Things My Doctor NEVER told Me About Parkinson's

       I was just sitting around yesterday feeling sorry for myself. I don't know why because nothing happened out of the new ordinary life I live. My sciatica was extremely painful yesterday and nothing i did helped it a all! Several blog readers have told me that they also have sciatica with Parkinson's.  Dan, Olivia, Frankie, Olya and I had plans to go to dinner so that should have made me happy! (Always about the food!!) I kept thinking about how much my life has changed since my diagnosis. My doctor never told me about the sadness associated with Parkinson's, it isn't depression, it's just sadness about the life I thought I would be living and I'm not ever going to have that.  It definitely is NOT the same sadness that losing my daughter is and was  and will be forever. It is a tired of "being like this sadness", a tired of "walking like this sadness", a tired of "having to use a walker" sadness, a tired of "taking so long to do things that use to take me less than half of the time" sadness.  My doctor never told me that people would stare at me for the way I walk and shuffle and my freezing gait. Maybe he thought I would figure it out on my own.   My pain management doctor never told me that the sciatica would interfere in EVERY movement that I make and that I would spend a lot of time having to be a couch potato!  I have gained about 8 pounds and that is A LOT!! Planning to go out somewhere takes so much effort!  My neuro also NEVER told me how frustrating it would be to dress myself. I mean, really!! I have trouble moving my body and the garments and I have more pain from the sciatica when I try on clothes. I think I should just contact Omar the tent maker! I have gotten rid of most of my pants that have zippers or buttons. I have enough trouble just putting on pants/shorts with elastic waists on them.  And dresses have to be easy to put on over my head! I rarely now, if ever, try on clothes in a store dressing room, I take them home to try on or I order online. I am going to go buy chain extenders so I can put my necklaces on without any help.
       He also never told me that I would meet some wonderful people online and off line who have Parkinson's! And he never told me that my best friends would become even better friends!! My  friend Debbie sent me a funny and adorable note and chocolate candy!! My friend Leslie sent me the nicest card and note in the mail today!! My friend Helen shared with me some easier ways to do things getting washed.  My friend Carol gave me a walker, my friend Nancy also gave me a walker, my friend Jackie always offers to pick me up, my friend Priscilla is always calling to see how I am, and friends and family are always asking me how I feel! My online friends have offered encouragement and support about my blog!!  No one wants to write a boring blog! SO, thank you readers, I appreciate that you read my blog and comment!!