Page created by: David Shepard

I was sitting in a meeting at work on July 16,2008 when my index finger started to tap involuntarily. I could press down on it hard and it would stop but as soon as I released the pressure,it would start again and has not quit since without my daily medication. I was pretty well in control of my symptoms with my daily dozes of Carbidopa, Azilect and Ropinirole. I was active fishing and hunting, working full time and could still play my guitar.

Then on October 3, 2014, I was on a hunting trip and missed a step exiting the lodge one morning and fell breaking my hip. I had surgery the next day and was released from the hospital 14 days later. The incision became infected and required two additional surgeries plus three daily infusions of antibiotics for two months to kill the virus. Then I caught pneumonia due to lack of immune systems in my body. I have not been able to walk without a walker or cane since. My sense of balance just seems to have left me. Since I have lost my senses of smell and taste and I freeze when walking especially through doorways or transitions from room to room. I walk better outside the house rather than inside. I have urinals in every room. I don't sleep some nights so I sleep whenever I can. I follow what my body tells me to do.

My brain is still good. I work 10 hours day on my computer, I play cards with friends a couple times a week. I went fishing a month ago and for 5 hours did not shake once. I find when my mind is focused on things I really love to do my Parkinson's can't break through. So I do what I love, fishing, camping, going out. I keep my mind focused on other things. I may not be able to walk at times but I can kick a ball, so I have balls hanging on my walker to kick which makes my foot move forward.

I'm heading into my tenth year with Parkinson's. I've written five books since diagnosed. No, not on Parkinson's but fictional feel good stories. They are available on Amazon books under my name David J. Shepard.
I am not consumed with Parkinson's and my friends treat me like I don't have it. They make me feel normal. Maybe a little slower getting around and no longer able to dunk a basketball but it's still me inside this shell of what I once was. Don't lose touch with who you are. You may not be able to things you once did, so find new things to do you've never had a chance to do. I firmly believe endorphins counteract Parkinson's so keep reaching for life.

I may not be able to beat Parkinson's but it damn sure isn't going to beat me.