Sticky Words

Last time I visited my neurologist I told her that sometimes my mouth has a tough time forming words and I feel like I cannot talk. She knew exactly what I was referring to and said, “you get sticky words.” I thought that term described it perfectly. It feels like the words are sitting in my mouth, just waiting to pop out, but they get stuck and all jumbled up. It feels weird and I think it sounds weird. It is the first sign for me of a communication problem with Parkinson’s. The medical term is dysarthria which means: speech difficulties due to impairment of the muscles associated with speech. I think “sticky words” describes it better.

The last time I experienced sticky words was during our book club discussion. Not a great time to get tongue-tied, but like always, I just came out with it and told my friends that I am having a tough time forming my words. And as always, they were gracious and patient and we just kept talking. I love the excepting manner of my girlfriends. Their casual acceptance always makes me feel better.

I do not know if my sticky-words condition will get much worse or just stay the same for awhile. I decided not to worry about it and deal with it when it happens.  The meds that I take help me with all of my symptoms, including this one. I also know that a good speech pathologist is invaluable to all patients with communication disorders and I will not hesitate to seek treatment by someone in the field. So I will not be silenced (although sometimes my husband may prefer it, lol). I will find a way to socialize, converse and express myself. Sticky words and all.