Welcome to the inaugural post of the Embracing Parkinson’s blog—a project that means a lot to me. Why, you ask? Because it’s more than just words on a screen; it’s a place for those whose lives have been affected by Parkinson’s disease, just like mine. In a world that seems to expand endlessly, Parkinson’s can sometimes make you feel isolated. But here, within these blog posts, I aspire to create connections that bridge the gaps and unite us as a community.
If you don’t know me, let me take a moment to introduce myself. My personal journey with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) began at 39 when the first subtle symptoms started to appear, which I initially brushed off. Little did I know that they would pave the way for a path I never expected to walk. It took time—a journey through the medical labyrinth—to finally put a name to what I was experiencing. Collaborating with specialists became my compass, guiding me through the uncharted territory that lay ahead.
Having a Movement Disorder Specialist (MDS) in my corner while dealing with Parkinson’s has been an absolute game-changer. My MDS really really understood what was going on with me and together we developed a plan for the best exercises, strategies for dealing with PD in everyday life. But it’s more than that – my MDS has been a friend on this journey, someone who’s got my back. Thanks to them, I’m not just managing my symptoms better; I also feel more hopeful and in control. It’s been a real boost, and I’ve carried that positivity forward every day.
But let’s be honest, life is rarely a straight road. As time went on, so did the progression of my symptoms. It was during one of these challenging chapters that I found a beacon of hope in the form of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). It was an incredible turning point that not only brought physical relief but also enriched my emotional well-being. The subtle but profound changes that DBS brought into my life inspired me to keep pushing forward, even when faced with overwhelming and unsurpassable hurdles.
Embracing Parkinson’s became more than just a philosophy—a way of life. The challenges that this condition has thrown at me, I try to meet them with the determination to improve my quality of life. And in this journey of embracing the highs and navigating the lows, the concept for this blog was born.
In this blog, I will share my personal story and valuable insights garnered along the way. This blog isn’t just about Parkinson’s; it’s about the courage to face adversity head-on, the resilience to rise each time we stumble, and the strength to lend a helping hand to others on a similar journey.
So, here’s to Embracing Parkinson’s—our constant companion that teaches us to find strength in vulnerability, to seek connections in a world that sometimes feels vast, and to discover the beauty in the shared human experience. Let’s embark on a path of understanding, support, and growth together. Welcome to a community that embraces, learns, and thrives, no matter the challenges that come our way.
– Frank Antonicelli
