| Changes, Changes |
| Even though the botox injections appear to be helping with the dystonia, I continue to be exhausted. Over the past ten years, my body has undergone some serious changes. These changes I do not welcome into my life. They say one should never look back, but it is so hard not to think of how I used to be, or how I want to be. The first major change has been my activity level. I've always been a "busy" person, now I become tired just watching others activities. My stamina is slowly dwindling. I have been going to physical therapy, which I do look forward to. I remember when I was first diagnosed 10 years ago, in the prime of my physique, I had ordered a book on PD and fitness. I remember thinking to myself at that time that the exercises were not strenuous enough for me. Now I struggle to do those exercises! Another major change in my life has been my personal appearance. I remember spending 45 minutes showering, curling my long tresses, putting on make-up, and dressing to go to work (including wearing fitted clothes, pantyhose and heels. My weekly regime also included a facial and doing my manicure of the perfect 10 nails weekly. Now, I shower, comb my short hair, put on elastic-waist clothes and tops that pull over. My nails are kept clipped short, and my make-up routine consists of oil of olay and anti-wrinkle cream. This takes me about 45 minutes to accomplish! Keeping a clean house is an area in which I've had to make changes also. My immaculate home included filing important documents immediately. Bills were paid as I received them. I had a routine of bill paying and grocery shopping on Fridays. Saturdays were my laundry and cleaning days. Now, however, try as I may, my house is always in a shambles. I try to clean a room a day. Bills are paid as when I feel my writing as well as mental clarity are best. I continue to try to file important doocuments, but I usually cannot remember my method of filing them. My favorite hobby (or passion) has been gardening. Slowly, I am eliminating my flower and herb beds. Any gardening that I do is either in containers for easy access, or directly around my house. I recently got a mechanics scooter to help me get around, because once I am on the ground, I find a cannot get up. I am trying hard to accommodate my life with Parkinson's. I do not like what is happening, but I'm trying to live as best as I can with the cards that I have been dealt. |