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.
Some days are bright. Some days are gloomy.
Pondering PD 