I would love to give credit for this post, but I can’t identify who wrote it. It appeared in this months Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation newsletter.  Enjoy!

My Parkinsons’ Disease Diary

OK, we already know that caffeine is supposedly neuroprotective and has a role in preventing Parkinson’s disease. I’ve been drinking coffee since I was 14. I have Parkinson’s.

We already know that nicotine is supposedly neuroprotective and has a role in preventing Parkinson’s disease. I’ve been a cigar smoker since I was 17. I have Parkinson’s.

Here’s a NEW reason why I can’t possibly have PD.

People who regularly take the over-the-counter painkiller ibuprofen may have a lower risk of getting Parkinson’s disease, a new study says. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health studied more than 136,000 people over six years and asked them about their use of aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, which are all classified as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.

During the study, 293 people developed Parkinson’s disease. That’s 0.2 percent of the people. The researchers said in a news release [that people who took] ibuprofen were 40 percent less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than people who didn’t [take it]. Also, people who took higher amounts of ibuprofen were less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than people who took smaller amounts of the drug. The results were the same regardless of age, smoking and caffeine intake, they said.

I’ve been a regular taker of ibuprofen since my late 20s when I first developed arthritis in one of my knees. So, if this is all true…

I can’t POSSIBLY have Parkinson’s disease.

So, what the heck is my neurologist talking about?

Are you tired of the cold northwest dumping more than snow on you? Awaiting you is a warmer yet wet little area of the northwest not commonly mentioned.While browsing the internet two days ago, I came across a phenomenal breakthrough in opportunities to fit your specialty.

The Best Job in the World

By clicking on the above link, you will be connected directly to the site where awaiting you is an opening needing the greatest neurologist in the world who also specializes in movement disorders, among other specialties.

Let’s take a quick look at the magnitude of this opportunity, as stated in the job description:

Premier southwest Oregon private practice is currently scheduling interviews for a board-certified / board-eligible Neurologist.

You will have the opportunity to sub-specialize in the following areas (fellowship training preferred): Cerebrovascular Disease/Stroke, EEG/EMG, Epilepsy, Movement Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurophysiology, Sleep Disorders, Pain or Pediatrics.

-Enjoy a competitive starting salary, comprehensive benefits, pension plan, and partnership track when you join this dynamic clinic (Please note they said ‘dynamic’ – I didn’t have to entice you with big words)
-Be busy from day one (I will be your first patient to guarantee this benefit!)
-Large catchment area of over 600,000 offering a solid patient base (I can also guarantee a solid patient base as Parkinson’s Journey has several of your past patients patiently waiting to hear that you’re not too far away from landing nearby, and ready, if need be, to welcome you at the newly renovated Rogue Valley International Airport, with two baggage turnstiles and all on one convenient level!)
-Well-established physician referral network (I’m not sure how I can guarantee this one.)
-Collegial practice environment (I can guarantee this, as the university is so close and think of all the young minds you could mentor.)
-Terrific work-life balance (I can guarantee this by stating that your drive to work will not be anywhere near what you had to drive to get to Spokane / Liberty Lake – unless of course you find a home that far out again!)

The Medford Neurological & Spine Clinic has a 44-year history of offering comprehensive neurological services. As the only full-service clinic in the surrounding area, our clinic staffs both neurologists and neurosurgeons and specializes in adult and pediatric neurology, electro-diagnostic studies, stealth frameless CT- / MRI-guided cranial surgery, skull base surgery, microsurgical spinal surgery, transphenoidal adenomectomy and stereotactic radiosurgery consultations. (Isn’t that just so exciting?!!!)

Would you consider joining our team? Apply today! (Please!!!)

If the above weren’t enough to entice you, get your wife and read on (I will highlight the strong points for you):

Medford, Oregon is surrounded by beautiful mountains and offers moderate temperatures year-round. (Consider the lack of snow shoveling you’ll have to do!) You will appreciate our outdoor recreation, such as golf, mountain biking, fishing, boating and skiing, as well as enjoy our first-class day spas, outdoor concerts, award-winning theatre performances, and monthly festivals. Medford, Oregon offers affordable luxury homes, excellent public and private schools, and LOW PROPERTY TAXES; plus there is NO SALES TAX in the state of Oregon! And, for those who enjoy the beach, the Pacific coast is a short 2.5 hour drive from Medford. Come home to Medford! Apply today!

