The Perky Parkie

I Dare you not to laugh

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5 Types Of Parkies

By: PerkyParkie53 Comments

Seeing as April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, I thought it would be fun to see what type of Parkie you are. 

Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over 11 years ago… Geez. I guess it’s true what they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun”. I have no idea who “they” are, but “they” seem to be experts in everything, including the number of amusing moments that a neurological disease can bring forth. Sorry, I digress. Back to getting diagnosed… I embraced the Parkinson’s community and dove right in. I went to support groups, community events, conferences, online seminars, and fitness classes. Anything that I could get my little Parkie paws into, I did. Then to top off my time in the PD community, I currently work in a Movement Disorder Clinic, which has exposed me to many families, individuals, and couples who were being challenged by the Parkinson’s devil.

So as you might imagine, I have had the honor to meet many people, from all different genders, races, and cultures that have in some way been impacted by PD. It has been my experience that most Parkies fall into 5 different categories. Now before I begin to describe the variations, please keep in mind the following…

– I use the word “Parkie” to describe a person diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Just like myself, “The Perky Parkie”, I feel it sounds better than “Person with Parkinson’s disease”. I use this as an endearing, caring, and respectful term. When you have Parkinson’s, you become a member of a special community and I see using “Parkie” as a way of embracing each other in our group of shared interest. Kind of like an elite club… we only have the most awesomest people in our club and everyone wants in, but only the select few become members. We even have a secret handshake… get it? Handshake?

-Each type of Parkie described in this blog, doesn’t imply that the Parkie will be only that type throughout the progression of their illness.   They may start off as one type, but then switch to another. Each person is different… just like snowflakes.

-The types of Parkies described here have different characteristics but I am not implying that one type is better than another. There is no contest here. No blue ribbon to pass out… sorry.

So now that I have cleared the air… here are the 5 types of Parkies:

1.  Scientific Sam:

This type of Parkie is all about the science behind the diagnosis. They will learn the anatomy brain and how the body is impacted physically and cognitively by Parkinson’s disease. They will be interested in the latest research studies and will have accumulated their own data on the progress of the disease. They might participate in clinical trials with pride knowing that they are helping scientists get closer to finding a cure. They will know what’s coming down the pipeline and will be excited to see scientific progress.

2: Avoider Alan:

This type of Parkie will push the diagnosis out of their minds. They will not want to go to support groups or other Parkinson’s related events out of fear of seeing “what they might become”. They might feel that the best way of coping with PD is to not let it take over their lives. They don’t want to talk about it, even if symptoms are obvious to loved ones. They are not interested in the latest research or treatment options. They could possibly deny that PD is even the true diagnosis. They might feel like their time in life is limited, so they’re choosing to suck every minute out of it and put Parkinson’s on the back burner.

3. Dive-in Diana:

This type of Parkie has embraced their diagnosis and is active in the community. They might belong to various online forums and looks forward to connecting with other Parkies. Although they may not be into the Science as much as Sam, they still are interested in new information about treatment options. They might be the first Parkie to volunteer to bake cupcakes for the local fundraiser or they could extend their reach by getting involved on a national level. This Parkie will know where the closest support group is and looks forward to the upcoming conferences.

4. Victimized Vince:

This type of Parkie feels that Parkinson’s disease is a death sentence. They ask the question, “Why me?” Most of the time, they will avoid being around other people because they can’t see past their illness. They will feel like a burden on their loved ones and will blame every negative thing that happens on their diagnosis. They might complain a lot but will not change. They will say they want help, but won’t accept any assistance when offered.

5. Laughing Lucy:

This type of Parkie uses humor to ease the pain and reality of their PD diagnosis. They will be optimistic, but realistic about the future. They will be the first to crack a joke related to their most troublesome symptom and is not afraid to laugh at themselves when they are moving as slow as a snail. This Parkie will still have sad times but chooses to focus on the positive side. They are a glass is half full of frozen yogurt kind of Parkie and will try to bring a smile to those they reach.

By now you should have recognized that my observation (which is strictly for entertainment purposes and has no scientific backing) of the 5 types of Parkies is about as accurate as reading your horoscope in the newspaper. You might not fit into one category. Maybe you’ve had been all these types at some point, or maybe you’re a hybrid… you are multiple types in one amazing Parkie. Regardless of our type, I am happy and proud to be a member of our elite club.

Image by my friend Martin Bee

Comments

  1. Kathy says

    Newly diagnosed, but not surprised, worked as a rehab nurse for 40 years. I feel like I’m off on a new adventure, will meet new friends, and live my best life, whatever that turns out to be

    Reply

  4. Bob Scott says

    I think I am Diana with a sprinkling of Lucy! (No gender issues here!) – I have always thought that there should be room for humor amongst Parkie’s, and with their various support persons and groups.

