By “Twitchy Woman” Sharon Krischer –Author of the blog “Twitchy Woman, My Adventures with Parkinson’s Disease” and women with PD advocate.
When I was diagnosed 15 years ago, there were not a lot of resources for women with Parkinson’s. I did not know any other women with PD and the few support groups in my area met at times that didn’t work for me. I had one male friend who was diagnosed about the same time, so the two of us became our own support group of two.
I am glad to say that things have definitely changed in the last 15 years. Since I started writing my blog, Twitchy Woman, My Adventures with Parkinson’s, 10 years ago, I have been fortunate to have many opportunities open up to me as a woman with PD. I have met many other women through the various PD organizations and at the 3 World Parkinson Congresses that I have attended. We have participated in studies about women with PD, attended events specifically for PD and we have worked hard to dispel the idea that Parkinson’s is an old white man’s disease.
Many women with PD continue to work long after their diagnosis. Younger women have been raising a family in addition to work in many cases. We have shown that life does continue after a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
I recently reached out to some of the women whom I have met and have given me inspiration over the years, to give me some tips for Women with Parkinson’s. All of them have been living with Parkinson’s for 10 years or more. I hope that they give you inspiration on your journey with Parkinson’s.
Continue to do what you love.
Linda says if you love dancing, dance. If you love running, run. Continue to cook, travel, learn, read…whatever speaks to you. Keep positive people in your life that accept you as you are. Continue to do things for others. Giving makes one feel good and satisfied. Have a purpose in life and always try to better yourself-even in little ways.
Keep looking ahead, keep a smile on your face and keep moving.
Carole ‘s advice is that worrying and being angry does no one any good. Do something every day that is physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Smile and keep moving!
Make yourself a priority.
According to Jen, despite a scary, life altering diagnosis, you can live well with PD. You must make yourself a priority! Embrace exercise and a diet rich in fruits, veggies nuts, whole grains, and lots of H2O. Be your own advocate. Keep a journal of side effects of meds and your symptoms to share with your doctor. Your doctors know about PD and medicine, but you know your body!
Finding Community, having meaningful projects to engage in.
Farrell says that finding your community, along with exercise, trying to be positive, and researching the latest information about the disease are all important. Seeing how others are trying their best to live well with PD constantly inspires her to keep going.
Find a Mentor with Parkinson’s.
From Susan, one of the creators of the Twitchy Woman Mentor team, who wrote this with no pressure from me: “Holding hands with others gives your force against the storm much more power. Which is the mission of Twitchywoman.com and it’s peer support mentor program.”
Ask for help. It’s OK.
Naomi has a few words of wisdom to share:
It’s okay to ask for and/or receive help.
Do the things that bring you joy.
Sing, dance, laugh. Get dressed up.
Take a class, learn something new.
My Final Tips
My advice to you – listen to these wise women. Keep a positive outlook, do what you love to do. Exercise, take care of yourself physically and spiritually. Exercise! Find joy! Eat well and keep on moving!!!
Finally, find your community. You don’t need to go it alone as you move forward with Parkinson’s. Find a Parkinson’s buddy through the Michael J Fox Foundation, your local PD organization or Twitchy Woman’s Mentor Program.
Just remember that together, we will do better.
Hugs,
Sharon
About Sharon:
Sharon Krischer was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in January 2009. About 6 years ago Sharon started writing a blog called “Twitchy Woman, My Adventures with Parkinson’s Disease” to fill a need for information about living with Parkinson’s Disease from the patient’s point of view for people who were newly diagnosed. Her goal is to present living well with PD in a positive, sometimes humorous way. Sharon lives in Beverly Hills, CA with her husband, Joel. They have 3 daughters and 4 fabulous grandchildren.
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