NB (17) above indicates the numerical order
(It's been six weeks since I posted. There have been a few revelations that I needed to verify, so I hope this read is worth it.)
A PD reality check
Recently, I was informed by a KZN branch of the SA National Blood Service (SANBS) that my Parkinson's Disease (PD) tremors make me a risky bleeder and I needed (1) a medical doctor to confirm I was ok to donate. That is their normal protocol and acceptable. However, I also needed (2) to present proof of my PSA levels (indicates the status of my prostatitis). Only then would SANBS confirm that I could donate. Combine (1) and (2) and my reality "cheque" has bounced. Not only would it have been my 128th donation but one more purpose in my life may have been removed. Grrr!
I'm now, officially an ageing KZN person with PD. I do miss all the staff at the Atterbury branch of the SANBS in Gauteng! I also miss my close friends and the Dance for PD support group there.
Pinky and my Brain (continued...)
I need to recall an excerpt from my previous post (no. 16) for context in this post.
"[...] let's assume PD is represented by the character Brain, while my resistance and fightback is represented as Pinky. The more PD (that is, a Brain) tries to convince me that I am on a downward spiral, the more I resist and present a conscious fightback so that my muscle memory (driven by a Pinky)...
The Pinky in me appears to be benefiting from the laser therapy while the Brain is mounting constant attempts to take over my world. Like Pinky, I often appear to be overcome by the intruder, Brain - represented by the intensity of my tremors and my increasingly awkward gait - but my not being on PD medication allows me to resist more deliberately and more often. Good stuff, Pinky. Narf!"
I am still erratic regarding my consistency with indoor exercise and walking outside. However, a few weeks ago after my fortnightly therapy, I read this blog from the beginning, thoroughly. And it was uplifting. I felt Pinky spurring me on to see posts with fresh eyes. My own Pinky resistance movement.
The lack of confidence to which I have referred as a result of my PD has been countered by strategies that work for me, such as the remedial messaging, consciously telling myself what to do. I realise that the messaging has not been explored to its limits. My so-called Pinky resistance had muted echoes of what happened in Europe during World War 2, in South Africa during liberation and in Egypt in 2015: I've been "gathering intelligence" regarding my 'intruder', PD, in order to wage resistance. And at what cost?
Frankly, at little cost. All "intelligence gathering" has been an internal operation and my handlers a.k.a. Pinky, have sworn allegiance to me! It's an Ari, über alles! approach. In the picture below I managed to capture a likeness of a Pinky lurking behind me, the old tree with PD...
Tips and tricks: update
My gradually weakening body seldom does any stretching, so back to my basics. A few weeks ago I discovered that to put on footwear, I should silently repeat "bend-two-three stretch-two-three" and this has started to work for Pinky and me. I do the same when soaping myself in the shower. The corrective messaging appears to strengthen Pinky's resolve. Now I need to find a way to address my mood swings.
UPDATE OF TIPS FOR ME:
- For relief when seated, I do repeated shoulder hunches as far forward and as far backward as possible. Then, I raise my feet off the ground to knee height, or constantly cross one foot over the other to ease the tension.
- When standing for a while, I constantly shift all my weight from one leg to the other. This is easier with a walking stick.
- To ease tension in my hand I hold or touch a small stress ball in the palm of my hand without squeezing it. This often eases my tension and generally reduces the intensity of my tremors.
- To put on footwear I first close my eyes then repeat, silently, "bend-two-three stretch-two-three" while extending my hand to connect with the footwear and to ease it over my foot.
- To walk up stairs I consciously focus on my feet and when ascending I repeat "toe-two-three" as each foot reaches a tread.
Laser therapy and Pinky and me!
I have now completed 21 sessions of low intensity infrared light therapy mostly around the cranial and cervical areas. Since last month I started having fortnightly sessions and there have been no side effects or withdrawal symptoms bar the usual 24-hour adjustment period for my body immediately after therapy. I plan to continue with the fortnightly sessions while I can...till next time, dear reader.