    My neurologist tends to be a rather sullen sort, but I was even able to make him smile with some remark about my treatment that I can’t recall.

    Love the blog!

    Bob

    Reply

  5. Mark says

    Thank you for the humor and insights. I was diagnosed 3yrs ago and would consider myself a Lucy, well maybe Lou or Luke – HA! I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts and laughing along. Keep it coming.

    Reply

  6. Christian Zanetti says

    As usual, your blogs are awesome! In a few lines, you can mix up irony and undisputed truths at the same time. I must confess I am addicted to your blogs and no matter what, I immediately read them when they come in.
    And you make me think.
    Keep going!

    Reply

  7. Wayne says

    Thanks Allison, well done. While your categorization invites an external assessment of our Parkie Confrere’s, it also perhaps more importantly summons us to examine ourselves to determine what kind of Parkie we are and WANT to be. I recall an old adage, “Act the way you want to be and soon you’ll be the way you act”. I find it is important to BE the right kind of Parkie to support those who love you and to receive support from those same loving people. You and your Dad’s relationship seem to exemplify this. It may not always be easy to offer a smile, positive comment or kind word when you feel “off” but it is always possible to do so regardless of how one feels. You always bring forth a worthwhile topic sure to instigate valuable rumination. Thanks for the reboot. New to me.

    Reply

  8. Bob maimbourg says

    Glad you reposted this! Hadn’t found you back then. The handshake quickly brought a smile to my face. After thinking about it I came to the conclusion that with all parkies following a different path their handshakes would be different. As they walked away from the encounter their secret handshake would remain a secret.

    Reply

  9. Thomas Monge says

    I feel that I felt some of all types of Parky’s at one time or another. When I was diagnosed I felt it was death sentence. Now 10 years later I found solace in my in my diagnosis and living my life the best I can currently stage 4.

    Reply

  10. JP Smith says

    I too, am proud to be part of this community, although I am not physically afflicted. I’m in it for the cupcakes!

    Reply

  15. Joe says

    I really enjoyed your analogy! I was diagnosed with Young Onset PD about 12 years ago, and I find I fit into all of these categories at any given time depending on my mood and/or circumstances.

    Reply

      • Joe says

        Still going strong….most of the time. Some days I don’t feel like I have the disease. Other days It is all too obvious that I do. I’m a Registered Nurse, and while I can still work, I have had to stop doing hands on care and take a desk job.

        Reply

      • Brenda Raymond says

        was diagnosed with pd 8 years ago and still have a good outlook on life i would have to say that i’m a number 5 on your list of different parkies. in these past 8 years my pd has moved at a very slow rate and haveing said that i don’t require as much medication as most although i do take requip and sinemet both drugs work well for me and have only been increased once. i am noticing now that my balance is off and i’m having tremors more often than before but still i’m not as bad as others but we all know that can be subject to change at any given moment. thanks for reading this.

        Reply

        • PerkyParkie says

          Thank you for your comment Brenda. I can absolutely relate to your comment of seeing my disease progress slowly, but recognizing how quickly it all could go. I just try to live my life each day to its fullest and know that right now I’m happy and kind of healthy. When the day comes that my disease limits me to live a somewhat normal life… I will cross that bridge.

          Reply

  19. Roger Q says

    Laughing out loud about our secret handshake. Being a Parkie is a real adventure/ Life’s challenges met one by one with the support of caring people around us.

    Reply

  23. shane says

    What a great ‘read’ Allison… Until you mentioned it, I’d never thought of, nor come across the “5 Types..”.

    Love the ‘secret handshake’… and no annual registration fees !

    …. I don’t recall reading the fine print when I mysteriously joined the club – especially the section titled “oh by the way, PD club membership may also include these additional and possibly life-altering perks”…

    Thanks for your ‘Laughing Lucy’ perspective….

    Reply

  26. Steve worley says

    Secret handshake…FUNNIEST THING IVE HEARD IN A LONG TIME!!! Thanks Perkie. New to your blog, discovered it about 2-3 weeks ago. Ever take suggestions for future topics? For me dating is both funny and frustrating.. Keep up the good work. Steve, diagnosed 4 years ago.

    Reply

  27. Dan says

    My guess is that you are mainly #5 but either have been or still have some #1 and #3 in you. I know I definitely have 1&3 in me with some 5 thrown in too. Glad to be in a club with you. And working hard advocating and sharing information. Hope to see you at an event soon.

    Reply

  28. david engman says

    You forgot one classification: Amazing Allie

    This type of person meets the diagnosis head on, laughs in its face, and then turns the diagnosis on its head. (no pun intended)

    Allison, you are in a Class of your Own. Thanks for all you do.

    Reply

  29. Lisa reser says

    This proves how crazy Parkinson’s is because I fit in all 5 of your categories !! Today I am Scientific Sam and eager to know if you have heard of CRISP R ???

    Reply

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