A Chat About Parkinson’s

By Ann Miner

WHEN MY BURT DIED IN 2008, Parkinson’s was still a relatively unknown disease – mysterious even – to those who had not experienced it personally. I perceived that there were many people who were still uninformed about the disease, and I began to write about it.

I wanted to tell people that the person who stumbles, walks with tiny steps, and perhaps has a sort of blank expression may not be drunk or crazy or strange. That person may have Parkinson’s.

If you have Parkinson’s, if a family member or friend has Parkinson’s, or if you’re a caregiver for someone who has Parkinson’s, this monthly column is for you. It is meant to facilitate an understanding of, and a response to the person with Parkinson’s, and especially the caregiver. It is meant to make living with PD a little easier.

What it is not intended to do is to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease. It is not to inform about who gets it, why they get it or what the actual disease is.

I’m aware that I was fortunate. My Burt was a gentle soul, mild mannered, and loving. He never got angry or violent, as some patients might.

You will find several scattered pieces in this column about the importance of self- care for the caregiver. That’s because the caregiver is the most important patient. You will learn what I mean.

Meanwhile, everyone is invited to the monthly meeting of the Parkinson’s Support group on the FIRST MONDAY of every month at 1:00 PM. Come to Choice Medical Center at 19111 Town Center Drive in Apple Valley where you’ll find fun and friendly folks who “get it”.

You may have Parkinson’s, but Parkinson’s doesn’t get to “have you.” I believe Michael J Fox said that.

Ann Miner Author/Speaker

(760) 954-2859 - eannminer@yahoo.com OnTopicSpeakers.com