is going on I can count on Him to help me through it. I am having some issues right now due to another health condition, just diagnosed over the past month. I had a reaction to the flu vaccine, have been diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder and now take prednisone everyday. I'm not happy about all this, in fact I was angry about it, but being angry uses up alot of energy and I need that energy to be positive to help get me stronger again.
I guess what I am offering you here is, that you can take charge of your disease and your life. Your disease is part of you, but it does not have to define who you are! Life is not easy, if fact, somedays it is downright the most difficult thing to do, but everyday brings new hope and new possibilites. Try to focus on that. It helps me. May your days be filled with helping hands, friendly faces, laughter, hope, and lots of people who love you. I will be keeping you in my prayers.