It is absolutely true when it is said that you don’t think about a disease until it hits close to home. Parkinson’s disease is just like any other disease in that not one symptom is a single indicator that you have a problem. Parkinson’s affects the way you move, since the human body is always in motion we usually ignore the first signs of trouble. Saying things like “Wow! I’m getting clumsy”, “I keep bumping into things”, or “Clearly I wasn’t fully awake, my arm wouldn’t move!” Parkinson’s is most recognized by the tremors or shaking. It can affect you’re your limbs, some or all. Usually more so during the waking hours. Though I have to point out that tremors is not singularly a Parkinson’s symptom. There is also the stiff muscle symptom, slow movements and problems with balance – an early indictor is a reduced arm swing as you walk. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease so it will only get worse. You can slow it down though, with a good diet, a healthy daily routine, plenty of rest, and prescription drugs.
Grandma J. has lived with Parkinson’s for the better part of 25 years. When I saw her again for her 80th birthday celebration, she told me that she did not survive the great depression and several wars, just to be cooped up inside. She lives in a home, but she stays as independent as she can be – and she’s feisty too! She is living a happy life because she can go for walks with her walker and not have to worry about always having someone with her. U-Step walkers are designed for those with balance disorders, brain injuries, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and more. What caught our attention for this walker was the size and shape. The U-shape makes grandma feel safe by surrounding her on three sides. The front casters are spring loaded, this helps avoid the jarring effect a bump in the road can have on a patient or in this case Grandma. There is also an optional laser accessory that can be attached to the walker as well. Grandma doesn’t currently need it, but the laser can help the user get past freezing episodes by providing a line on the ground to give them something to step over.
Grandma also takes care of her diet very well. She has refused prescription drugs that specifically treat Parkinson’s, but her ability to feed herself was compromised as her tremors worsened. The first thing she did was purchase some weighted good grips silverware, the extra weight helps stabilize the utensil to make eating easier. It also helps that the metal can be twisted or bent to suit her needs. Once she realized that they were customizable, she bought a second set. She follows her doctor’s orders and eats a healthy balanced diet regularly. Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s is sad, but remember that it is not the end of the world. Grandma is a great example of how learning and using those special little things allow you to adapt and live life the way it was meant to be lived.
