Parkinson's: Guest Post by Neil Silvert

 Snarky Parky & me

A Journey Into Parkinson's with Nancy Mellon

Coordinated by Corrine Bayraktaroglu

Neil and Parkinson’s- in that order by Neil A. Silvert, 1/17/23 Some challenges come and go, but it is apparent that this one won’t quit. As a matter of fact, I’ve been informed by credible sources that this invader of my nervous system will become more and more intrusive as the earth spins, the seasons change and new life bursts upon us while the weakened fall and in turn nourish the new. I’m in Jill’s weekly class which is free, and the only admission requirement is that you have what I have going through our nervous systems. Jill the teacher has us do useful exercises that are antidotes to the symptoms. She pushes us hard to do a lot while kindly accepting each of our limits. You see, we all may have this disease in common, but it doesn’t manifest exactly the same with any of us. I like the class, called Dancing with Parkinson’s, because it’s fun and practical, but mostly because the participants are my friends. It’s nice to hear from them what they are experiencing in their lives and having them hear how I’m doing. Of course I appreciate learning about coping methods such as dosing of medicines that the others are using successfully. Then there are the sad stories about falling and injuring and insomnia and exhaustion and the darn tremors. I am inspired seeing those who were diagnosed long before I was. They keep on despite the pain and difficulty they are having. That’s what I call courage. A short story writing instructor told me that the most important ingredient of any story is courage. That includes comedies and serious stuff. When I observe heroism I am reminded that the world is full of wonder. So far I am fighting off my Parkinson’s by exercising, doing what I find satisfying (I’m happy to be a dog trainer), getting enough sleep, meditating and eating well. I am lucky that I don’t have to work many hours and that I’m financially comfortable. I don’t take that for granted. It’s not that I’m not struggling at times with my tremor, my exhaustion, my “foggy brain” and everything else I’m unfortunately experiencing, but at the moment I’m doing ok. I sometimes get depressed and scared, but if I stay in the present and appreciate what I have, I come through it. It’s a journey during which I’m learning and earning my credentials so I can teach others about some steps I have taken to keep my life rich while facing this neurological disease.

Footnotes From Corrine

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts here Neil. For those of us that have loved one's and family facing this disease it helps to get a grasp of how Parkinson's affects each person and how we can help or support.  Nancy is definitely my hero, a reluctant one for sure, but a hero nevertheless.