“Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing.” Oscar Wilde

I recently returned from a spectacular trip to Ireland with two very special life-long friends.

One week of the trip involved hiking the Dingle Peninsula – a beautiful spot on Ireland’s west coast. Knowing that I would be clocking a minimum of 20-25km/day, I started preparing months in advance. I invested in proper equipment and ramped up my mileage daily. I read and researched as much as I could about where we would go and what we would see. I packed and repacked clothing for the predicted rain, wind, and cooly unpredictable Irish weather (yet we only witnessed sunshine and warmth!). Unfortunately, I also had to pack Parkinson’s Disease, so additional preparations needed to be considered; strategic packing of PD medication, pain meds, supplements, constipation aids, sleep help (melatonin), and salt for low blood pressure.

I also brought along the many worrisome thoughts in the back of my mind; Will I sleep? What happens if I fall? Will I be able to do this?

But those thoughts waned very quickly and I can proudly report that I successfully completed each leg of the journey! And aside from a wee blister on my toe, I completed it without pain, without injury, without doubt! Without falling, without failing, without frustration!

For some reason, my PD symptoms seem to have dulled while I was away? And as I seek to understand why I felt so well in Ireland, my usual symptoms have resurfaced in their regular form; sleeplessness, stiffness, pain, TMJ pain, fatigue etc.

Could it be that symptoms were not as prevalent because;

• I was distracted by travel and the beauty of the country – travel is medicine?
• I was having so much fun with friends – laughter and love is medicine?
• I was outside more often than inside – fresh air is medicine?
• I was logging 20-25kms each day – exercise is medicine?
• I was not spending idle time in front of a laptop or television – poor posture = pain?
• maybe my own bed/pillow is uncomfortable – good sleep is medicine?
• the Irish/ocean air is healthier – (of course it is)?
• there is something in my immediate environment that is triggering – wifi, pesticides, pollution?
• there is something in Guinness and Dingle Gin that is medicinal – (yeah, I wish)?

Ultimately, it is a combination of all of the above (maybe not the alcohol so much!). But I’m leaning toward screen time as the leading culprit for my pain – this is why it has taken me a week to finish this post! This is a convenient reason for me to explore because it is definitely within my control. I am reducing and limiting time spent with my laptop and television and I’ll be sure to let you know if changes occur.

And just in case nothing changes, I am already planning our next trip!