And now, if that still hasn’t convinced you, consider these pros (cons are of no concern here):

~ Gardening in Medford cannot be compared to anywhere else on earth. Prize winning pumpkins, world famous pears and more await the avid gardener and his/her spouse.

~ Cultural activities are as diverse as the world famous Ashland Shakespeare Festival or the Jackson County Draft Horse Pull.

~ Guided tours of Harry and David, where free samples of raspberry shortbread cookies are handed out when the tour ends.

~ Holiday events galore to welcome the Christmas season and more – Gingerbread House Festival, Ashland Christmas Parade with the spikey head snowmen and fun beyond belief.

~ Farmer’s Market through the summer months with fresh fruits and veggies. Dogs have been banned which takes away the fear of being devoured while shopping.

~ Discounts at the supermarket Friday mornings on old breads and meats.

~ Nearby and historical Jacksonville offers a peaceful atmosphere and the Britt Festival with world famous musical artists such as James Taylor.

Now, some may think I’m being selfish and that I just want my doctor back (which I cannot deny as being true and don’t relish the thought of anyone else messing with my brain), but really I’m just worried about you not having the opportunity to touch other’s lives with your calling. At the very least, with all attempts of humor set aside, I hope you know just how much you are missed.

Sherri

Almost one year ago I sent in what I called a shog blog to Sherri to add here at Parkinson’s Journey (PJ for short). That was my coined term for a blog that shared a ‘lil of this and a ‘lil of that. So, I’m doing it again for two reasons: I thought it would be easier blogging off of a previous idea but included updated items and secondly, I just read Sherri’s blogs “Making Yourself Amazing” and the poem about the lady in a black wheelchair and I’ve laughed so hard, there is no way I can think seriously!

Now, when my friend Sherri writes, she may ask you questions and then she’ll give you her thoughts on the question from her heart and knowledge. Not me! My questions are most often open ended (and you are always welcome to comment on them)!

I’m not sure if over a year ago when I asked the origin of term “blog, if anyone ever answered, soIi looked it up online and at ASK.com. It said, “The word Blog came from the words Web Log” – they just scrunched the two together. It is a journal of activity online that is updated often , usually daily. Definition thrown in there for free. So since I share some logged things I call this a ’shog blog’. Ok, so I pick the letters I want to use!!! This blog of mine today may have some grog in it (grumpy log) and it could be a ‘quog blog’ (question log), but hopefully not too much of a ‘phog blog’ (philosophical blog) or a ‘bog blog’ ( bad blog), but most probably a crog shog blog (crazy sharing blog)!!!!!!!!!!

Here it goes:
Shog blog item 1:
You’ve heard that you should watch the company you keep? I must say I feel quite special by reading some of the names and knowing many of you who follow PJ!!!!! And of course ‘da boss blogger here is tops in my book (I know you will thank me later, Sherri–I’ll take oreos or almond M&Ms as payment).

Shog blog item 2:
It seems like this year went by fast, don’t you think? Or is it just because 2009 wasn’t a leap year (2010 isn’t either but 2008 was—fyi). So many things have happened that I’ve gotten to experience. I really need to write my family’s yearly summary for 2009. It might get done while 2010 speeds by.

Shog blog item 3:
I have decided that Arial 18 is now my favorite default font. I used to use, and be able to see, Arial 14 but along with age comes some eye strain…it will probably change to Arial 24 by the end of 2010. Remind me and we’ll look back at this and evaluate…lol.

Shog blog item 4:
I got into ‘bongo playing’ this year. It has become a stress relief therapy at times for me. My husband has enjoyed getting me little accessory musical items to go along with it. First a pair of congo drums and a nice stand to hold them and the bongos (believe me it is heavy and a major production to take all my drums anywhere).

Next, he bought a chime set and a rachet noise maker (i don’t know the real name for it, sorry..you roll it around in your hand and it the metal beads run over the bumpy metal layer underneath it). Ok, and I had an old cow bell that I pulled out to add to the collection. Now with Christmas 2009, my sweet hubby bought me a tamborine, a nicer cow bell [Sherri’s note: You can never have too much cow bell! More cow bell – we gotta have more cow bell!), a block bell, and a triangle and a very nice apparatus to hold them on my other stand.

We were at the mall over Christmas time and saw our local community band perform. He took great joy in mentioning that the percussion section didn’t have much that I did not have in my collection at home. After Christmas I told him, “Well, honey, I don’t have a xylophone set, but Valentines day is only 2 months from now!” Do I know how to drop a hint or what?

