Neuro-Degeneration Takes a Toll

I am committed to living a blessing life and this year I am challenged. The decline worsened with what we all believed to be Parkinson's. The offs and on's from Stalevo (a Parkinson's medication) became so drastic and short timed that I lost quality of life.

On March 5th I stopped taking the PD med AND THEN I started to improve. In six days when I saw my neurologist, there were no signs of PD. No tremor. My balance was normal. I could swallow. The mood swings were gone. I could think clearly. My sense of humor returned. I was given back my self hood!!!

This all seems good, but what came into focus is generally called a autonomic degenerative disorder, a large umbrella which includes PD, PD plus, Multiple Systems Atrophy, and many more. The commonality is that the dopamine cells die off and the neurotransmitters affected fail to deliver their messages.

The decline with the autonomic disorders is rapid. My breathing is particularly affected. I am on oxygen and the liters needed to keep going continue to increase.

HELPFUL BOOK
Dr. Daniel Brooks just published "I Will Go On, Living with a Movement Disorder." I highly recommend it for those living with movement disorders and for those who love and care for us.

DO YOU LIVE WITH A MOVEMENT DISORDER? OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES? Please, leave a comment. What is your experience?

WHAT ARE THE BLESSINGS YOU EXPERIENCE RECEIVING AND GIVING AS YOU LIVE WITH ILLNESS?