My Journey

Welcome to my page. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease 4 1/2 years ago (just before my 33 birthday). This past year, a group of my friends, family, and I ran in an endurance run to raise funds towards awareness and finding a cure for this neurological disorder. This year, we would love to organize a race soley for this purpose. I will share my story as I try to run, and give you details on how our racing plans are going. Thanks for sharing my journey with me:o)

Monday, May 28, 2012

My first week home after 'power up'

Well, I have been home for 1 week and it has been amazing! It feels so great to be able to move at will and to sit still at will! I am so very grateful! I am sleeping through the night, so I no longer am so tired I can't keep my eyes open during the day! I can get my housework done in a few hours as opposed to the ALL DAY  it took be4...I'd take meds, wait for sickness and tiredness tp subside, then I'd clean alittle, take more meds and start the routine again - 4x a day. Now, I wake up, clean the house, done by 9. And on Friday I was able to sit outside while the kids swam in their pool,while I read a book... I cannot remember the last time I did that! Life is great - I got a second chance and I think I will cherish all of the things I can do now that I haven't been able to do these past 7 yrsl                                                                      ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Day 2 The tweaking process

ok, so yesterday I was programmed, and I still had a pretty good tremor, and a twitchy right leg. To be expected. Can't be perfect right off the bat.

So, today was a pretty decent day. Despite my homesickness and my many tears shed today, I am able to look at this day as a milestone for my rehabilitation. This morning, I played the wii for occupational therapy - fun fun! And now that I am not so stiff, waaaaaaaay more enjoyable! of course, I couldn't beat Gregs high score in bowling....don't know who the heck Greg is, but his high score is going down! Gotta leave my mark, and next time, I will be Angela and not Brittany! lol

My physical therapy was fun. We went outside today and stepped up and down on park benches. Then a group of small children with 2 caregivers came to our area and ate chips and ran in circles...so fun to watch - I really really miss being mom. Then Mike, one of my PT's ran with me acrossed the street. Not too far, but so good to be mobile. Then I rode bike for 10 min,

After that, I came up to my room and was tweaked! My tremor - gone. My right leg, less jittery, and I'm not so sure it is jerking cuz of habit or the parkyness...hard to tell. But at any rate I am alot more calm when I sit. And I never did get stiff today and I am off requip. Feeling really good cuz I am not tired, or nauseous...both big time bonuses!

My afternoon PT was great. I walked on treadmill 2.5 mph for 15 minutes without cramping! YIPPEE! Then we did some tricky yoga typ superstar exercises...fun times at the pt gym...

 Bethany making sure it is safe....



 mike showing off the running man



 and there I am, doing the SUPERSTAR stance....now all I need is my cape!!

Can't wait to get home to my family and put all of my new found mobility to good use!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Day 1 of programming

Well, it is finally here. I spent a couple hours this morning being programmed. I feel pretty good. I can definitely type alot faster and easier, which is the awesomest! I am not stiff and my tremors are minimal. My right leg is still alittle jittery, but who cares! They are taking me off requip and adjusting from there. I did get my foot dystonia after 13 minutes on treadmill, but I had absolutely no meds in me, just turned on the stimulator. So, i'm hoping that with a few more tweaks, that will disappear.

I am having fun in physical therapy. It is only a half hour or so, but i get to pretend that I am an athlete again....such a great feeling. I cannot wait until I am able to run again. If this all works out the way I hope....Runner's world, here i come!!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

PT Superstar!


Hahaha....today was a good day. I am feeling less like the wounded zombie woman and more like that girl that has to be the BEST at everything! I woke up this morning and went to Occupational therapy, then speech therapy (which I passed with FLYING COLORS), then to Physical therapy. One of my therapists is actually from ERIE! go figure!

So, after PT, I came back to my room, visited with my great friends Greg and Brenda, ate lunch and the yummy shake they brought me - can u say mooooooooo...- skyped with my awesome family, and took a nap. when  I woke up I got to talk to the person who will be programmimg me. She told me that I can still do my magnets! yippee....So Magnaracco incorporated - BACK ON!