I have shared some of my bongo playing ability in some short video clips on my Facebook page. Ok, it may be more like I have ‘tortured’ my friends by posting bongo playing videos on Facebook, but it is something to do in my spare time and no one really gets hurts, now do they? That is a rhetorical question–you do not have to comment below…Be nice! ..Remember, Santa is already watching you for next year’s booty!

Shog blog item 5:
Our family has survived a significant milestone this year. My daughter got her driving license in October and has been running the roads solo in her little silver Saturn Vue. So you have fair warning if you live in or around east Tennessee please slow down for any silver streak coming toward you! lol She has done pretty good, so let’s all keep praying for such!

Last shog item of the year 2009 by Judy here on Parkinson’s Journey:
I was thinking recently about how many different places and various activities I had been involved in within the last month. This being December, you would think mostly Christmas activities or places, but look here…. within the last month I have:
- been to a hospital (to visit someone several different people)
- been to a funeral
- been to a baby shower
- been to a wedding
- been to a the doctor’s office
- been to a Christmas party
- been to a tea party
- been in the hot tub while it snowed outside
- been without power for 24 hours when it snowed 6″ here
- been blessed to have my mom still here (sick with cancer)
and probably some other things of interest but I’m getting slow and need to take some medicine, so I’ll end this shog blog.

I hope you have a wonderful new year as 2010 rolls around. Please remember to celebrate responsibly but as happily as possible. You all are awesome. Thank you for encouraging me throughout this past year! And I look forward to what we can do together to encourage others with Parkinson’s disease or others who just may pass through. My prayer is that we will all endure life’s trials and be stronger from them!

Happy New Year!!
Judy
12/28/09

Judy wrote this tribute to her mom in the wee hours of the morning, this morning. Her mom is currently resting at home, with assistance from Hospice. The family can use your prayers. Judy can use your encouragement. If you don’t have her email, please leave a comment of email me if you would like to contact her.

We love you Judy – and your mom, too.

Mom, you should know that I don’t do well at poems,

so i’ve asked for a little assistance

Sherri is really good at ‘em and she loves ya too,

So don’t be givin’ me any resistance.

**

Sit back and enjoy, this one’s all about you – my mom

And I better not be seein’ any rolling eyes.

The world needs to know how much I love you,

but to you , it shouldn’t come as any surprise.

**
My name is Judy and I’ve been especially blessed,

A truth that will not be hard to see

Rebecca Ann Chase Good is my mother -

One of God’s greatest gifts to me.

**
Because I am her daughter,

There are times I just can’t believe -

I’ve had 47 years to know and love my brave mom,

the last seven years have been hard watching you fight this disease.

**
Yes, my mom has given it her all facing cancer,

the big C these last – long, seven years

this time has been the worst -endless tests, treatments and the hospitals -

with each new scheduled scan, we’ve confronted our inner fears.

**
But my mom has fought it, oh – so very well

and kicked cancer in the butt every time,

She’s gotten back up with each instance and gone on with her life

and she has never, nor will you ever, hear her whine.

**
Mom, I wish I could thank you enough

for being a great mother, friend and mentor as such,

if I thanked you a million times – it might get old

and you might just hold up your hand and say ‘Hush up’!

**
This is my attempt to express some things

in this special poem, honoring you by name.

To let you and so many others know,

Exactly what it is that I want to proclaim.

**
The proclamation is this – You’re the very best woman for these jobs:

Judy and Karen’s mother, Joey and Carol’s grandma, it’s true

Bill and Steve’s mother-in-law, you’ve had a lot to do …

and Jimmy’s love for more than 50 years – that’s you.

**
Mom – I’ll mention a few things about you that make me smile -

Many others have told me why you are the best, bar none.

I just love hearing the things they admire the most about you

and when those reasons rhyme,it is really most awesome!

**
I could probably write a book

about how special mom is to me.

And this may seem a bit long

but please be patient and do me a favor, keep on to the end and read!

**
Mom, I don’t know how many people would agree

but I’m telling you straight up, here and now -

YOU’re a woman of great beauty, who knows her place in this world:

taking care of everyone, working, volunteering ..I can only say WOW!

**
These are things I need to thank you for, my dear mom

I’m getting tired so they may not really rhyme.

