Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Hello and welcome,

My name name Claire and I live in Toronto, Canada. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and I’ve also lived in El Paso, Texas.

I have a degree in graphic design and a graduate degree in education. I taught high school commercial art in El Paso, TX for 20 years. In Toronto, I teach English as a Second Language.

When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2008, at the age of 50, I decided that I was going to live my life well in spite of my challenges. I am a fighter and a fiercely independent person. I have good days and bad days, but I'm usually very positive and I believe that every moment is precious.

I like to take digital photos and I enjoy creating computer graphics. I play the bass guitar. I practice yoga and Tai Chi and I am on a Kung Fu/Martial Arts team. These physical activities have been life altering in a very positive way.

Even though my fine motor skills have deteriorated and my voice has gotten softer, I still teach part-time. I also collect disability. I use a walking stick for better balance and I can still do most activities; at times more slowly than other people.

Through this Parkinson’s forum, I have met people who have become like family. Here is a place to share our day-to-day triumphs and tragedies, to speak about our frustrations and fears, to record our serious and silly thoughts, to show off our creativity and to exchange information.

I am honored to be a group leader and look forward to helping you in any way I can…

Cheers,

Claire

Hello and Welcome to all:

My name is James ,I just turned 50 in May of 2012, I have seen the world , let me tell you !

Im a service brat (father served US Army for 28 yrs) we moved almost every 6 moths till I was about 15 and then we got stationed on Okinawa for 3 yrs (actually able to make some friends finally) then we moved back stateside close to Jacksonville so family could be close to ailing grandmother, I graduated Palatka High in 1980 went immediately into USAF for Air-crew Life Support did training in Ill. and then stationed in Alaska for 3 yrs where i actually cross-trained into Survival and was an instructor for teaching pilots how to survive after ditching or ejecting from their jets. I loved it in AK, but when my time was up and they wanted me to come back stateside I rejected and got out. I came back to my family here in Palatka,worked at the Shipyards and married my best friend and now my caregiver,,my lovely wife, Gena.(genagirl66) (it'll be 25 yrs in 2013)

We weren't blessed with any kids but we have lots of nieces and nephews close by ,,real close.

We do now have 3 cats ,Cartman ,Jazzy and Blue or should I say they have us.

I worked for 12yrs for local call center here on several accounts : Gateway,MSN, and Verizon for tech support to name a few , I made my way up to Verizon Escalation Manager for the whole East Coast and loved my job until I had to leave in Jan 2012 when i was diagnosed after a week of surveillance by a neurological team,several previous hospital visits for neurological study . I have the tremors in my head, hands,and torso, and freezing spells that can last from 5 seconds to a couple hours ,my symptoms are progressing extremely fast which makes Neurologist think I may have MSA or Parkinsons plus. I was very fortunate to come across this fantastic website MDJunction which assisted me in getting awarded SSID the first try, very uncommon but I had all my documents and everything I needed thanks to Mrs Betty Gs documents and postings ,I have made so many friends that are a Godsend to help and answer questions about these dreaded diseases or give a well needed Hug, so now I think its my turn to give back and welcome one and all to the MDJUNCTION PD forum , whose next ? and how can we make this a more pleasant journey for you and your loved ones???

Hi. My name is Therese and I live in Rhode Island, USA. I found this group after searching the internet. When I posted here and actually got responses, I knew I had found the place for me. People here responded with as much kindness as well as knowledge and I found that to be a big plus.

I was officially diagnosed with PD in 2011, though I've had movement slowness since 2002. The tremors came in 2011. Most of the time I'm in a power chair because I have trouble standing and walking which led to many falls. I can no longer drive because of perceptual problems related to the PD. So getting around to places outside my home is a process.

Before this illness hit me, I did Motivational/Educational Speaking which first started out as just speaking out against child abuse but then began to encompass domestic abuse, student dating abuse, parenting, and ways one can become a part of a helping community proactive in stopping abuse. I never thought I had a voice growing up but as an adult, I learned I had choices. I chose not to let the abuse in my life continue to rob me. I didn't want to be a survivor. I wanted to be a thriver.

I've always had a penchant for writing and that too is my voice, especially now because I have trouble with speaking. I write inspirationally because it is important to me maintain a positive outlook inspite of negative circumstances and if that helps someone else, then that is awesome.

I have 2 children and 7 grandchildren which bless my life immensely. They all know I have PD and it is teaching them kindness and understanding. I can pass on no greater gift than these.

I would be honored to be a leader in this group.

Therese