So, anyways, I went back to PT, walked on treadmill for 15 min, did some walking evaluations, then the awesome SUPERSTAR big step yoga exercise. That was fun. and I didn't even fall - yay....So, all in all it's been a good day. Programming is tomorrow. Cross your fingers!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Rehab

Today I had the second surgery for the DBS. I think this hurt worse than the first one! Stinks when you have an incision in just the right spot that moving your arms anywhere results in pain. But anyways, tomorrow I start my rehab, then wednesday I will get programmed. I seriously cannot wait. She is going to take me off of requip first. Thank goodness. I don't think I'll miss it - lol.

The worst part about this whole thing is I am 2 hours away from my kids and wonderful hubby for a week. I'm gonna miss all the activity and the noisiness that can only b found in a crazy happy house filled with 4 children.

Most of all I miss my love. He has been such a blessing. God truly blessed me and the kids when he gave us Matt. <3

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Day 2 after surgery

Well, today was an ok day. Didn't do much. Just sat around while other people took care of my kids - kind of a hard thing to do. I am getting lots of help and lots of visitors, and lots of food...whooo hoooo! It is kind of nice to just be able to sit and do nothing. I think tomorrow will be a less painful day. Looking forward to second surgery.

I am blessed

It has been 3 days since my surgery and I probably have become the most spoiled 39 year old in the world! All of the visitors, phone calls, cards, gifts, and FOOD! OH MY!! I am overwhelmed with the outpour of consern for me  and my family. Truly amazing. I cannot even begin to tell everyone how really and truly thankful we are...but I will spend the rest of my life trying!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The hardest part is over...or is it?!

Well, I am home from my dbs surgery. We were kindof celebrities through out the whole thing. I was contacted by NBC Nightly News and the wanted to do our story. Of course we said yes...who wouldn't want the opportunity to tell their story. So, Sunday the NBC crew  consisting of our camera man Jerod - awesome guy with awesome shoes! - and Wonbo Woo, an emmy award winning producer, and a very guy. came  to our house to follow us around. The morning was not so productive as I had everyone ready to go the church and fed before they got there...which usually doesn't happen! But then they came to church with us and that was fun! So many wonderful people at my church hugging and telling me they will pray for me touched my heart <3

From there we came back to the house and ate lunch, played outside and THEN...
 Head shaving time!


After this, we dropped all of the kids off, picked my mommy up then headed to Pittsburgh. Plenty of rest, up and at em at 3:30 in the am - hospital at 5, surgery at 7 - met camera crew then headed to our room...time to put the halo on!
 this they had to screwed to my head


this thing was super heavy! Ready set surgery!

I cannot begin to tell you how or why anyone would want to think up such a torturous procedure! Seriously, i'm thinking this is what they would use in a torture chamber...if it wasn't such a cruel and unusual punishment. But seriously, the benefits will be so much worth the craziness of it all. I am really looking forward to the end result.

When all was said and done, my awesome wonderful handsome hubby was smuggled into recovery to see me

 Best hubby ever!


We got a pent house suite in the hospital...well as penthouse as u can get! lol Had a last interview with nbc then a nice group picture with our new friends from NBC


All in all it was a great day! Now to rest and do nothing till next surgery. This doing nothing is definitely going to be harder than the surgery!




Saturday, May 5, 2012

Beginning of a new chapter

As everyone who knows me knows I was dx with Parkinson's disease almost 7 yrs ago at the young age off 33. In these past 7 years it has been full of many many blessings, and some down right sad, hard to take disappointments. I have gained many wonderful relationships with amazing people, a wonderful closeness with my Lord, and two more wonderfully made children. I have also realized what I've always known, God has blessed me with the most amazing husband.

In these past 7 years, I have watched many things leave my life, my job I loved and worked hard to achieve, my ability to run without cramping, can only play my violin for a short time before I can no longer hold it comfortably. My house is always in shambles, and my memory is spent.

On Monday, we are headed to Pittsburgh for a wonderful exciting adventure! I have been blessed with  the opportunity to have DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) Surgery. While this is not a 'cure' it is an opportunity to possible get ANGIE back, or close to it! I am excited and I know that my Lord and Savior is in control. Those who wait upon the Lord Shall renew their strength - they shall rise up with wings as eagles...they shall RUN and NOT BE WEARY....I am truly truly blessed!