Page 59 - ABILITY Magazine -Cedric Yarbrough Issue

symptoms. He listens well. I can call or e-mail him anytime and leave a message that I need his advice. He will return my call or e-mail.
My sons, daughter and other relatives provide me with moral support, assistance and love.
Information is another weapon. I read everything I can on Parkinson’s disease. The information can be depress- ing, but it can also be informative and produce the hope that medical advances are approaching a cure.
Parkinson’s is not an easy disease to live with. There are many symptoms. I have five doctors each one deal- ing with either one or multiple symptoms. One of these symptoms is terrifying, violent dreams. I have awak- ened during a violent dream to learn I have hit my wife multiple times. Therefore, I sleep by myself.
Parkinson’s has impacted my vision, hearing, speech, breathing, balance, teeth, mobility, weight and memory. I have had a persistent cough for more than a year. My vision symptoms have intrigued me. A fall caused by my Parkinson’s resulted in me seeing double. I had surgery to correct this problem. I see imaginary images of people and animals over my left shoulder constantly. Sometimes there is one image and at times there are three or four. The strongest image is of our late dog Daisy. I know these images are not real and ignore them. Occasionally, I see stationary images (stones) move. I know they are stationary, and so I don’t panic. From time to time when I am looking for something, it can be in front of me and I do not see it. Eventually, I do see it.
Parkinson’s has altered my life in ways that are unpleas- ant. I don’t go anywhere by myself because I am afraid I will have an attack. I stopped driving. I have not fished in years. I can’t go to movies or any sports game by myself. An inner pain is I can’t take my grandsons for walks by myself. I have to depend on various medications for my existence. Lastly, I have become a recluse.
Fifty-four years ago, I was given the opportunity and the tools to get control of my stuttering. The results, while not perfect, changed my life for the better. Today, I have the opportunity and the tools to combat Parkinson’s. The tools are the doctors working with me, my medications, exercise, friends, prayer and information. From what I know about Parkinson’s I would not be performing the tasks at the level I am if I was not as informed and com- mitted. This information empowers and better prepares me to cope with future challenges Parkinson’s throws my way.
As I see it, the past benefits the present.by John M. Williams atechnews.com
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