This is my mom . She has dealt with Parkinson’s disease for nearly 20 years . I ask myself why a lot . I know I should stop but I can’t help myself . Why would such a kind lovely woman have to deal with this ? Could it be from exposure to certain elements ? Could it be from past medications? Or do we just have a short straw in the gene pool?  Maybe it is our test to see how patient and kind we can be . Either way it sucks .

I was just up visiting Mom, she lives 5 hours away, and took my girls with me . My oldest daughter Ashley has always been close with Grandma. I felt really lucky to capture this photo of her perched on Grandmas bed . She was in the process of telling grandma stories and showing her pictures of her latest travels out of the country. Mom lives in a assisted living and doesn’t get out of her room much because she feels so out of control and self conscious about her condition and her jerking . We spoiled her this trip with essential oils, neck rubs, a haircut and pedicure. We left her with fresh flowers and cookies in her room hoping our presents would linger with her a little longer after we were gone. Hoping for us it would ease the guilt of leaving just a little. It’s never easy.
There are a few things we found over the years that have made Moms Parkinson’s better and/ or worse .
Parkinson’s is a disease of the central nervous system. If a stressful situation or person enters the equation the symptoms flare up . So although Mom likes to stay involved and informed in our lives, I try to involve her but not burden her with negativity . Sometimes I slip up because after all she is still my Mom, but I try to keep it positive.

It helps to keep routine and structure. Mom has her good times and bad times . She somewhat controls these symptoms witEven the famous Michael J Fox will tell you he has timed interviews and tv appearances with good times and meds .

The medication requip was a nightmare for our family. It causes addiction, obsessions, and hallucinations in many people. There was a class action lawsuit against this drug for addiction behaviors that started when people started taking the drug and ended when they went off it . It is prescribed to help the patient move better. It is not worth it . The neurologist we worked with had no empathy regarding the situation and said it was his job to make her move better,  period . Again, it is not worth it . Try other drugs , other therapies and do your homework .

Have a sense of humor and keep fun and activity in their life. Proper diet for maximum brain functioning and they will need to get extra rest.

We are just now trying essential oil blends. We were excited to see that they seemed to help calm her jerking. The serenity blend by DoTerra seems the be a good one.  There are oils also researched by the Young living  oil co. That may help as well .

If you enjoy a good Ted Talk on the internet they have some short inspiring speeches on Parkinsons. Just put Parkinsons on the search line.

It is a little different for everyone and hopefully someday we will know more on how to fight this, for now we treasure each visit . Maybe this little bit of our story will help another Parkinson’s warrior or their loved ones ❤️

I am posting again to this blog post something we discovered and think we will really like! Maybe you will too! There is a meditation that you listen to specifically for Parkinson’s disease. It is lovely and its from a sight called “health journeys.com ” we are also noticing that massage and stretching helps as well . Every little bit helps and we love to share ❤️