Being early on in this journey and with medication working effectively, Parkies is not so much in the forefront of my mind these days. I take my medication, I go about my life and pretty much most of the time I can almost ignore the spectre that is this condition.
However, at the moment life is unusually busy preparing to move into our new home and doing jobs around the house and section. The weather is hot and the work we are doing quite physical.
We were at a large local Mitre10 a large hardware and gardening store looking for various items. I suddenly felt so fatigued. My legs felt like they were made of lead and the trolley I was using became more of a prop than something to keep my items in. I have not felt this tired in a long time. Perhaps it was the heat? Perhaps it was that I was dehydrated? Perhaps I just needed to eat? Perhaps it was the fact that I was overdue my meds. I turned to my husband and said, ‘Right now I feel like a Parkies person!’ Mostly I keep those thoughts at bay and just get on with things, but today I had to acknowledge that maybe this condition affects me in ways I don’t always want to acknowledge.
So, today I recognise and own that I have Parkies. That for me things that might make some a bit tired may now exhaust me. That perhaps I need to self-monitor a bit better and be kinder to myself. Take my meds on time – I’m not always that great at doing that – and giving them the best chance to help me. Maybe taking more rests when I am busy. Maybe making sure that I drink more regularly, so that I am not dehydrated.
It’s all about maximising my physical and mental abilities by looking after myself. I will continue to do well, if I ensure that I practice good self-care and self-awareness. If I have more days like today, it will be in part because I have not done so. This is in my power, to control this thing I call Parkies, rather than letting it control me.
My journey with Parkinsons 