What follows is an email I received from Linda, a reader of the Parkinsons Recovery blog where I addressed the question – what is the key to recovery? My suggestion was quite simple. I suggested it was helpful to simply forget about the fact you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. As you will read below. Linda found that suggestion helpful.
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Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery
Thank you so much for sharing your insights into the key to recovery. It will be very helpful, I am sure. In my case, and at this time in my life, and with the kind of PD condition that I have, what you are saying is what I believe to be true as well.
Just forgetting about this condition, not giving it power, being as positive, and getting on with my life works for me. And (touch wood) I am going into my 13th year, diagnosed in 1998 (some symptoms before that) of having symptoms of PD. I do realize that every PD case is different, and that my case may be quite simple compared to that of others. I can only report from where I am in this condition.
When I travel from BC to visit family and friends in Ontario, they ask me how I am doing with Parkinson’s. I just say I really do not give it much thought. And other than my most noticeable symptom, a tremor being obvious at times, some folks do not even ask.
A new couple who moved into my building six months ago, said that they heard that I had PD and if it were true? Here again I could have built a real sympathetic case around this situation, because they looked so sad when they asked me. However, I said, yes, I do have symptoms of PD but I am OK. Putting a positive spin on my response helps me and also gives PD less power.
I just returned from my yearly visit to my neurologist at U of BC. He says that I am doing very well. He said to keep on doing whatever it is that I am doing, and did not prescribe any more drugs nor increase my dosages.
I take Axilect, the drug touted as “one that slows the progression of PD “. I also take 100 mg of Sinemet 5x a day, a surprisingly low dosage. So meds at this time are “helping” for sure.
My goal for the future, although a big one, is to heal myself of this condition. I have a good feeling about being successful in attaining this goal. I plan to follow the procedure or recipe of those who have been successful in doing so.
Until then, I will continue to be active, lead a healthy lifestyle, stay involved in life, keep a positive attitude and push faithfully forward to the day when I will experience complete recovery.
Thank you for passing on your very important message, about the Power and Results of being Positive, to your readers. It is the key to recovery.
Linda