But I’ll finish it for you and I’ll finish it well,

and for you ,,,,I hope it will read fine!

**
Mom, thank you for……..

all of those great birthday parties

and presents I could have gone on living without

a kind word, a big kiss, an awesome hug –

you always gave, and always gave your all without a doubt

**
Vacations at the beach, going with me to women’s conferences,

Also supporting those of us with Parky’s disease.

It was always so fun when we got together with Karen and shopped n ate n stayed out late,

And when it was necessary , you called ‘Time-out’ in order to keep up the peace.

**
You’ve lived your life with a priority to please the LORD

To so many you are an example of HIS faithfulness and love

And for me you’ve been a great taxi driver, optimist, encourager and more

These are just a few things about you I’ve adored.

**
You’ve been a shoulder that I could cry on

so many times your love for me you have told .

Endless hugs and kisses you’ve given

None of these gifts you gave me ever got old.

**
You have been my very best friend,

The one who led me to the LORD

You taught me much and didn’t have any ‘PhD’ behind your name

Because of you, I am glad I am me –and look where all I’ve soared.

**
I am proud, to be called your girl

And you’ve made me proud, like when you got on a plane

You’ve given me discipline, you’ve given me love, -

How can I live and not want to do the very same?.

**
You’ve been an example EVERYDAY of God’s great love for others

And I know you love me when you still say “call me when you get home.”

I wouldn’t have it any other way, no way – no how
I’m glad God made you – your spirit, your heart, and your bone.

**
You have a big heart so full of mercy

It’s wrapped in grace, and sprinkled with love

It’s extended forgiveness so many times

And it is all so special ’cause it’s from God’s hands above.

**
For all of these things I say thank you, mom

and for many others that don’t come to mind at this moment,

How can I ever thank you enough?

Living my life in honor to God I hope will be my sincere and grateful testament.

**
Your love is a gift I will forever cherish,

and hope to pass along in many special ways -

to my daughter in love as a living legacy,

of just how good God has been to me every day.

**
God knit me in your womb and entrusted to you my life,

you and dad provided everything I ever needed, I’m so glad

What a job you’ve done! I want to tell everyone,

Can you hear me shout loud “What a WONDERFUL MOM I have had!”

**
It’s because of you, I’ve never been more loved,

The honor of being your daughter is one reason my heart sings

I’ve never felt so good or felt so safe

As when I’ve been under the shadow of your wings.

**
Mom, when your heavenly father calls you home,

This promise I make to you -

I will be smiling when I think about you huggin’ your mom,

and I’ll long for the day when I can do the same with you.

**
The day is drawing nearer for us, I can say with certainty

we will spend eternity together in a perfect, glorious world without sin,

so ‘til we’re together again, I’ll be lovin’ you even more,

My mom forever and my loving friend

**
Love, Judy – forever your girl.

Found the following on the internet.  Thought you all might enjoy. -sherri

Let’s face it. . . chronic illness can have its humorous moments if we look for them. Feel free to add yours below in the comments. We’d love to giggle along with you!

* You bawled when the television show ER went off the air because it was the only TV show where you actually felt like you understood all the technology talk.

* When you hear the term “Club Med” you automatically think of the hospital.

* When you are in the hospital you keep imagining people being intimate behind closed doors because you’ve watched too many episodes of Grey’s Anatomy.

* You ask your child to open the “child-proof” bottles of medicine because your hands are too sore.

* Your medical records have to be transported on a cart.

* To entertain people at parties you recite the side effects of medications as if you are the voice over on a commercial.

* Your favorite Oprah program is when Dr. Oz is on.

* The pharmacist brings your medications to the counter without you having to give him your name.

* To get rid of boredom on road trips, your whole family can go through the alphabet and name a drug that starts with each letter of the alphabet.

* When you’re unable to sleep because of pain, you watch “The Jerry Springer Show” or a “The Real Housewives” and feel like you actually have a life.

* Your spelling has improved dramatically, especially on words like “fibromyalgia” and “osteoporosis.”

* When anyone around you has an accident you have a complete First Aid kit of bandages, ointments, sanitizers, etc.

* Or you’ve been “Around the World in Thirty Minutes” with CNN’s Headline News 57 times in one sitting.

* You earn $20 cash back a month from your pharmacy’s bonus points.

* You have a panic attack in public and say, “Praise God this is only the fourth one today!”

