In January of 2024, I was using a walker and wheelchair to get around most of my day. I could not drive my car, I could not socialize at night, I had lost 25lbs from the strict diet I was on which limited my protein intake and the times that I could eat, I was not sleeping, and everything I did in a day was regulated by my medication schedule. I had to semi-retire from my business as my mobility and health were deteriorating quickly. Parkinson’s disease was robbing me of my quality of life.
On January 22, 2024 I had DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) surgery at Toronto Western Hospital. And since then, I’ve been reclaiming my life.
Within 8 weeks of my surgery, I was back to full workouts (I started very gradually and worked up from there). By May, I had started back running (something I had done for close to 20 years prior to my Parkinson’s symptoms). In May, I traveled solo to Alberta to meet my new grandson. I water skied this past summer. I participated in the Fenelon Falls Turkey Trot 5km Run on Thanksgiving weekend and did the 5km route in 36 minutes!
My DBS surgery also allowed me to cut back on my Parkinson’s meds. I went from taking 3.5 pills every 3 hours to now taking ¼ pill, 4x/day.
The combination of the electrical currents going to my brain from my DBS stimulator and my meds are controlling my Parkinson’s symptoms so I can lead a “normal” life. It’s not perfect (it never will be) but I’m able to carry on. The surgery was not a cure and my Parkinson’s is still progressing in the background (it’s a progressive disease with no cure). I don’t know how long the results from the surgery will last (they say I should get 10 years) so I’ve decided my new mission in life is to raise awareness of this life altering disease and give back where I can.
This past September I participated once again in the Parkinson’s Canada Superwalk and raised over $7,300 for research and programs for people for Parkinson’s.
I have become a co-facilitator for a DBS Support Group through Parkinson’s Canada. I have been asked to be a member of the Patient Advisory Council for the Movement Disorders Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital. I’m also a Peer Mentor for Parkinson’s Canada.
I’ve been a guest on the Parkinson’s Canada webinar, “Under Pressure – Stress and Parkinson’s”. I’ve also been a guest speaker at the Newmarket and Uxbridge Parkinson’s Support Groups. I was a guest on the Rogers TV show, “Uxbridge Scugog Life”.
I was also honoured to share my story on two podcasts, “Own your Choices, Own your Life” and “Pretty Dope Women” podcast where I focussed on the importance of mindset and how I found hope and strength in the power of gratitude, presence, perseverance and community.
2024 has turned out to be an incredible year of resilience, healing and fortitude.
My husband and I are planning on travelling in 2025 while we both still can. I’m going to continue with my Parkinson’s advocacy work and fundraising and working in my business. But most importantly, I will continue to stay physically and mentally active as I know movement of my body and brain will ward off the lurking monster living behind the scenes.
I’m eternally grateful for what I have achieved this past year and look forward to many more years of living fully in each day and enjoying all the gifts that are presented to me.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday and New Year full of blessings and good health!