WWTBAM Bored

Since others have updated the masses with their health news, I'll add mine. Over the past year or so, I noticed that I was having trouble walking. I would clench my arms up instead of swinging them and my feet would often scuffle along. Added to this was my wife and sons constantly reminding me that my posture was terrible and to stand/sit up straight. Worse yet, my voice had no force behind it and my words came out in a whisper. Add constant drooling and a noticeable "sad face" to this list and it was time to see a specialist.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease a few months ago. The doc says my symptoms are mild (no tremors) and a brain MRI revealed no major issues. I take Carbidopa/Levodopa three times a day and it appears to be having positive results. My walking is much better and so is my posture. I went to four weeks of physical therapy to learn the exercises I need to do every day to keep this under control. Drooling has mostly stopped.

The physical challenge I face is much easier than the mental challenge. I noticed about 18 months ago that my ability to put cohesive plot points together had diminished considerably. I was able to self-publish two books, but that required mostly formatting. The last new book I published was a step down from previous works. Worse yet, my Haney Field sequel manuscript was soundly rejected by the publisher (and rightly so). I made it to nine published books and remain happy with that output. You'll recall that I managed to cobble together Grab Bag last summer, mostly from older findings, but that's it. My previous burning desire to be creative and post three or four Bored challenges per year had gone. It was a terrible feeling.

Like most neurodegenerative diseases, there are good days and bad days, but mostly good. I try to stay positive about the situation and I know some folks have it much worse. Coincidentally, my older brother was diagnosed with PD earlier in the year with pretty much the same symptoms. He is doing well on his journey.

To help in my mental fight with PD, I'm trying my best to be creative on the good days. I have an idea for a new Bored challenge that I'm hoping to have ready by next month. Gathering the data is easier now that the meds have kicked in, but it can turn on me quickly. Let the crappy promos be your guide as to when this new challenge will drop.

Someday, I may lose this battle, but not today. Today, I'm winning. I turned 65 last Sunday and celebrated with my family. They don't treat me any differently. I don't want to be known as a guy with PD. I want to be creative and happy and contribute to the community. Eventually, I want to post Bored challenges that make my BBs think and wonder and laugh just like before.

I will fight the good fight.

Be well, my internet friends. Be well.

I'm sorry to hear about your problems. Old age sucks. But I'm glad to hear the medication is helping. The important thing is to stay in the right frame of mind.

Good luck and good health.

This is a pretty good place to get support, I think. I wish you the best.

Oh, man. Sorry to hear this Vandal. This is one of those topics I don't really know what to say, so I'll just say what I'd like to hear should I be in your situation.

Stay positive, focus on your blessings. Listen to the doctors, behave the doctors. Understand that those around you love you, and while they may not fully understand your feelings, they want to, and any expression of support should be cherished (you've earned them).

My wife's aunt has PD, diagnosed about 4 years ago. She started doing boxing, with a trainer, for physical therapy. It seemed to help her physically, but also mentally giving her some confidence in her abilities.

Thanks for sharing. Wish I could do more than provide words.

I learned a lot about Parkinson's three years ago, when I suspected my roommate had it (turned out it was super-low magnesium), and I heard good things about the medications you mention.

The other thing I remember them recommending is dance or tai chi. You don't have to go out to do them in groups, as there are so many options on our own TVs now, but the idea of being with other people who have some of the same issues is heartwarming, if you have a senior center or YMCA or church class available.

There is a new-ish procedure available at only a few hospitals, similar to the deep brain stimulation treatments. The nurse I talked to said she saw people arrive in wheelchairs, and then after the treatment, they fucking walked out, standing up straight. My granddad had the deep brain stimulation treatment years ago, when they first developed it at Loma Linda, and it bought him ten more years of good life.

Best wishes. It's OK to be done with writing; it might be time for something else instead. You might have a dance future ahead.

Granddad used to walk up to you with his hand out, and say, "Let's shake hands - I'll do all the work!"

Wow, a lot on your plate.

Sending positivity your way, with hope that the depth of research will progress rapidly to find a treatment. Sounds like you have a great supportive family.

You know you have prayers from here.

Prayers, good sir

I’m so sorry, Vandal. Staying active and positive goes a long way.

I’ve participated for eight years in a Parkinson’s disease study sponsored by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. My dad had Parkinson’s and I have a related gene. Luckily I just turned 70 and I don’t have the disease yet, so I’m a control member in the study. They’re finding out more about this nasty disease and inventing better treatments constantly.

Good luck, Vandal. My dad and one of his brothers had severe cases, and the medication then wasn't what it is now. I'm hoping for the best for you.

i don't know if my brothers and I just lucked out. We're all symptom free -- so far.