Good morning world! Today is Sunday July 12, 2020. I woke up at 7:15 this morning. I am feeling slow and tired. This Sunday slowness happens when I haven't taken a Pilates class or done any type of rigorous activity the day before. The "old" me worked out 6 days a week. I took Pilates reformer classes three to four times per week. I also walked on the treadmill twice weekly, at the gym. Last Spring (2019), I was under the care of a PD Dr. who pumped me full of medication, and before long my body and emotional health started to wither. In mid July (2019), my wonderful dad had a transient ischemic attack (a mini stroke) and broke his hip. As overmedicated as I was, this news sent me into a very serious downward spiral on all levels. In order to go and see my dad would require me to fly and then drive another 2+ hours. At that time, I was unable to stand for more than a minute without feeling extremely light headed. My biggest fear was that something would happen to him and I wouldn't be there to help him. For the next 8 months, I was lost in a sea of medication and sorrow. In mid February (2020), I came out of my drug induced fog for the moment. I took a good look at the ten bottles of meds on my kitchen table and realized that it wasn't the PD that was causing me to sink. It was the multiple meds I was on. Somehow, I had the momentary clarity to realize I needed help STAT! After five years of being tossed around to different Dr.s, (to be discussed in depth in a later post), I have finally found a Dr. who really listens to me and addresses my concerns with great gusto and care. I credit his knowledge and expertise in helping me to begin recovering back to life. Presently, I am taking Mat Pilates (virtually) three times a week. I also stretch daily. Beginning this Tuesday, I will be adding a private Pilates class into the mix on a weekly basis. I am also getting ready to bring cardio back into my exercise regime. You may have heard the saying "Use it or Lose it". I can't stress enough how crucial it is to keep moving, no matter how bad you feel. There is Life after a PD diagnosis! If you led a healthy lifestyle up to your PD diagnosis, continue on and stay strong. If not, there is no time like the present to get and stay fit and healthy. Change can be very scary, but staying positive and leading a healthy lifestyle is something you will never regret.
As a side note, my dad had hip replacement surgery the day he broke his hip (July 19,2019). It was a very long and painful road for him, but I am happy to say that he is now at home, safe and sound. He will be 83 on the 19th (exactly one year since his stroke). My dad's unstoppable strength has been a huge motivating force for me. I have watched him recover slowly with great inner strength and determination. He continues to inspire me on a daily basis. When I have those moments where I feel like I can't do this, I think of my dad and his incredible courage to persevere.
Opmerkingen