Visit Doctor. Start Sinemet. Write Poem.

Yesterday I saw my neurologist, who I think is the brightest star on this planet. We discussed many things, but there were two main outcomes for me.  Note:  If I’m wrong about any of this, leave a note at the bottom of the screen and let me know.

1. I need to increase my aerobic workouts at the gym.  She says research shows that aerobic exercise provides the most benefit for people with Parkinson’s disease.  (See calendar recording my gym workouts.  Up until now I’ve mostly lifted weights.)
2. I’m going to start taking a low dosage of Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa), often referred to as the “gold standard in PD medication.”  This is a big step for me, but she says it will clear up many of the symptoms I now have.  For example, my right arm should stop shaking when I’m nervous, and I’ll be able to type with both hands, not just my left.

If this indeed happens, it’ll be incredibly great.

So of course on the train ride home, I celebrated by jotting down a sonnet.  It’s not a great sonnet, but who cares.  (That’s “who cares” without the question mark, because who cares!)

Sonnet for Sinemet

Today I start a new stage in my life:
Some Sinemet for Mr. Parkinson –
The guy who’s caused a fair amount of strife
Gets carbidopa/levodopa.  Fun!
Who knows what’s next in store for me?  I don’t!
My doctor says my right hand will revive.
If so, it means that starting soon I won’t
Refuse to dice up chicken, carrots, chives.
The past few years I’ve lived a different man,
With listless leg and useless, shaking arm.
I made adjustments.  Every day I’d plan
To tough it out.  I burned up all my charm.
But now I think that possibly I see
A life that’s filled with possibility.

– Bruce Ballard