Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects a person’s ability to move.

It is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain and symptoms include trembling, rigidity, difficulty with balance and coordination, and slow movement.

Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease can be a life-changing experience. At first, there may be a lot of uncertainty and fear about what the future holds.

But over time, many people with Parkinson’s find that they are able to adapt and live full, meaningful lives despite their condition.

My Diagnosis

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 10 years ago. At the time, I was 57 years old and still working full time as a college professor.

I had noticed that my movements were becoming slower and more stiff, and I was having trouble with fine motor tasks like typing and writing.

When I received the diagnosis, I was devastated. I had always been an active person and the idea of losing my independence was frightening. But I quickly realized that there were things I could do to manage my symptoms and maintain my quality of life.

Managing Symptoms with Medication

One of the most effective ways to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is through medication. There are several types of medication that can be used to increase the levels of dopamine in the brain and help alleviate symptoms.

When I was first diagnosed, I started taking levodopa, which is a medication that is converted into dopamine in the brain.

It was very effective at reducing my tremors and improving my movement, but over time I started to experience some of the side effects associated with the medication, such as dyskinesia (involuntary movements).

My doctor and I worked together to find the right medication regimen for me. I now take a combination of levodopa, dopamine agonists, and MAO-B inhibitors to manage my symptoms.

It’s a delicate balance, and we have to adjust my medication periodically as my symptoms change.

Exploring Modern Invasive Treatments

In addition to medication, there are a variety of other treatments available for Parkinson’s disease.

These range from non-invasive therapies like physical therapy and speech therapy to more invasive treatments like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and gene therapy.

DBS is a surgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted in the brain and connected to a pacemaker-like device in the chest.

The device delivers electrical stimulation to specific areas of the brain, which can help reduce symptoms like tremors and rigidity.

I was initially hesitant about DBS because it is a major surgery and involves risks like infection and bleeding. But as my symptoms worsened and medication became less effective, I decided to explore the option further.

I underwent DBS surgery a year ago, and it has been life-changing for me. While it hasn’t cured my Parkinson’s, it has significantly reduced my tremors and allowed me to move more freely.

I still take medication, but I am able to take lower doses than before.

Adjusting to Life with Parkinson’s

Living with Parkinson’s disease is a journey that requires a lot of adaptation and resilience. Over the years, I have had to make adjustments to my lifestyle and find new ways of doing things.

For example, I have made modifications to my home to make it safer and more accessible. I installed grab bars in the bathroom and added a stair lift to make it easier to navigate the stairs.

I have also learned to accept help from others. In the past, I was always very independent and didn’t want to burden anyone with my problems.

But I have come to realize that accepting help is not a sign of weakness – it’s a necessary part of living with a chronic illness.

Staying Active and Engaged

One of the challenges of living with Parkinson’s disease is maintaining an active and engaged lifestyle. It can be easy to become isolated and withdraw from social activities.

But I have found that staying involved in activities that I enjoy is important for my mental and emotional health. I continue to work part-time as a professor, which gives me a sense of purpose and connection to the world.

I also stay active in my community by volunteering and participating in local events. Being around other people and contributing to a cause that I care about is fulfilling and helps me feel less isolated.

Conclusion

Living with Parkinson’s disease can be challenging and scary, but it is possible to continue living a full and meaningful life. Managing symptoms with medication and exploring modern invasive treatments like DBS can help improve quality of life.

Adapting to life with Parkinson’s requires resilience and flexibility, but it is possible to find new ways of doing things and stay engaged with the world.