I believe I’ve mentioned that I was being considered as a clinical trial subject for a new Parkinson’s gene therapy. I’ve been very excited about helping to advance science and possibly finding some symptom relief. It’s a double blind trial, which means that some subjects receive the actual treatment during the trial period and others …
Tag: 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 …
My body is a three-car pile-up
Or, if you prefer your metaphors more culinary, a Chinese restaurant menu, one from column A (upper body) two from Column B (from tush to toe). How about cinematic? My life is combination chick flick/ medical drama/black comedy. The point is that I’m living in a shitstorm of maladies. I’m visited with Parkinson’s for starters. …
BONUS POST: FUNDING CUTS MAY AFFECT ALL OF US
I was casually reading the New York Times this morning when I came upon this article about funding cuts for scientific research on, among other things, treatment and cures for all sorts of diseases and medical conditions.. This section made my hair stand on end: Growing up in a small town in Alaska, Alyssa Connell …
Continue reading BONUS POST: FUNDING CUTS MAY AFFECT ALL OF US
I am my illness
I recently posted a request asking the parkinsonsphere how they’d like to be treated. Several commented”I am not my illness.” Well guess what folks, I’m throwing in the towel and stating, if not proudly but with resignation and conviction “ I am my illness.” If I were not, would I be: Organizing the medication section …
Challenges challenges
The Parky Conversations podcast provides excellent holiday party chit/chat material. Listen to even just one episode and you’ll be the most interesting person at every gathering. ************ We all know that challenging our brains and our bodies is important in maintaining plasticity - the ability to adapt and learn. But when faced with a challenge …
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, …
A small favor
Dear friends, I’ve been gratified by the response to my Parky Conversations podcast. Thank you! And now I have a favor to ask. I’d like to continue making new episodes, but I need more listeners in order to justify the time and expense. Here’s where you can help. Let’s make Parky Conversations viral! All …
Singing and Dancing Away (the PD)
Okay, I know you can neither sing nor dance away the disease. If only....we'd all be dancing in the streets, 24-7. But you can slow disease progression with these activities. Today's podcast , Singing and Dancing, tells why and how. And...I finally figured out how to find and leave a review of Parky Conversations. Just …
Moving and Shaking 