That’s the title of a recent online article written by 56-year-old Mike Oliver, who was diagnosed on August 11. Mike is a veteran journalist, so his story is well written. It’s a great mix of personal narrative and broader factual information.
Here, for example, are a few clear-as-crystal paragraphs we can all relate to, even if we didn’t have this exact symptom:
At least six months in advance of my diagnosis, while playing my favorite sport, pick-up basketball, I noticed my right arm sliding up unconsciously against my side with my finger pointed. Then I read a story on AL.com about a person with Parkinson’s who talked about how one of his symptoms was the ‘classic gunslinger’ position of his hand and arm: arm perched at hip or side, looking as if ready to draw an invisible gun from an invisible holster.
That was me.
I knew then I had it.
But knowing it and accepting it are two different things.
The link in the quote leads to another excellent article about someone dealing with PD.
I don’t know much about what it’s like to have another serious disease, but what I’m finding out about the world of Parkinson’s is that it’s a vibrant community with many excellent writers and inspiring role models. Which makes the news of a positive diagnosis a lot more positive going forward.
Welcome to the Parkinson Pantheon, Mike!
