I often ponder the question, “Is there anything more I could be doing to slow the progression of my Parkinson’s disease? Have a missed something that could be helpful to my mental and physical state?” I’ve come to the understanding… that I have already had many opportunities that others may have not had.
For example, I work for my Neurologist as a Psychotherapist in a Neurology and Pain Clinic. This has allowed me face-to-face contact with pharmaceutical reps and get information about new treatment options and what is in store for the future. If I need a refill of medication, I just walk to the room next to my office and tell a Physician Assistant I need a prescription. Done.
I have medical insurance through my job… that’s huge! I have a boss that completely understands when I’m having an off day, because he sees Parkies on a daily basis. If I have a nagging question about PD or its symptoms, I walk over to his office in the clinic and ask away. I have access to the findings of recent research studies that have concluded.
It was March of 2010 when I got my diagnosis of Parkinson’s… I went into Deep Brain surgery (DBS) in April of 2010. I recognize that many Parkies have to wait to get DBS until they’re “bad enough” and that some Parkies don’t even have the option to have the procedure due to location, lack of professionals trained in DBS or inability to fund such a treatment.
I have such a strong Wolfpack, that I never feel like I am alone in this battle. They lift me up and support me in many ways. I’m blessed to have a solid group of friends who are always willing to help and I understand that I wouldn’t be doing as well as I am without their love.
So now what would I do with a million dollars and would I be
I would buy a house full of accessibility features to help me in the future. I would make that house a smart house, just so I can say “Alexa, dim the lights”, or “Alexa, I’m hot, make it cooler in here”, or “Alexa, call my live-in massage therapist and tell him my neck is tight”. The choices are endless.
I would have a hair and makeup artist, so I wouldn’t have to poke my eye with the mascara wand or burn chunks of my hair off, because I move too slow with a curling iron. Beauty is pain… especially for Parkies. I would have a dog nanny to make sure Crash is walked. I would have my assistant buy groceries for my personal chef, and have my housekeeper arrange my laundry using the Marie Kondo method.
Although I would never say no to a million dollars… I feel that for me maybe it isn’t totally necessary to live a healthy life with Parkinson’s, but it’s always fun to dream about. Now, the ball is in your court,
“What would you do with a million dollars, and would you be healthier?”
*Photo credit: festivalforcomedy.com and tidycasa.com
Having a little money sure does make living with PD a little easier around the edges, but watching fellow parkies struggle can bea curse.
Hi Perk,
You sound like the luckiest Parkie ever. That is great for you. However I am sure the majority of the rest of us Parkie are dealing with a much different scenario. I understand why you are so perky! As far as the million dollar question — I try not to dwell on or think about things that could never happen, I choose to focus on accepting the realities of this condition and try to be grateful for the basics like having a bed to sleep on, the ability to walk and talk, food to eat, and a few friends I can really count on.
Karen, I understand how blessed I am… because I’ve seen the challenges my fellow Parkies face and I recognize the advantages I have been given. Trying to stay focused on accepting the reality of PD is important, but sometimes it’s fun to think of an alternate story for your life. Thank you for your comment.
ANYTHING I WANT, TRAVEL, GOLF,TRAVEL , GOLF, YOU GET THE PICTURE KEEP ON MOVING UNTIL THIS INSIDIOUS DISEASE BREAKS THROUGH DOOR AND NABS ME .
Andrew, very realistic and insightful. How about you Travel to Golf courses throughout the world… maybe you’re already doing that?
I agree with your dad about the live in masseuse. I’d just bucket list travel while I can if I had the money. I could walk around in nature and stay loose. Great post.
Dan, great idea!
I don’t have a strong support system . I just feel very alone! I spend my afternoon in my apartment, I don’t feel well enough but I do dinner! I don’t feel well enough to exercise.
You did say what would I do if I came I came into a million dollars – would say I would eradicate Parkinsons for all present and future people!
Carol, Thank you for your comment. Eradicating PD is the ultimate goal.
Too bad you were born good-looking instead of wealthy. I would go for the live-in masseuse/chef. Less pain= more exercise. Better diet= more energy to exercise.
Smart thinking Dad!