* You’re invited to the wedding of the gal who works at the hospital lab.

* Someone says, “You are looking so good” and it actually makes you feel a bit frustrated, rather than flattered.

* You’re child thinks watching you do injections of medication is “cool.”

* You have a flashback and don’t know what happened and can honestly say, “I don’t know where I was or what I was doing but I’ll make something up if you’d like.”

* You carry hand-sanitizer with you everywhere and aren’t afraid to use it.

* You shake hands with your left hand so it throws people off enough that they don’t squeeze your hand.

* You know every scripture about healing and can finish people’s sentences when they try to quote them to you.

* The teen children of your friends call to see if they could interview you for a paper in their health class.

* It’s more fun to find “cute pajamas” than actual clothes.

* You actually enjoy talking to telemarketers because they can’t really hang up on you and you can use them for a therapy session.

* You leave up “Get Well” cards on your mantel for months because… you’re still hoping the well wishes come true.

Reprinted with permission of author, Lisa Copen, Copyright 2009. Find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and their 5-day virtual conference at http://www.invisibleillness.com

A quick thought: Wednesday, last week, I locked the wrong remote in the van when I went to walk (and I think it was on Weds!) A friend gave me a ride to house ; I got in the garage through the garage keypad but the door into the kitchen was (thanks hubby!) still locked. I do know how to ‘jimmy’ a door now!

Well, Yesterday, another Weds in my life, my daughter (and I) neglected to transfer her duffle bag with clothes for another basketball camp ( it was raining & trying to make sure we gave the check for camp to coach–yaknow–all really good excuses). So I expressed mailed it to VA. Let’s just say it is not cheap to next day mail a 13 pound sports bag anywhere!
Last week’s booboo didn’t cost me anything, this week’s did. I live and learn, and pray next Weds goes better (especially since Jeanette is coming from WA for a visit on ….Weds!!!)

It will be OK Jeanette! I hope you are laughing along with me! If you can’t laugh at yourself then you are missing a great show!

Hugs,
Judy

Frank Epperson. Born in 1905 and died at the age of 89, in good ‘ol Cal-i-for-ni-a.

Frank was just the wee age of eleven when he made his great invention (quite by accident).  Little Franky left a glass of soda powder, water and a stir stick in a glass overnight and it froze.  He liked the results but it wasn’t until he introduced his icy surprise at a fireman’s ball in 1922 that it became famous (amongst firemen, anyways). By 1924 it was patented and called an “Epsicle”, but his children are responsible (thank you) for the name ‘Popsicle’.

Thus, the story of the Popsicle.

Here’s more…

Someone has designated May 27^th as the celebration date of the grape popsicle, specifically.

What’s this got to do with PD? Nothing, except that they make you feel like a kid again and if soda powder and water can do something magical like that, everyone needs a lick or two.

So, grape popsicle fans (and we know who you are), you best be running to the market for your popsicles now because come May 27^th, they’re bound to have disappeared!

sherri

I don’t know about you, but I find it difficult to lie. For me, I consider that a good thing. Now, I’m not saying I’ve never lied. If we’re all honest, we’ve all lied. (No pun intended.) However, consider what you are about to read and then ask yourself if you can’t lie or if… you can’t lie. Read on and you’ll understand.

In the early 1900’s, Carl Camp wrote something to the effect that Parkinson’s patients were those who worked hard and who resisted the influence of tobacco and alcohol, among other respectable traits. Because of these findings, research has been conducted to prove whether or not this is actually an accurate account. The association of PD with personality or behavioral traits have shown over again that PD patients have traits such as being productive, inflexible and passionate about whatever they do. And…they’ve also been described as being honest.

Honest how? They cannot tell a lie. Does that mean that Parkinson’s tends to target honest people? Possibly. It’s been said that certain chemical changes in the brain during the course of the disease may have something to do with it. Another study found that the change in patients was due to the disease rather than aging, and that there may be a possibility that such personality traits are common with PD brain damage.

Does that mean that patients don’t choose to tell a lie but actually find it difficult to lie, due to something beyond their control, such as causes due to changed in specific areas of the brain?

While this news may be considered a good benefit of having Parkinson’s disease, I would hope that I would be making the choice to not lie because it’s the right thing to do and not because I have PD. However, I’ll take what I can get and if PD is responsible for upstanding patients, then I’m thankful for that one good thing.

And that’s the truth.

Sherri