I wrote a plea in my newsletter for help in changing the false belief that Parkinson’s Disease is “degenerative.” What follows is one of the many responses I received. Brad gave me permission to post the statement that follows. His theme is – I Ignore My Parkinson’s Disease. Be prepared to be inspired.

Robert Rodgers,Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery

Why is it we “fight” cancer, but we must “accept” Parkinson’s Disease? I never accepted anything, that is why I continue to work, exercise, live normally, etc. Mostly I ignore my Parkinsons Disease. I skip my drugs whenever possible. I am too busy to be bothered with degeneration. 

It has not made me very popular with the medical establishment. Parkinsons Disease is exceedingly psychologically and emotionally sensitive. When our mind is preoccupied with growth, involvement, concentration (“recovery” mode), our symptoms abate. When we are upset, angry, anxious (“degeneration” mode) our symptoms are exacerbated. 

As most athletes and artists know, in order to accomplish something, we must first “visualize” the possibility.If we do not believe something is possible, it will never be so. If we believe, anything is possible. 

When my symptoms caused me to lose my ability to bicycle ride at a high level of performance, I fought back and reversed those symptoms. Last fall, my girlfriend and I rode six or seven difficult “century” rides (100 miles in one day), including one back to back days for the first time. 

I still have Parkinson’s Disease, but I can do anything I choose to do by simply deciding to let nothing stand in my way. Simple put – I Ignore My Parkinson’s Disease

Brad