Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...

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CMstanding 10/03/2011

A young couple who is a casual acquaintance of ours just lost their young son in a freak accident last week. The had already lost an infant to a horrible disease several years ago. Hearing about their tragic news has sure given me a clearer perspective on my life. I am counting my blessings today. All six of them, and their spouses and their kids which are my grandkids whom I love dearly!

I may have PD but my life is very blessed! I often cringe when others say to me, "I am sorry you have PD, but it could be worse"! As much as I sometimes don't like hearing that - they are right, my life could be worse - so much worse. So yes I am blessed and today I am counting all my blessings! They are numerous indeed!!!

deleted_user 10/04/2011

Hi CM,

Your right, we all need to count our blessings. I am fortunate too, my family are all heathly and happy - I am extremely grateful for that. PD is not the end of the world, far from it, but it's a shame it takes such a tragedy to makes us take stock of what we've got and not what we've lost. I shall appreciate them all a little more today, thanks.

And yes I've had that 'it could be worse' response too, this is usually delivered in comforting tones from a person giving the most knowledgable facial expression they can muster - the irony!! (lol)

Julie

CMstanding 10/04/2011

It is ironic isn't it Julie. They don't have a clue, just as I didn't and in some ways still don't. Since I am just an infant in this disease process, I am sure there are some who shake their head, laughing a little, thinking - "She doesn't have a clue - boy is she in for a few surprises!" lol

Oh well - I am not going to worry about the surprises! I will deal with what comes, when it comes and just enjoy where I am at now! (Remind me I said this when I start whining!). ha ha

deleted_user 10/04/2011

Yes, it can always be worse, ladies and I know it's confusing for others who love us on how to cheer us up. I've always said that if you have to get an incurable, progressive, degenerative disease, PD is perhaps a little better than others. Doesn't mean we want it though!!

I now appreciate every move my body makes. I am so much stronger than I ever thought I was. Yes, we are very blessed and remember, "The Cure is Coming"

deleted_user 10/04/2011

AMEN AMEN AND AMEN, THE CURE IS COMING. I KEEP SCRAMBLING TO SEE HOW MUCH PROGRESS I CAN MAKE BEFORE MY NEXT APPT. YESTERDAY I RAN ERRANDS AND STAYED ON THE MOVE 11 HOURS STRAIGHT. I ACTUALLY SHOPPED IN 3 STORES AND MADE 3 OTHER STOPS. SUDDENLY IN THE EVENING I GOT A LOT WORSE...DON'T KNOW WHY, BUT...... I INTEND TO KEEP TAKING NOTES AND KEEP LEARNING AND SOLVE THIS PUZZLE AS BEST I CAN. I DETEST PUZZLES, BUT THIS ONE NEEDS TO BE PUT TOGETHER. THIS I KNOW: IN 2010 I COULD NOT KEYBOARD, IN 2011 I FLY ON THE KEYBOARD. THAT ALONE SAYS SOMETHING BUT NOW TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IT SAYS....WWW

deleted_user 10/04/2011

Sometimes we may get tired of people saying well it could be worse. But there are many people who are. Even in these troubled economic times we are better off than 70 percent of the people who inhabit earth. Yes we get on the pity pot and ask why me. At least I do at times. When I get down on my luck or depressed about having PD I try to remember how lucky I am. I have a loving supportive family. I can still work. And so far I havent had to go hungry. Take care all. Good post Carol. flyboy57

faith2getby 10/05/2011

I have some friends, whose daughter is 5yrs. old, she has luekemia. A lady in our church has stomache cancer. The pianist in my church has heart trouble. My friend has emphasima and is in the hospital...I could go on & on......Having shared this, what have I got to complain about? I am blessed in so many ways... I could not even begin to tell you all God has done for me... Everyday, if we wake up, we are blessed. Everyday if we smile,we are blessed. Everyday if we eat, we are blessed. Everyday if we get to tell our family we love them, we are blessed. Now, does our PD seem so bad? I am thankful for my blessings.

deleted_user 10/06/2011

I had someone tell me, "At least you don't have cancer" I replied "I would rather have cancer. We all know someone who has beat cancer; no one has beat Parkinsons"
However, I also am blessed with a loving family and 8 grand children. I also consider PD a blessing. I do not know what it will do to me but it doesn't matter. I am in God's hands and I trust him. Somehow PD will be cured and/or help me to grow as a person and a Christian.

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