It’s time for another KimBits to let you know what’s been happening in my world.
In June, I hosted a Body Design team meeting at my home in Fenelon Falls. All of my yoga instructors (Jeannie, Nancy, Anna-Marie and Elan) were in attendance. Unfortunately, our Small Group Training instructor, Marcie was unable to attend. We had some great discussion about our current programming, possible new classes and the time together was a great opportunity for everyone to get to know each other a little better.
June 23rd was my 1.5 year follow up cognitive test since my DBS surgery in January 2024. This test was to evaluate if there have been any changes to my cognition since my DBS surgery. The test is no walk in the park. It’s 4 hours of puzzles, memory work, and pattern evaluations that left me exhausted. But I’m happy to report that my test scores were excellent and my cognition is fine. My next cognitive test will be scheduled in 3.5 years.
I attended my next DBS stimulator adjustment appointment on July 11th. I visit the Movement Disorders Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital every 6 months to have my stimulator adjusted. As my Parkinson’s disease progresses, I need my stimulator “turned up” so it can continue to manage my symptoms. The symptoms that have been worsening since my last adjustment in December 2024 is dystonia (stiffness) in my neck and right foot, problems speaking, my gait is off which makes walking cumbersome, shuffling of my feet, general fatigue and my posture has become stooped (if I don’t pay attention to it). These are all Parkinson’s symptoms which hopefully will be improved with an adjustment to the settings on my stimulator.
I continue to exercise faithfully (exercise has been proven to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s), I make healthy food choices (I’m currently enjoying our weekly CSA order of fresh, organic vegetables) and I get good sleep, and try to keep my stress levels low.
As I’ve mentioned in previous KimBits, practicing gratitude has become a big part of my daily life. Every day I take a mental account of the people, things, events, and activities that I’m grateful to be a part of. Without my DBS surgery, I would not enjoy or participate in most of the things I do now. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy my life as I do. One does not usually appreciate what they have until it is not there anymore.
For me, part of gratitude is giving back. I am excited and honoured to have been accepted onto the Toronto Western Hospital Movement Disorders Clinic Patient Advisory Committee. I’m looking forward to contributing to this group of diverse individuals made up of patients, hospital staff and neurologists to enhance the patient experience at the clinic.
I’ve also been volunteering at Parkinson Canada. I have been a Peer Mentor for the past 6 months to a man in Calgary who has Parkinson’s. I have recently become a Peer Mentor for a lady with Parkinson’s who lives in Thornhill, Ontario. I have a conversation with these individuals bi-weekly by telephone or Zoom. I answer questions, listen to their issues and try to assist them on their Parkinson’s journey.
For the past year, I have been co-facilitator of the Parkinson Canada online DBS support group. The group meets every other month for 2 hours and has participants from across Canada. Once again, it feels good to give back and share my experiences. By sharing my experiences, I hope to help and inspire others who are either contemplating DBS surgery or those who have already had DBS surgery.
I am also participating in the upcoming Parkinson Canada Superwalk on September 7th. This is my 4th time participating in this annual fundraising event for Parkinson Canada. My goal is to raise $5,000.00. The money raised from the Superwalk goes towards Parkinson’s research and services for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. I would appreciate if you would consider donating to my fundraising efforts here.
I am also participating in the upcoming Parkinson Canada Superwalk on September 7th. This is my 4th time participating in this annual fundraising event for Parkinson Canada. My goal is to raise $5,000.00.
The money raised from the Superwalk goes towards Parkinson’s research and services for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. I would appreciate if you would consider donating to my fundraising efforts here.
I’m so grateful to still be working part time and have the support of my clients and friends. So much has happened in the past number of years but one thing has remained consistent, your unwavering support and loyalty. I am so thankful that you continue to register for classes to not only support me but also my amazing team of instructors. Body Design would not exist without you and I am very appreciative.
On that note, registration is now open for our Fall 2025 Yoga and Small Group Training classes. I hope to see as many of you back as possible (and don’t forget to refer your family and friends to our classes to earn money off your next registration.)
I hope your enjoying your summer as much as I am and I’ll see you again in September!