One In A Million
NOTE; I AM NOT A DOCTOR I ONLY PLAY ONE IN THIS BLOG, EVERYBODY KNOWS I WAS AN ASTRONAUT.
One of the things I notice when talking to others who have been diagnosed with PD is the callous manor in which the diagnoses are handled by some doctors. In my case, the doctor came in the room, asked why I was there, I explained my issues, he had me walk up and down the hallway, he then started typing on his computer and without looking at me he said “you have Parkinson’s disease”. I did not respond, I was in shock, he then proceeded to turn around and ask” did you understand what I said, it’s progressive and debilitating, there is surgery available when you need it, here’s a prescription, my assistant will walk you out”. It literally went just like that.
I was crushed and confused, and quite frankly lost all hope. But here I am four years later living the dream (not really but it sounds good). I often wonder how that day would have gone if my then doctor would have handled my diagnoses like Dr. Hitechew would have, let’s find out.
“Hi, I am Dr. Hitechew, what brings you in today?”
“ So, you have a slight tremor in your left hand and you can no longer sign your name is that correct, and how long have you noticed these changes?”
“I am now going to ask you to walk up and down the hallway for me and we will take it from there”.
“I noticed when you walk, you do not move your left arm, do you notice that at all when you are walking?”
“I am afraid that between the symptom’s you are describing and from what I am seeing, it appears you have Parkinson’s disease”.
“I realize this is not what you wanted to hear and it is quite a shock, but before you panic too much, let’s talk about Parkinson’s itself, then we will discuss your current lifestyle, and a plan for you going forward”.
“Parkinson’s is very slow progressing disease, and while it is true there is no cure, it can be managed with medication, exercise, and of course having a positive attitude. It is easy for me to tell you everything is going to be fine, but I have personally seen many people with PD live very fulfilling, productive lives”
“Currently how physically active are you?”
“That’s great’ you are already one step ahead and that is probably why you are doing so well”
“That’s a good question, any exercise that you enjoy is good for you, but keep in mind that studies show that the higher intensity exercises seem to show more benefit. What I would suggest, is that do a little research on the internet about exercise and Parkinson’s. Keep in mind that there are all kinds of false information out there, so get your information from a reliable source such as, The Michael J Fox Foundation, Davis Phinney Foundation, the Parkinson’s Foundation or one of many well-known hospitals and universities currently performing research on the subject.”
“The next thing I want to discuss is depression and isolation, these are two things that concern me when I have just informed a patient that they have PD. First let me say, what you are feeling is normal and it is healthy to have those feelings. But what is not healthy is for those feelings to take control of your life. In order for you to achieve a life of happiness with PD, it is important to surround yourself with people who share similar life experiences. This interaction will allow you to see others at different stages of the disease and quite frankly it will inspire you.”
“Yes, I know it can be a little overwhelming, seeing people struggle in the later stages of the disease. This is what I am talking about when I say inspiration. Seeing that fight up close and actually being a part of that fight will allow you accept your new world. You will see that a fulfilling life can be many things, and you will define what that is for you. It might be riding motocross, it might be writing a blog for a local Parkinson’s group, or becoming a Parkinson’s boxing coach, the world awaits you”.
“Do you have any questions for me? I know you are a little overwhelmed right now and that is understandable. But in the future if you have any questions, please contact my office. Let me walk you out to the front desk and I will give you some literature about various programs and organizations that are out there, and I highly encourage you to reach out to them and find something that works for you”.
“I will leave you with this, as you drive home today be thankful that you have tomorrow, because Parkinson’s is not a death sentence, it’s a life sentence, now get out there and live”.
I realized doctors have a lot on their plate, but doctors must realize that what is said or not said at the time of diagnosis sets table for main course and that’s life with PD. It’s far easier to start with the wind to our backs, because at some point it’s all uphill to the finish.
Written by: Mark Hitechew