Overdue Parkinson's Update

It's hard to believe it's been a year in a half since I've updated my blog and two years since I've been diagnosed with Parkinson's.  So much has changed in the Johnson family in the past year. We have relocated our family to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Jere started a new job with Indiana Wesleyan University and I found a 5th grade teaching job at New Haven Intermediate.  Lauren is still teaching in Marion and it's been so nice only being an hour away from her. Caleb graduated from IWU in April and he starts his new coaching job at Olivet Nazarene University this week.  Evan will be a senior in high school and is still enjoying playing basketball and being involved in his youth group.  It's wonderful being closer to Jere's family here in Fort Wayne.  We have adjusted well and are enjoying this new adventure.

If this is your first time reading my blog, I encourage you to read "My Story" and my first blog post on how this Parkinson's journey began for me.

This past year has had it's ups and downs with moving and starting a new job. I am always up for a new challenge but taking on new challenges with Parkinson's has a different twist to it now.  In the past year this disease has progressed.  When I left Illinois my symptoms were just tremors in my leg and foot.  This past year, my tremors have moved to my hand, I drag my right leg, muscle loss on right side, rigidity in my right hand and foot.  It's been slow but definitely more apparent. Many of you know I have decided not to be on any meds. I am not a fan of meds and I wanted to try some natural approaches with diet and exercise. FYI Parkinson's meds just mask the symptoms not cure or slow the progression. I tried the Keto diet for seven months as some people have had success with diminishing symptoms.  I felt better on this diet, saw some success but not as much as I would have liked. With moving and teaching, my exercise has not been the best. In March, I purchased a bike. I have started biking and am loving it. (thanks to my new friend Cheryl) Of course I am a researcher and this is one form of exercise that is great for Parkinson's.  The second form of exercise is boxing. I tried Rock Steady Boxing in Illinois but they only had day classes.  I will be starting this same program for Parkinson's patients this Monday night, I've been nervous trying it here and have been putting it off for the past few months but I'm jumping in head first Monday. (next blog post will be about how that goes) I need some accountability about going. So if I write it to you, I have to go.

I finally found a Neurologist in Indianapolis that specializes in Parkinson's. I had my first appointment Thursday.  He is young but very knowledgeable. As we met for two hours, it was more of a LONG conversation of my history, diagnosis, my fears of getting on meds, and his knowledge and expertise. He was very patient with me as I had many questions and concerns.  Long story short, I am starting on the meds I actually have been avoiding the past two years.  Levodopa is the best meds out there for Parkinson's patients. My biggest fear since the beginning, has been the long-term side effects of this medicine in the development of dyskinesia. I am young and will be battling this disease for many years. As he explained the pros and cons and not pushing me one way or the other, Jere and I decided it was time to get on meds.  I struggle with some of my limitations and my tremors and feel this is the best decision for me.  

It's been an emotional few days, as my diagnosis was confirmed again and was given an unknown timeline as all Parkinson patients are different in their progression.  During my quiet time with God yesterday, He gave me a verse that I've held onto in many different circumstances in my life. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Phil 4-6) As the fear of the unknown future creeps in, I will cling to this verse. I know God has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11) for my future and my prayer is for God's will and if God's will is to heal me, slow the progression, or have no long-term side effects then that is my prayer. 

I am so thankful for my family's love and support the past two years during this Parkinson's journey.  This journey will be a life long journey and it has and will continue to make me stronger.

Stacey