Many of us "face" the changes in stages, a little at a time. Some of the changes feel like they cut us off at the knees, others simply require annoying modifications. There are no "wrong" feelings or thoughts: they are what they are. And, there are some feelings and thoughts we need to re-direct from negative and defeatist into problem solving at some point to be able to go on. Get the help of a counselor if you find yourself depressed for too long - it's common with PD. HANG IN THERE :)
Try t be patient when people make ignorant remarks about your symptoms. If you have the speech changes, it can sound like you're drunk or "high." Understand that this changes our lives, like a car accident. AND, we can learn to adjust and adapt. AND, it can be DEPRESSING, especially when it takes away the things we love and that help "define" us. I used to sing a LOT. Now, I never know when I'll sing or "croak."
Also, don't be afraid to WORK with your neurologist on meds. Type, dose, timing of doses etc. make a LOT of difference, even on the thigs like the heel draging, shuffling and freezing, resting tremor and even speech sluring. Remember that PD advances at varying rates from slow to fast, and of the hundreds of symptoms, each person gets their own bag of combinations. Get, read and share the book "Parkinson's Disease and the Family: A New Guide" by Nutan Sharma and Elaine Richman."
Can't figure out how to post a response - sorry if this is duplicated. Ask your neurologist before you try anything new. That said, not all - but many -people find exercises like Billy Blanks workouts, aerobics, jazzercise etc. help with balance. If you think about walking with a longer stride and conciously picking up your feet it can help with heel-dragging. If you lean forward a LITTLE bit it helps with freezing (lean forward too much and you'll fall down anyway).
Wow again..... This touched my core. The tears at the realization, the determination to face and live the future. Wow. Does the Michael J Fox foundation have this video? It would surely be a good one for them, and for the many of us who have this dx. It's frustating and sometimes sad that so many people don't understand anything about this disease except for the dramatic symptoms at the end. But we live so long BEFORE the end...... Anyway, thank you again for your posts.
You keep lifting those feet, Gary. None of us steps a surely as we'd like. None of us holds life so firmly that it cannot twist or slip, and the best we can do is keep holding on. You are making something very good out of what you have been given; I wish more of us would do as much!
Not only is this great art (song and visuals) I hope this video can raise awareness and support that in turn helps to fund research and find cures. Our hearts are with you.
Good, very good job. Thank you for this nice moment.
treblechoir99 1 year ago
Many of us "face" the changes in stages, a little at a time. Some of the changes feel like they cut us off at the knees, others simply require annoying modifications. There are no "wrong" feelings or thoughts: they are what they are. And, there are some feelings and thoughts we need to re-direct from negative and defeatist into problem solving at some point to be able to go on. Get the help of a counselor if you find yourself depressed for too long - it's common with PD. HANG IN THERE :)
pinetreesNsagebrush 1 year ago
Try t be patient when people make ignorant remarks about your symptoms. If you have the speech changes, it can sound like you're drunk or "high." Understand that this changes our lives, like a car accident. AND, we can learn to adjust and adapt. AND, it can be DEPRESSING, especially when it takes away the things we love and that help "define" us. I used to sing a LOT. Now, I never know when I'll sing or "croak."
pinetreesNsagebrush 1 year ago
Also, don't be afraid to WORK with your neurologist on meds. Type, dose, timing of doses etc. make a LOT of difference, even on the thigs like the heel draging, shuffling and freezing, resting tremor and even speech sluring. Remember that PD advances at varying rates from slow to fast, and of the hundreds of symptoms, each person gets their own bag of combinations. Get, read and share the book "Parkinson's Disease and the Family: A New Guide" by Nutan Sharma and Elaine Richman."
pinetreesNsagebrush 1 year ago
Can't figure out how to post a response - sorry if this is duplicated. Ask your neurologist before you try anything new. That said, not all - but many -people find exercises like Billy Blanks workouts, aerobics, jazzercise etc. help with balance. If you think about walking with a longer stride and conciously picking up your feet it can help with heel-dragging. If you lean forward a LITTLE bit it helps with freezing (lean forward too much and you'll fall down anyway).
pinetreesNsagebrush 1 year ago
Great stuff Gary.
mcguiretl 1 year ago
This is just wonderful we should all channel our energy in such a positive manner when faced with challenges!
peacetoyou80 1 year ago
Wow again..... This touched my core. The tears at the realization, the determination to face and live the future. Wow. Does the Michael J Fox foundation have this video? It would surely be a good one for them, and for the many of us who have this dx. It's frustating and sometimes sad that so many people don't understand anything about this disease except for the dramatic symptoms at the end. But we live so long BEFORE the end...... Anyway, thank you again for your posts.
pinetreesNsagebrush 1 year ago
Gary I was very moved by watching the video.
davidlglazer 1 year ago
Great song, great video. It will take more than Parkinson's to stop Gary Mazzola !
Ken
kleiboff 1 year ago
You keep lifting those feet, Gary. None of us steps a surely as we'd like. None of us holds life so firmly that it cannot twist or slip, and the best we can do is keep holding on. You are making something very good out of what you have been given; I wish more of us would do as much!
waynesl 1 year ago
Good Job, Bud! Good Writing. Praying for you, Man.
Kyle.
fastforwardtv1869 1 year ago
Not only is this great art (song and visuals) I hope this video can raise awareness and support that in turn helps to fund research and find cures. Our hearts are with you.
micmon97 1 year ago 2
great song and video!!!
apester187 1 year ago
This is so beautiful, Gary! You're an inspiration to us all.
Ginger
ImmatureVoicebox 1 year ago
Wonderful song, Gary. Cool video, too. I liked seeing the footage your parents in there.
thetracer2 1 year ago
Nice job Gary.
Paul Kulak
paulkulak1 1 year ago
A fine song from one of our great artists.
losthills 1 year ago