The word “progressive” is one that is always used when reading any description of Parkinson’s.  When I was diagnosed with PD almost ten years ago, I realized the word “cope” was going to have to be an even more important word in dealing with my condition.  As the years pass, there is more and more to cope with, but we all have the choice of how we cope.  If you need to get angry, cry or grieve the loss of your health in order to accept your condition, do so, but don’t give it too much time.  Get on with your life!   You need to take charge and plan for the future.  Concentrating on the positive and fighting the tendency toward apathy and passivity is worth the effort.  Some suggestions follow on ways that we can help ourselves.

Become informed.   Knowledge is the first positive step toward being in control.  It’s vitally important to read everything you can find!  Visit your library, request to be put on mailing lists for newsletters and medical updates, use the Internet and attend lectures.  You’ll better understand why symptoms occur which will allow you to know what questions to ask and how to properly describe the problem when you see your physician.  Be responsible for your own health care.  You know your body best.  Find a doctor who has knowledge and experience in treating people with Parkinson’s…one who is interested, patient, understanding, cooperative and willing to take the time to work with you.  Your pharmacist is another good resource for information.  Join a support group for valuable, shared, personal advice and support.

Acceptance. I’ve accepted the fact that I have this disease, but I do get annoyed at being referred to as a Parkinson “patient.”  I refuse to accept being called a “patient” unless I’m in a doctor’s office.  Accepting this illness does not mean you need to consider yourself “sick.”  PD is just something you have… like brown eyes.  Rather than think of it as a problem, consider it a situation, a challenge, an opportunity.  You will be less anxious, less frustrated and less stressed, which will result in less symptoms.  Unlike having a headache, Parkinson’s can be difficult to hide.  It’s easier not to try.  Be open with others.  I have found people are interested in learning about the disease and are appreciative that you shared the information.

Concentrate on the positive.  Parkinson’s has been described as a “yo-yo” disorder…one hour up, the next down; one day good, the next bad.  It helps to remember that one bad day is only one bad day.  It does not constitute a trend.  Develop an optimistic attitude by looking for the best in everything.  People generally find what they expect to find.  If you expect to feel bad, your body will not disappoint you.  You will feel bad.  If you expect to feel good, there’s a greater possibility you will feel good.  You may not have the ability to change what is happening to you, but you can change how you relate to it.  Rather than focus on lost abilities, develop new hobbies and skills to replace those you can no longer pursue.

Set achievable goals.  You may need to set new and more achievable goals because of limitations you now have.  It’s important to learn to pace yourself.  When adapting to a less active schedules, there is a tendency to overdo when you feel good.  After a busy period, schedules activities that don’t require a lot of energy.  Have an alternative in case your symptoms require you to cancel an planned event.  Planning ahead gives you the flexibility to accomplish things when you feel good.  For instance, you can shop in advance for birthday and anniversary presents.  Address cards ahead of time.

Keep a sense of humor.  Laugh at yourself.  A laugh a day is more important than an apple in keeping the doctor away. When you need a good chuckle, go to the closest drug store or card shop and tickle your funny bone by reading greeting cards.  A laugh is much better for your immune system than getting angry or frustrated, even if you feel like the cartoon below.

Simplify your life.  Find easier ways to do things.  Determine your priorities.  Eliminate the unnecessary.  Learn  to say “no” without feeling guilty

·   Call stores to make sure they have the item you need.

·   Shop during off-hours to avoid crowds and lines.

·   Get a disabled parking permit.

·   Use stores that deliver or have drive-up facilities.

·   Use a cordless telephone;  keep a telephone by your bed;

    consider an automatic dialer and/or a speaker phone.

·   Always carry extra medication with you. 

    Get a sports bottle to have water for taking pills.

·   Keep a written schedules of your medication. 

    Buy a pill container that has a week’s worth of dividers which saves time

    identifies if you’ve taken a particular dose.

·   Get a timer to remind you when medication is due.

·   Use stick-on labels or a pre-inked rubber stamp when you need to write

    your name or fill out forms.

Keep active.  Exercise, both mental and physical, is essential in maintaining your lifestyle.  It prevents your muscles from deteriorating, strengthens them, reduces tension and rigidity, improves your ability to rest and sleep, and enhances other bodily functions.  The more active you are, the longer it will be before you may need physical, occupational or speech therapy.  Exercise can be fun!  Choose activities that let you play.  Enjoy less strenuous sports such as golf, bowling, horseshoes or swimming.  Take dancing lessons.  One of the best exercises is walking, which will be featured this month.

It’s also important to keep active socially.  Don’t allow yourself to become isolated.  Join a support group to meet new people, develop new friendships and help avoid depression.  Instead of focusing on yourself, help someone in need.  It will get our mind off of yourself and you’ll remember how much you have to be thankful for.

 Have faith and never give up hope.