Pink is for Parkinson

The phrase, "being in the pink" is generally used when referring to being in good health. Therefore "being in the pink" is something most people aim for. A little boy in the pharmacy told me his grandfather had "Pinkinson's"! and so began my fondness of this colour. I was horrified to learn that in marking Parkinson's Awareness Day back in April, that many support groups wore grey T-shirts showing unity in our cause. I'm sorry, but grey seems such a dull colour to represent Parkinson's. I know that pink is generally the colour used to signify breast cancer, but I'm sure together we can share this colour. I seemed to have adopted the colour pink recently as its cheerful brightness brings a smile to my face. My husband tolerantly puts up with this change in style, although I have refrained from "pinking" our bedroom, at least for now anyway! I had to laugh when I saw a music video about a pink tractor. Take a look at this clip, I hope it'll make you smile too!

A Sporting Chance

Sports are a healthy and enjoyable addition to everyone's life. Just because someone is in a wheelchair and disabled, does not mean they can't participate in sporting events, or have a routine of exercise they adhere to. The Paralympics in England last year were an excellent example; despite adversity and physical limitations, sportsmen and women from around the world showed us true courage and determination, not to mention a great deal of skill.

A friend of mine who is a keen golfer, met a charming man on the golf course who was in an electric wheelchair, which allowed him at the touch of a button, to virtually stand up, enabling him to play a sport he loves. Being the adorable friendly vivacious person she is, without a second thought, my friend asked in golfing terms, "What is your handicap?" As soon as she spoke, she realised that possibly her words were not wisely chosen, and hoped he was not offended, at what had been a genuine question. "Please don't tell me it's your wheelchair" she quickly added with humour hoping he was not insulted. "My handicap is 24" he replied, giving her a big smile. Clearly this confident man has a sense of humour and great positive attitude making him way ahead of the game!

To visit or not to visit, this is the question - take a look at my article on The Huffington Post. Have an enjoyable weekend.

Concentrate on the present

Instead of dwelling on all the things you can no longer do - concentrate on what you can do. This all goes back to what I always say, look at the glass half full, not half empty. Ask yourself what are you passionate about, what do you enjoy and what can you achieve in your present condition? However circumstances may have changed your life due to Parkinson's or another chronic illness, new hobbies or activities can replace the things you used to do. Don't look at this shift in a negative light, but instead as a positive great opportunity to experience new pursuits that you may never have dreamt of doing. Clearly climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is probably out, or taking part in a marathon not possible, and perish the thought of bungee jumping, but with a little thought you can come up with something that you'll be able to do, and that brings you enjoyment.

Our garden has become my sanctuary, and I spend quite a lot of time out there. My husband built raised flower beds especially for me, so no bending necessary, and although I don't profess to be a "gardener", I thoroughly enjoy pottering around out there. It's therapeutic in a sense, and every night I diligently water my plants, and take pleasure when a new flower opens up, or fresh leaves appear. It is far from a manicured garden, but rather more of an enchanted walled garden, with a mass of colour and greenery spilling out of the beds and climbing the walls. This activity takes little dexterity - so perfect for Parkinson's, and if unsteady, I can always sit on a chair next to the raised flower beds. Gardening may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I am using this as an example of something I'm able to do, enjoy and get pleasure from. I hope that you are able to find a hobby that suites you.

Bravery

I overheard someone saying "how brave Elaine is", and I was stunned at her remark and felt somewhat embarrassed. I have never seen myself as "brave"; simply practical, optimistic, hopefully encouraging others through my determination and strength of spirit to lead the best possible life they can despite suffering chronic disease. Bravery to me is something very different.

A fire-fighter who rescues people from a burning building and certain death, is not phased by the personal danger he faces. Engulfed in flames, his sole mission to fearlessly rescue whoever is trapped inside and come out alive. Ambulance teams who arrive on the scene of an emergency, go straight into action, despite the horrifying circumstances they may meet. Without hesitation they get to work quickly administering to the injured and taking them safely to the nearest hospital. A surgeon who has been operating for hours and suddenly faced with a patient experiencing serious complications; has to think carefully but quickly, for someone's life is in his hands. Every decision he makes is crucial. These people are most definitely brave.

