Old Folks Disease
I have tried to remain young-like in order to keep my YOPD status. It has been getting more difficult…
Do Not Say a Thing
April is Parkinson’s aware this month and this means educating the public about Parkinson’s. So for me, there are no dumb questions or comments you can ask or make. So here are my responses to the four things you should never say to someone with Parkinson’s.
Wet Shaking Man
I knew some kids in school who were dumb as boards. They passed tests by writing answers on the bottom of their shoes, or by copying off other students’ papers. Is that artificial intelligence?
Asleep or Awake
There are plenty of things to worry about leading up to deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. Will it hurt? Will it work? What if something goes wrong? Will the government be able to steal my thoughts?
It’s Not Brain Surgery
It was a huge relief when my surgeon came in. I knew he was old enough that he did not know what a Teletubby was, and Barney was his college roommate’s name.
Nighttime Practice
I think the technicians believe they are doing me a favor when they take body hair when removing the glued on electrodes in the morning. They take so much hair I should get a punch card so I get free hair removal after my tenth study.
Speak Out!
When I coached youth soccer I was told parents could hear me three fields away. Now a person in the same room will frequently say “huh?” when I say something.
Texas or California: A Love Story
If smart lyrics, great harmonies, wicked guitar playing, thumping rhythm section, enthusiastic crowd sing-alongs, and inspired vocals are any indication, then the Old 97s proved they love California the best.
The Parkinson’s Iceberg
…when I first found the iceberg image and downloaded it on my phone there was a woman I had been flirting with and wanted to date. During one of our early text exchanges, I accidentally texted the iceberg picture.