That’s what I’ll tell the surgeon some months hence as he prepares to inject a virus into the command center of my very essence, that is, my brain. Yes, the clinical trial testing a gene therapy's efficacy in slowing disease progression in Parkinson's Disease is on, baby! In my typical Only Know What You Need …
Category: Parkinson’s
I am a bear
No, this has zilch to do with the cutie-pie star of the eponymous TV show. I am speaking of what is likely the primal, ursine urge to hibernate. Last Sunday morning my frequent partner in crime Diane texted me around midday, asking if I wanted to go line dancing at 7:00. Sure do, I said, …
It’s not brain surgery
But sometimes, it kinda is. I recently received notification that, as someone with a moderate case of Parkinson’s, I might be eligible for a clinical trial for a new gene therapy. Brain surgery! Gene therapy! Them’s fightin’ words. And from where I sit, they’re both words of hope…and also scary as hell. I’d always thought …
Identity
Identity refers to our sense of who we are as individuals and as members of social groups. It also refers to our sense of how others may perceive and label us. In other words, who am I? As Walt Whitman put it, we contain multitudes. First, the basics. Gender: Female Sexual orientation: Hetero Age: Here, …
My podcast, Parky Conversations, is captivating listeners!
First, thanks to all who downloaded and listened to my podcast, Parky Conversations. “Fascinating” is how listeners describe the first two eye-opening episodes that discuss the very weirdness of the disease. And the podcast isn’t just for people with a connection to Parkinson’s; just about anyone will find it entertaining. So after you’ve listened, don’t …
Continue reading My podcast, Parky Conversations, is captivating listeners!
Silver Lining Parkinson’s
I suspect you're thinking that the title of this post is a trap. I’ve sucked you in and now I’m about to pull the old bait and switcheroo. Well… nope. I honestly have found a number of positive developments attributable to my disease. Who’d a thunk it? Old friends. One of my favorite quotations ever …
Listen to your Body
How ironic of me! Because I often ignore what my body is trying to say. In other words, I am deaf to my body. Ugh! This body of mine can be such a pest. You probably know the old joke: what’s denial? Answer: a river in Egypt. Hahaha. Another response might be: Andi’s approach to …
My Hobby, My Doctors
Coming soon: Parky Conversations, the podcast. Be sure you won’t miss a single fascinating word by subscribing to my blog, Moving and Shaking. Click on subscribe and voila! you’ll be in the know about all sorts of Parkinsonian stuff- the scientific, the all-too-human and the just plain weird. Hmmm. I wonder how far into my …
Emotions Have Taken Me Over – The Bee Gees (and Me)
I've always been sensitive to criticism. I was about to type "a little sensitive" but that would be a lie. More than a little. Thanks, Mom. FYI, there is no statute of limitations on blaming your parents. Maybe a story for another day. Today's story is emotion and Parkinson's. If someone implies they don't like …
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What Fresh Hell is This?
Forget the merry-go-round's brass ring; that’s not important here. I’m talking about the ponies. Let’s say that the horses represent Parkinson’s. Let's also hypothesize that you're in reasonably good shape; your meds are working most of the time, and have done so for a grand total of about three weeks. You try not to think …
Moving and Shaking 