I have had Parkinson’s for 7 years now. I was diagnosed in July 2014. I will never forget that day. That was not a good day. I went to see a Movement Disorder Specialist a month later. In the beginning, I learned about the medicines and worked with my doctor to find the correct balance of medications. It took at least six months to get the symptoms under control.
Now, I look back at the seven years and a lot has happened. I was employed until I became ill in 2019. Then COVID hit in 2020, throwing me into unknown territory. I was adjusting to staying at home and my husband was adjusting to my being at home. Then, there was the pandemic. None of us knew how to handle that.
Recently, I experienced some minor progression in my symptoms. This has caused me to look back at the last 7 years. My Parkinson’s symptoms varied over time. Sometimes, I think that all my hard work and exercise will keep all the symptoms at bay. It’s hard to accept that they will keep changing. I do find that exercise slows down the progression of the disease. It does not stop the symptoms from changing.
I share all this to encourage you to exercise. Exercise will make you feel so much better. When I am feeling at my worst, I exercise. I go for a walk, dance, practice Zumba, or yoga. It absolutely makes me feel better. My symptoms lessen or completely stop when I exercise. That is so worth it!
Parkinson’s is definitely a journey. The path forward is unknown, and every day is unpredictable. Isn’t that true for everyone? I try not to look ahead and worry, so I have a goal to live in the present moment. That is all we really have.
All I know for sure is that exercise is the key to a healthier life, no matter who you are or if you have a disease. Exercise makes you feel better, look better, and slows down your Parkinson’s symptoms. I know that you too can do this. Get up and move!
Inside Parkinson's 