If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson Disease; if someone you love has been; if you're a caregiver to a Parkinson patient; if you are related to a Parkinson patient, you'll want to read this book. Authored by 2 people who are living with Parkinson, this practical guide with inspirational real life stories, will make you laugh and cry. This remarkable collection captures the grand achievements and every day victories of our resilient peers. This unusual collection represents the viewpoint of people who are living with PD day-to-day. Based on information from a questionnaire that was developed to solicit information from a wide group of people who are living with Parkinson, you will learn personal stories about the challenges that this disease presents from the patients' own perspective. They share their deep feelings about facing life with Parkinson, and they also exhibit amazing spirit and a healthy dose humor and hope. Moving chronologically from the diagnosis, through Mid and Late PD, the authors also share their experiences with emotional as well as practical issues. From coping with the uncertainties of a progressive disease, to facing life-altering decisions, like evaluating physical impairment vis-a-vis the ability to drive, the most important value that this book brings to the patient, the family, the caregivers, and medical team is that they are not alone. And, they will derive strength from learning what others have experienced.
About the Author: Chris Ludwig was Vice President of technology for a major financial institution in the Northeast. Her job entailed international travel, including an unforgettable year spent in Ireland. While travelling, she noticed a tremor in her right hand and was told it probably was an "Essential Tremor", a condition considered by some to be a "health nuisance". Since it can also be an early symptom of Parkinson, her doctor told her to check it out with a specialist. She chose to believe the essential tremor diagnosis, until her personal physician insisted that she see a Neurologist for confirmation. She was greatly disappointed when the doctor diagnosed her with Parkinson's as well as Essential Tremor. Chris is an avid exercise practitioner, and believes strongly that "Exercise is medicine!" She chose to have Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, but had to discontinue the treatment because of some healing issues. She and her doctor are presently deciding "What's next?" Chris now lives and shakes in Florida and Cape Cod with her husband Dale, where she continues to appreciate every day with joy and enthusiasm. Dave Anderson was born and raised a small town boy, and ultimately worked in a challenging environment in international advertising with a Fortune 500 company. After taking early retirement he noticed a slight tremor in his left hand, which was diagnosed as PD. His personal journey through the disbelief, anger and denial affected his outlook and that of his support group. Working together with a personal trainer, Wayne McKenna, a rigorous training program was put in place, which Dave credits with not only slowing the progress of PD, but actually reducing some of his symptoms. Dave's passionate commitment was "ahead of his time"; studies done since then indicate that there are many benefits to patients who are faithful to physical fitness. The program and Dave's developing friendship with Wayne had a profoundly positive effect on Dave's attitude and consequently his symptoms. The results, both physical and psychological led Dave to write "How to Tame Parkinson's by Keeping Fit," released in 2005, which chronicles Dave's criteria for selecting a personal trainer and developing exercise routines for the various stages of Parkinson Disease. His ability to capture his feelings has provided us with an appreciation for the difficulties of having an unpredictable disease; he also was able to lift our spirits at the wonder and inner strength he exhibits.