But there are different types of bravery; one form that may not sound quite so dramatic, and doesn't make the headlines in the news, but requires in my mind, long term commitment and unconditional love, is to stay the course and take care of someone. Being a caregiver who unselfishly gives of themselves every day without a second thought, is indeed brave in my eyes. So to all you caregivers out there - your bravery doesn't go unnoticed - you are acknowledged and very much appreciated.

What do we leave behind?

It always interests me as to what people remember about a person once they have passed on. Leaving a legacy and wonderful memories that loved ones will remember and recount on numerous occasions has to be what we all hope for. I had an aunt who passed some years ago, and when I think of her, the first things that come to mind are her zest for life, a great sense of fun and her huge contagious laugh. I think we'd all like to be remembered fondly like this.

When we moved house a few months ago, we thought it would be fun to put our hands in the wet cement, a sort of permanent memento that would stay, but somehow this idea got forgotten, and with everything finished, there is no place to leave our mark. However our dog must have had the same idea, as the other day we noticed a very distinct doggy paw print in a small piece of cement near a manhole cover. Talk about "marking one's territory" or is she simply making sure we'll always remember her? OK, I'll admit, she just happened to walk on the cement when it wasn't quite dry yet, but her print is there to stay.

Talking of "staying put", last week on a visit to the hospital, we patiently waited four hours to be seen by a particular doctor. Yes FOUR hours on uncomfortable waiting room chairs!!! Do I have a patient husband or what? Not one moan, grumble or complaint!!! He is truly amazing! If you want to see the best doctor, who is in great demand, one has to be patient for any emergency cases are naturally and quite rightly seen to first. After waiting all that time, my appointment was quickly over in a few minutes and we finally left there, arriving home very tired. There's nothing more tiring than waiting around in a hospital.

Painful muscles

A very common symptom of Parkinson's, is pain one can experience, particularly in the thigh muscles. When these muscles are over worked, great stress is put upon them, and the muscle can literally seize. I had his happen a number of times, but once my left thigh muscle (which is the side most effected) was so painful that it had gone into spasm. No amount of hot showers or painkillers seemed to help and I was very lucky that my sister-in-law not only is qualified in teaching Women's Yoga, but more importantly for me, she is trained in Thai massage (deep tissue massage). She worked on this particular muscle for over an hour, and told me to stay laying down on the bed and rest after she'd finished. Her hands must have been exhausted, for she really worked hard on my leg, getting deep down into the muscle. After she left, I fell asleep, and awoke refreshed a couple of hours later, finding the pain had finally gone. I had suffered for almost two weeks prior to her visit and was so grateful and relieved. Massage may not work for everyone when a problem like this arises, but it's worth a try and you have nothing to lose. Some people swear by acupuncture; I have never tried this, so have no personal experience to share with you. There is a book if anyone is interested, entitled "The Book of Exercise and Yoga for those with Parkinson's Disease" by Lori Newell (using movement and meditation to manage symptoms). Each patient is different and it’s a matter of finding what works for you.

Botox be banished

Anyone like myself born with a chronic disease, has more than likely had their fair share of operations and procedures. I would therefore never choose to have surgery, and wonder what goes through the minds of those who are blessed with good health, yet don't think twice about having plastic surgery, when in fact nothing is medically wrong.

Plastic or elective surgery has never appealed to me, and I find it hard to understand why anyone would want extra fat injected into their lips or have Botox injections. I saw a lady who could hardly smile or make any facial expressions, her skin stretched so tight, not a wrinkle or line in sight. Looking like some aged Barbie doll, she may as well have been wearing a neon sign above her head telling everyone how she longed to be young again. Taking a closer look at her expressionless face, it suddenly occurred to me that she had unwittingly created a Parkinson's like mask, which I'm only too familiar with. Why would anyone want to look this way? If you have Parkinson's and suffer from "masking" - who needs Botox?