At a recent periodontal intake appointment, I was asked to describe my current overall health. I wasn’t sure how to answer this question. How does having Parkinson’s impact my overall health? Does having PD identify me as one who is in poor health?
My initial response to the question asked was; “My health is good!” I exercise daily. I eat properly (does chocolate count?). I am at the lower end of the ‘healthy weight’ on the BMI scale. I don’t smoke. I rarely drink alcohol anymore. I don’t have high cholesterol or high blood pressure. My last blood panel produced normal results. I follow the rules of healthy living. I feel happy. Therefore, I must be healthy. Right?
But I also have Parkinson’s Disease so I quickly clarified my first response with; “But….” and I provided a short tutorial of my life with PD; tremor, stiffness, neck pain, back pain, low blood pressure, balance issues, hyposmia (inability to smell), sleep disturbances, swallowing issues, and dyskinesia. I take medications. I see doctors regularly. I feel sad. Therefore, I must be unhealthy too.
Turns out that you can be both healthy and unhealthy simultaneously. Having Parkinson’s Disease (and likely other diseases would fit here as well) involves managing a collection of dichotomous thoughts, feelings, and actions all at the same time.
“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!
Pondering PD 