Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Taylor Yoga
I have been taking Yoga lessons from Connie Fedel at he Taylor Recreation Center for the past two years. This has helped me as much as or more than all the medication I'm taking for Parkinson's. I highly recommend Yoga to just about anyone and there just couldn't be a better instructor than Connie. She is moving to a new location with a grand opening scheduled for This coming Sunday, May 1st. The address is 8935 N. Telegraph Road in Taylor. The time will be 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Stop in to see the new Facility
Sunday, April 17, 2011
V.A. Benefits
Memo to all Vietnam Veterans - The Veteran's Administration has determined that anyone diagnosed with Parkinson's, Ishemic Heart Disease, or a few other conditions, and who was stationed in Vietnam during the war that there is a connection. It is well worth checking into. My compensation not only doubled but it is tax free.
Here is the V.A. webpage for determining if you are eligible for benefits related to service in Vietnam, with information on how to file for those benefits.
Here is the V.A. webpage for determining if you are eligible for benefits related to service in Vietnam, with information on how to file for those benefits.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
My Initial Diagnosis of Parkinson's
In August of 2007 I was walking my normal four miles on the treadmill at the YMCA. I would walk these four miles in less than fifty minutes. This was a fairly brisk pace for a 68 year old. As I was completing the third mile my right leg totally collapsed, my arms weakened, I had never felt so helpless. I thought I was having some kind of a stroke even though I didn't have any chest pains.
After resting for a few minutes while remaining on the treadmill, I took my first step. I stepped off the treadmill and slowly walked down to the lobby where I sat in a very comfortable chair for about 30 minutes. I then made my way to the parking lot, to my car, and very carefully, I drove home. I soon found myself walking normally as if nothing had happened. Two days later as I was walking to the entrance of the library it happened again. This time I lost control of both legs and fell to the ground. After a few minutes I felt all right and drove home. The next time it happened after I had driven 100 miles and got out of my car and I could hardly walk. I couldn't take more than a half step at a time and it was very painful. I knew there was something seriously wrong with me.
The next day I got an emergency consult with a Neurologist and was soon diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I didn't take this news very well since I have been an alcoholic most of my life. Eventually the medication forced me to give up alcohol. This was something I never would have done on my own. I was now 69 years old and pretty well set in my ways. When I stopped drinking head became much clearer and my sleeping habits changed drastically. I could not sleep night. I soon discovered that I had a secret hidden talent for writing. I began sitting at the dining room table with a pen in my hand during the early morning hours and words seemed to pour out of me. I have done an awful lot of writing these past three years. I have written over thirty short stories, most of them inspirational stories about family and friends. It seems that Parkinson's has brought quite a change in my life including the realization, the belief and the acceptance of my God. Yes, the incurrance of Parkinson's Disease has turned out to be a blessing to me.
After resting for a few minutes while remaining on the treadmill, I took my first step. I stepped off the treadmill and slowly walked down to the lobby where I sat in a very comfortable chair for about 30 minutes. I then made my way to the parking lot, to my car, and very carefully, I drove home. I soon found myself walking normally as if nothing had happened. Two days later as I was walking to the entrance of the library it happened again. This time I lost control of both legs and fell to the ground. After a few minutes I felt all right and drove home. The next time it happened after I had driven 100 miles and got out of my car and I could hardly walk. I couldn't take more than a half step at a time and it was very painful. I knew there was something seriously wrong with me.
The next day I got an emergency consult with a Neurologist and was soon diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I didn't take this news very well since I have been an alcoholic most of my life. Eventually the medication forced me to give up alcohol. This was something I never would have done on my own. I was now 69 years old and pretty well set in my ways. When I stopped drinking head became much clearer and my sleeping habits changed drastically. I could not sleep night. I soon discovered that I had a secret hidden talent for writing. I began sitting at the dining room table with a pen in my hand during the early morning hours and words seemed to pour out of me. I have done an awful lot of writing these past three years. I have written over thirty short stories, most of them inspirational stories about family and friends. It seems that Parkinson's has brought quite a change in my life including the realization, the belief and the acceptance of my God. Yes, the incurrance of Parkinson's Disease has turned out to be a blessing to me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)