It’s been 10 years since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and I’m considering having a little “birthday party.”  Why?  Because I want to celebrate my management — with the help of family and friends — of this disease.  I wasn’t able to control getting PD, but I AM able to slow the progression of the disease by exercising.  The encouragement I get from people like you really help me along.  So thanks!

Stay tuned for more details about the party!

Dear Andy’s Army Enlistees –

A number of you have wondered about my well-being and have asked that I keep you updated.  OK, I can do that, on a limited basis.  You get enough emails as it is.  And you can put away your credit cards – messages from me will not have a fund-raising component (unless I warn you!).  So, sit back, and relax.  You’ll get a message on an irregular basis, as the spirit moves, this time about Parkinson’s Disease (PD), pickleball, and life.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

It’s been just over 200 years since Dr. James Parkinson described some of the symptoms of the disease that bears his name, and on only a handful of patients at that.  Fast forward to 1969 when a “miracle drug,” levodopa, was discovered, which is used to treat some of the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s.  Every PD patient wonders when to start medication.  That decision is basically irrevocable.  Medications are usually extremely effective initially at controlling motor (movement) symptoms.  As the disease progresses, higher dosages of medications are necessary, sometimes resulting in side effects that can be challenging to manage.

I was diagnosed in 2010 and started taking medication in 2018.  Remember that each case of PD is different, hence the saying, If you’ve seen one Parkinson’s patient…you’ve seen one Parkinson’s patient.

My writing hand is sometimes a little jumpy, so Helen got me a thick, heavy pen that has helped.  My tremor is more pronounced if I “have a TAN,” that is, if I’m Tired, Angry or Nervous.  I try to avoid those things, especially in combination!  And when I am those things (Me?  Angry?), I know why my tremor is more significant.

Pickleball

Helen and I have access to a terrific community center less than a mile from our house where we drill and play matches.  Although she has about a four-year head start on me playing pickleball – I retired in early 2016– I’m trying to catch up!  Recent pickleball vacation trips took us to Richmond (Virginia Senior Games), Albuquerque, (National Senior Games), and Boston (USAPA Atlantic Regional).  Helen ran her own tournament – the Mid-Atlantic Open  – right here in Arlington on October 5 and 6.  We had 20 indoor, air-conditoned courts, 320 players, and more than 100 volunteers.

Helen came home from the National Senior Games with a bronze medal (Women’s Singles 4.0/65-69) against nationwide competition in the mile-high, 90+ degree heat and a 32-player draw.  In the Boston Tournament singles the following week, she brought home gold!  We won a silver in the Boston Mixed Doubles 4.0 65-69.  In Men’s Doubles my parter and I played terrific pickleball against some tough competition, but have no medal to show for our fine effort.

Life

Having a progressive, incurable disease implies future uncertainties.  But I’m not spending time trying to figure out what might happen.  I feel like Yogi Berra, who is supposed to have said, I find it really tough to make predictions, especially about the future.  Instead, I’m devoted to living day to day, and exercising – literally and figuratively — as much control over my situation as possible.

I’m an introvert and only speak about my condition because it is visible and I feel the need to explain myself.  But every one of you have, is, or will face some challenging situations.  Life clearly has some significant ups and downs for us all.  My hope for you is that you enjoy life’s wonderful moments to the fullest and that you have some close friends, a special care partner, and loving children like I have to help you along.  May you feel as I do, surrounded by love.

Until next time, this is Andy.