Just when I thought I had put the bulk of Parkinson’s symptoms on the back burner, boom! Literally, boom. I was on my way to the mailbox with a little bounce in my step and tripped. In an attempt to protect my brain with the electrodes in it, from the deep brain stimulation procedure ,I shielded my head with my right arm. I knew immediately that I fractured something or many things as I hit the ground. Sure enough, I shattered the end part of my radius in my right wrist. Fortunately, surgery and immobilization via a cast repaired the damages, but the greater problem was the realization that despite my best efforts, DBS, etc., I still have Parkinson’s! Just as my neurosurgeon said, “DBS may diminish the tremors, it will not cure the disease!”
So I am sharing this saga with my fellow Parkinson’s patients. There is not been a day that I regret having the brain procedure because it has totally changed my life and allowed me to enjoy the normal activities of writing, knitting, playing the guitar, cooking and simply holding a glass of wine without fear of dropping it. However, the progression of the Parkinson’s condition continues. In addition to the physical imbalance and lack of coordination , I have begun to have trouble speaking. The words are there, they just stumble out of my mouth and I often sound like I am mumbling. At some point, I think a speech pathologist who specializes in Parkinson’s may be helpful. I expect sooner than later should be the way to go.
So once again I realize the most important treatment for patients with PD is physical exercise, especially those specific to fall prevention. I am so fortunate to have a nearby, wonderful physical therapy practice called, Bodies in Balance. They specialize in helping Parkinson’s patients at all levels including treatment and prevention of various phases of the disease. The practice is regional to the greater Wilmington, North Carolina area, but the services they offer are available at many physical therapy practices outside of this area. The amount of my bone-breaking falls has decreased drastically since I have been treated by their excellent practitioners. I still have times when my balance is completely off, but I have learned methods for preventing actually falling, Less falls, less fractures!!! Life is good.
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