10th Anniversary: Has PD Given Me Gifts?

Dear Parkinson's,

We were diagnosed with PD in February, 2013. February, 2023 will be the tenth anniversary of our official, diagnosed, life together, although we were getting to know each other years before that. I feel that our relationship is progressing. I remember when we met among the nerve cells of the substantia nigra. By the time we were officially diagnosed, we had already lost 80 percent of our dopamine-producing cells.

Do you think we should get an anniversary present for each other? Aluminum is traditional for the tenth anniversary, but I can't think of anything made of aluminum that I would want. I have an idea. We could get masquerade costumes. Parkinson's has already given me a mask to go with the costume, due to decreased facial expression. There are some gifts you have given me that I would like to return.. Are there gift receipts for these things I got from you? I would like to box up and return muscle rigidity, stiffness in the arms, shoulders and neck, voice changes and sleep disturbances. If you’re willing to take those back, I’m sure I could find a few more.

On the other hand, there are some things you have given me that I love and wouldn’t mind more of:

Give me more flexibility in adjusting to change. There are parts of my life I have no control over. Every day poses unique challenges and I need to be able to quickly shift course.

Remind me to have a positive attitude. Choosing to have a positive attitude impacts my relationships with others and how I take care of myself.

Keep teaching me compassion. You may have changed my way of moving, working and living, but you also taught me to have compassion, empathy and appreciation for those affected by all types of illness.

And, Parkinson’s, let’s keep being open and unashamed about what you give me. This openness has led to wonderful friendships, and a most supportive community.

You gave me the gift of gratitude. I believe that you have increased my gratitude for the simple things in life that are often taken for granted.

So Parkinson’s, like so many relationships, we have had good times and weathered some bad times. May we continue in our journey together for many years to come.

Making Mindfulness Your Practice in 2023

Happy New Year! Is creating a healthier lifestyle part of your new resolutions?

Practicing Mindfulness is often considered to be one of the best ways to reduce stress. The Parkinson’s Foundation makes learning about and practicing Mindfulness easily accessible. Check out Mindfulness Mondays

These are relaxation and mindfulness practices that boost brain power.

Mondays at 1 p.m. ET

January 9: Join Taylor Rush, PhD

January 30: Join Crista Ellis

REGISTER

STAR Bus Adventure

A few months ago I had a routine appointment at my primary care doctor in Slingerlands. I love my doctor, and before downsizing, his office was a three minute drive from our house. Part of our downsizing project was to see if we could share a car instead of having two of them. We tested the concept by driving just one car for two weeks. The experiment caused us to have more talks like “Are you going to need the car tomorrow?”, but talking is good. We found that coordinating schedules was not too hard. We sold our second car not long after.

From our new, downsized, house our doctor is a 15 minute drive. In order to use the car most efficiently, our plan for the day was for my wife, Nancy, to drop me off at my doctor for a morning appointment. She would take the car for the day, I would take a cab or Uber home.

It was a nice day, so after my appointment I decided that I would take a regular CDTA bus home. I used to take a bus to work daily, but have not used a bus for years. The bus trip took almost two hours and involved almost a mile of walking. I got home exhausted.

The experience got me thinking. The day may come when I can't drive at all. I read in the booklet by the Albany Guardian Society, “Transportation Options for Senior Adults in the Capital Region“ (https://albanyguardiansociety.org/directory/ )

that, as disabled person with Parkinson’s, I could qualify for Special Transit Available by Request (STAR). STAR is a Paratransit service offering transportation alternatives to people who at certain times cannot use, or have substantial limits using, the CDTA fixed-route bus system because of a disability or impairment.

I read about the service and the certification process from the STAR Handbook and Booking Guide and sent the completed application for use of STAR by mail. After a month, and no response from CDTA, I called them and left a message. When they returned my call two days later, they told me I was approved and could call or email to request a bus.

Another opportunity to use the STAR Bus came up not long after. I had a 9:30 doctor appointment less than two miles from my house on an icy, snowy day. I requested a STAR Bus to pick me up at 9:15. The doorbell rang that day at 8:30 AM. The driver told me that they always come an hour before an appointment, that was new information for me. Mine was the first appointment in the doctor’s schedule and I didn’t know when I would be able to wait inside on a cold, icy day. I asked the driver to cancel my trip and called a Lyft instead.

I am not discouraged, I am glad that STAR is an option if I need it.

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https://www.cdta.org/star-program

STAR is Special Transit Available by Request; a Paratransit service offering transportation alternatives to people who at certain times cannot use, or have substantial limits using, the CDTA fixed-route bus system because of a disability or impairment.

Precertification is required and can take 21 business days.

Albany Guardian Society - Transportation Options for Senior Adults in the Capital Region

https://albanyguardiansociety.org/directory/