I first really noticed the symptoms in 2005 when I found it was difficult to walk. My right leg had trouble working. I went to my family doctor who sent me to a neurologist. He told me I had Parkinson disease and he would prescribe pills if I wanted them. That was the extent of his help. I went home and told my wife, who was looking out a window at the back yard, that I had Parkinson’s. She did not even turn around. The blessing in all of this is that I got out of bad marriage that was over a long time ago.
I was fortunate to get an appointment with a neurologist in Edmonton and that was a blessing. I told my children, friends and co-workers about my situation. At the time I was a Senior Vice President in a major organization. Fatigue had set in and I knew I could not keep working. My boss told me that it was up to me to decide when I was to go, that he would not ask me to leave.
After I retired I moved into a very nice condo where I met Doreen. We started to hang out together and became good friends. At the start I told Doreen that I had Parkinson’s and I did not fully understand the implications of that. We stayed friends, however we fell in love too. I proposed to Doreen in the swimming pool at the condo. She said yes!
I know that I am so blessed. I was referred to the CRIS Clinic by my doctor and that was the start of my participation in PWR! (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery). I came home from those sessions and felt like I was bouncing off the walls with positive energy. Something very good was happening to me! The effects of the Parkinson’s seemed to be backing off. Doreen and I joined Parkinson Association of Alberta (PAA) and have made many new friends there. We receive great support from PAA and I am fully engaged with the PWR! Program that happens at the Edmonton Office.
I am in better condition today then I was in 2005. I attribute this to:
- Attitude
- Proper medication
- PWR! type exercise
- And the support of family and Parkinson Association of Alberta
So how do I feel about all of this? My glass is half full, not half empty.
Doreen is the main reason that I am doing so well, as well as my own positive attitude, my children and friends. I am trying to be the best that I can be and I believe that when one door closes another door opens! I feel in control of the Parkinson’s not the other way around. I believe that I am responsible for my own health and wellbeing. It is up to me!
