Parkinson’s: Optimism Keeps Me Healthy
Guest post by Neil A. Silvert
Don Quixote died when his dream was squelched. Langston Hughes wrote about a dream deferred as possibly drying up like a raison, sag, or maybe even explode. I implore all of you whohave Parkinson’s (and that includes me- especially me!) to pursue your dreams. Only good can result from your noble quest. Be bold like the hero or heroine you are.
Swim that river with all your resolution despite the current pushing you back. No... welcome the tension, for that is an opportunity to prove to yourself that you are able. When you confront that with all your might, you’ve
won! Then you can teach that same courage to others who feel defeated before they’ve even tried.
I am not minimizing the devastation that Parkinson’s causes. I’ve read about and listened to experts describe what the lack of dopamine does to us. But, sometimes I need to disregard the neurologist who tells me to look out for falling, choking or whatever he tells me about the myriad of horrible symptoms. I’m not saying that’s it’s bad to be informed, and we need to be proactive with treatments and therapies, but watch you don’t get
SUNK.
I’ve never had anything but loose bowels, but I know that
Parkinson’s can (I emphasize “can”) cause constipation. I just recently had hernia surgery, and in recovering I’ve been “plugged up” if you know what I mean. It’s no fun. That, along with being exhausted for the last three days since the surgery has been rough. The anesthesia made me stomach sick for a couple of days after. So what do I take from all this after it’s over? I endeavor to be more empathetic to those suffering with anything- ANYTHING! Also, at times when the rushing current is
pushing me back and I can’t fight any more, I will remember that it’s ok to surrender to ask for help.
When I was in the hospital for about ten hours, there was a woman who was screaming in another room. The nurse, who was kind and wonderful, said the woman was “difficult.” I imagined that the screaming woman felt isolated. I felt gratitude surging through my body and soul. I called my sons, my mother and my closest friends to let all of them know that I felt their love.
During my stay in the hospital my wife was right by my side. It was a relatively minor surgery, but still I felt that if I died I was loved. So much gratitude!
won! Then you can teach that same courage to others who feel defeated before they’ve even tried.
I am not minimizing the devastation that Parkinson’s causes. I’ve read about and listened to experts describe what the lack of dopamine does to us. But, sometimes I need to disregard the neurologist who tells me to look out for falling, choking or whatever he tells me about the myriad of horrible symptoms. I’m not saying that’s it’s bad to be informed, and we need to be proactive with treatments and therapies, but watch you don’t get
SUNK.
I’ve never had anything but loose bowels, but I know that
Parkinson’s can (I emphasize “can”) cause constipation. I just recently had hernia surgery, and in recovering I’ve been “plugged up” if you know what I mean. It’s no fun. That, along with being exhausted for the last three days since the surgery has been rough. The anesthesia made me stomach sick for a couple of days after. So what do I take from all this after it’s over? I endeavor to be more empathetic to those suffering with anything- ANYTHING! Also, at times when the rushing current is
pushing me back and I can’t fight any more, I will remember that it’s ok to surrender to ask for help.
When I was in the hospital for about ten hours, there was a woman who was screaming in another room. The nurse, who was kind and wonderful, said the woman was “difficult.” I imagined that the screaming woman felt isolated. I felt gratitude surging through my body and soul. I called my sons, my mother and my closest friends to let all of them know that I felt their love.
During my stay in the hospital my wife was right by my side. It was a relatively minor surgery, but still I felt that if I died I was loved. So much gratitude!
Back to the title “Optimism keeps me healthy.” That’s true, but luck helps too. The luck that I have loved ones supporting me. (That includes my dog of course!) It’s a lot easier to believe that everything will work out well when you have love permeating you. So, I know I’ll feel better in a couple of days, and already my bowels are beginning to work well. In a few weeks I’ll be ready to
be fully active again. I have lofty goals as a dog trainer and otherwise. I’m going to selectively ignore some of the Parkinson’s probable prognosis and be Don Quixote much of the time, and I won’t let anyone squelch my dreams. After all, I married Dolcinea!
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