Diana

My name is Diana.   I was 53 years old when I was diagnosed with PD in 2003.  I am married and have two daughters, and two beautiful grandchildren. I am writing this in hopes of helping someone newly diagnosed.

After some minor tremors on my left side, and a noticeable dragging of my left leg, I went to my G.P.  I was shocked when he said he thought I had Parkinson’s.  He referred me to a neurologist. who confirmed the diagnosis of Parkinsons’. I couldn’t believe it.   I waited a couple weeks, and did nothing.  Then I decided to go see a movement disorder specialist in the medical center downtown.  On the day I met with the MDS he brought in two additional neurologists and they all agreed on the diagnosis of Parkinson’s.  

I thought my life was changed forever the day I was diagnosed, but it wasn’t. It was hard for me to admit to other people that I had PD because I thought they would view me as a handicapped or “damaged” person.

I have been lucky.  The next few years saw minor progression of the disease.  I was still able to play tennis and keep active with most of my normal activities.  It’s been almost 6 yrs now and I am optimistic about my future.   I am taking Sinemet and Mirapex and these meds are working to keep my symptoms to a minimum, as long as I remember to take meds on time.

I’ve learned a lot from my friends here at the Edge.  They are a wonderful support group.  I’ve even been fortunate enough to meet 9 of them in our travels--two in Canada, two from Illinois, two while traveling through Mississippi, one from Michigan, one while traveling in Scotland and another while traveling in England!  Everyone with PD is different…. we are all individuals dealing with this illness different ways. My advice would be: exercise is so important… keep moving. A positive attitude helps so much AND take your meds regularly and on time. You are not alone in your battle.

Update, March 20, 2010

Seven years and counting, and I am still here and doing well! The progression has been steady, but luckily for me, slow as well. I don’t play tennis anymore (more of a balance issue) but I do go walking in the mornings, and work out at the fitness center. I have slowly crept out of the closet and started talking about Parkinson’s with my friends and other people. Denial was part of my life in the beginning.

We are still traveling, and I continue to meet friends from the Edge (Diane in Mississippi and the Patricia’s son in Sydney, Australia) on our many travels. I also have been involved in a research study at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas which lasts another 6 more weeks, so it will be exciting to see what develops there.

I count my blessings – a wonderful, supportive husband, two understanding daughters and two beautiful grandchildren. Life is Good.