No Duh
Since the new year I have started or will be starting to focus on services that will help me manage my Parkinson’s symptoms. This means I'm starting to see specialists in supportive fields like physical therapy, speech therapy, and sleep services. This also means I am allowing people into my circle of support who think they know more about my Parkinson's then I do. I'm not going to name names because all of the service providers have been competent, responsive, and caring in their approaches. But they will know who they are if they read this. Otherwise, it's just between us.
Like the provider who said, “Parkinson’s can cause food to get stuck and make it tough to swallow.” In response I burped and brought up half of a chicken burrito I had for lunch. It definitely tasted better the first time. This time the provider said, “It is probably best to avoid Mexican or spicy food, too.” I responded by choking on the oatmeal which had been hovering between my mouth and stomach since that morning. I asked if there were any other recommendations. There were not, so we got on with the other unrelated services for which I was there.
And there was a provider who said to me, “Be aware that Parkinson’s is often accompanied by sleep disorders and the frequent urge to urinate.” I took a deep breath to compose myself and then pointed to the scar on my lip and bruises on my elbows and knees I got by acting out my dreams. As the provider began to apologize for making assumptions about my Parkinson’s, I excused myself to go to the bathroom.
And what about the provider who informed me that nervousness and overexertion can cause a tremor to worsen. I didn't know what to say to this so I simply said, “I've lived with this tremor for 10 years. I've taken medication for it and I had brain surgery for it. It is a constant companion, annoyance and friend.” I couldn't help it but under my breath I then said, “No duh.” The provider then tells me that speech therapy is often needed to help your say things louder so others can hear.” “NO DUH!” I screamed.
Note: Find out how I wanted to respond to the cardiologist who tried to tell me I did not have Parkinson’s HERE. As with the cardiologist, I thought up the responses above later, but the comments by the providers are real.
