After being diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinsons Disease, I was surprised that there was no sense of urgency. I was in a crisis. My brain is under attack by progressive degenerative disease. Yet the doctors seemed so calm. They said there are good drugs for relieving symptoms. But what about the future? When the meds get less effective while the symptoms get worse? Surely there must be something we can do? I soon learned that it was true, there really is no cure. There was not much they could do. And not much I could do. Or so I thought. While the doctors I have met so far on this journey have not even mentioned the importance of exercise, there is no doubt that exercise is essential in managing this disease, both for the symptoms themselves, but also to slow progression.
All the doctors can do is give me more meds, which is usually what is discussed at my appointments with my neurologist. There is nothing urgent because the only current treatment available is symptom relief. The doctors know what lies ahead, from what they have seen with other patients. Their job is to make my symptoms manageable.
But for me, it's a whole different story. I can't just sit here and wait for it to get worse and worse and take away my ability to work, be a mother, etc. I feel a sense of urgency. I feel like I am in a race with Parkinson's and I have to win. So what can I do? Exercise. For some people that comes naturally, and I know a lot of people with PD who used to exercise a lot before they were diagnosed, and continue to do so. For me, this was a whole new world. I did not exercise much before. And now, three years in, I am still struggling to make this a natural part of my routine. But knowing that this is my only way to fight the progression motivates me.
Since the beginning of this journey, I have been very fascinated by the concept of neuroplasticity. The brain's ability to change and adapt, make new connections, and learn new ways to perform different tasks. Physical exercise facilitates neuroplasticity which is one reason exercise is so important. This article explains this in further detail.
When I heard of a clinic specializing in neuroplasticity and neuro-rehabilitation I was intrigued. I would love to explore this area more, learn specific exercises to help me make the most of what I have, and help my brain perform at its best. So I decided to check it out. I contacted the clinic and asked what they could do for me. This is not a clinic specializing in Parkinson's, but rather the brain in general. They work with stroke patients, autism spectrum disorders, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, dementia, Parkinson's, as well as healthy individuals who want to tc. After talking to them for a while, and getting recommendations from a person in the field who I trust, I decided I wanted to try this.
If there is anything that can help me perform better in this race against PD I want to try it. And if there is anything else than drugs that can make me feel better when I feel like shit I want to try it. And if there is anything that can help me stay in my job longer, live a normal, active and happy life with my family I want to try it. Yes, it's urgent.
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