I have had micrographia for the past 2 yrs, tremors since Nov 2011, just diagnosed with Parkinson’s last month and am 43 years old. I work as a nurse and find myself extremely frustrated that I can not just write what I want with ease and quickness while on my job. I also drop my pen easily out of my hand. Unfortunately, the side that is affected is my dominant side. Any suggestions on recovery back to the “old” me as far as quickness and handwriting goes? I don’t see how I can keep in this profession if I can’t keep up with the pace. I’m extremely embarrassed by my symptoms because as I feel pressure from coworkers or patients to be quicker, my symptoms flare up. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Liz

Response:

I believe that our body is always communicating with us and attempting to convey a message we are not able to understand any other way. Clearly, your body is slowing you down. The question for you to consider is why?

Why not have a conversation with your hand to see what is up. Ask your hand a series of questions and see what comes up.

Why are you forcing me to slow down?

What is up here? You worked so well for so long – and now this.

How about asking your body some even larger questions:

Am I doing the work that gives me inner pleasure?

Am I doing the nursing work that gives me joy and rewards beyond measure?

Am I doing in my life what I always dreamed of doing?

Is there another type of nursing that I should be doing?

Is there another type of work that I should be pursuing other than nursing?

I am just suggesting here that perhaps you are not doing the work that you need to be doing (which could mean a different type of nursing or even a different type of work entirely).

I am well aware that this is not the response you probably expected, but if I have learned anything in the six years of continuous research on ways to reverse Parkinson’s symptoms, it is that the major role player in provoking symptoms is stress. Clearly – stress is smacking  you in the face every minute of your work day. If you are doing what you love to do, stress dissolves like a snowball in the sunshine.

As for practical suggestions – the first is to use your intention to become mindful of  each and every moment. It may take a few minutes to write the notes in the medical charts, but if you do this mindfully (without feeling as though you are being rushed by anyone – including yourself) stress will not pop out and your ability to write will be sustained. I am guessing that you are creating most of the stress here – not others.

The second suggestion I have for you to consider is to give your body time to heal. It sounds like you want an immediate fix to the problem. Give your body a little time to come back into balance. The fix will not be immediate.

The third suggestion is to consider diet as a solution. The problem you outline above may be created by a variety of factors – for example, the presence of tetanus infection or myelin sheaths (the fatty tissue that insulates the nerves) which have become emaciated. Such causes can be addressed through a healthy diet. I recommend that you listen to my recent radio show with Dr. Lawrence Wilson, MD who offers some interesting suggestions on how diet can repair dysfunctional systems in the body. Again, this is not a quick fix but it does work and has no side effects.

The fourth suggestion is to visit the Parkinsons Recovery Fava Bean website. Aunt Bean has invented some fascinating home made remedies for helping your body produce dopamine that you might find to be of interest. As a nurse, I am confident you are well aware of the prescription medicines that are available. As a researcher, I am not qualified to address which of these might be suitable to address your concerns,

The fifth suggestion is to attend the 2013 Parkinsons Recovery Summit in Santa Fe February 21-24th. You will find a rich array of options to consider that will support your healing.

May you be inspired with learning more about what your own body has to say about you current challenges. I can assure you that you can always trust your body to know what is best.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery
http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com