Parkinson's Awareness Month

So...it is officially here. The month dedicated to us parky's. A month we should all take advantage of to educate and bring awareness to our communities about this progressive disease with no cure. Wouldn't it be great if we only had to 'deal' with PD one month out of the year?! Unfortunately that isn't the case. But we can stand up and be active in fighting to find a cure. Contributing to research, spreading the word, trusting in God, and letting everyone know that we will not stop until a cure is found.


What will you do to spread awareness today? Today, I will share my story...check it out and read other stories from young onset pd'ers.


http://www.youngparkinsons.org/stories/angela

New challenge

I have been inspired. I saw a video of a woman who had a goal to walk again. She practiced everyday and was able to reteach herself how to walk again. It was a story off of a website encouraging people to make goals and give 100 percent of themselves. So like I said, I have been inspired to give my all. My goal... To run 5k in under 30 min by our 3rd annual Parkinson's run.

I started running in may and logging runs and races since July. So far I have put in 136 miles and ran 8 races including a half marathon. My times starting out were 36 min for a 5 k. I have dropped to 31 min for 5k so far. I have 5 months to accomplish this goal!! NOTHING is impossible!

That's what I'm talking about!!

So my summer goal this year was to run in the Biggest Loser Half Marathon with my hubby Matt and my bff Debbie. Training was hard. Once we started getting into the longer runs, my body protested - ALOT! I ended up adding a med before my runs to help from getting dystonic, and that seemed to help.

A summer full of many many runs, finally the big day had come! This would be the test of all tests! Started out feeling really really good. Around mile 10 it got pretty rough, I'm not gonna lie. At mile 12, I was blessed to have a spectator console me as I cried because I didn't think I was ever gonna make it. Then I cried once again as I did the unimaginable...I CROSSED THE FINISH LINE! PD was not the victor on this day! I overcame with the help of my hubby, my running partner, and all of the people out there who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself! (shame on me!)

If I had any advice to give, it would be to never give in to circumstances...they may make things hard, but certainly not impossible!

Phil 4:13 I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!

In training...

Ok, so I am trying to step it up a couple notches this year. I am 'training' (using that word very loosely) for a half marathon in a few weeks. So far I have really only ran half of a half successfully. But I am not giving up. I am getting dystonic far into my runs, which makes going over 6 mi a little difficult. But, we are now trying to take a form a dopamine about an before my runs. It does seem to be helping some. I miss the days when I could just go out and run. Now a days, I have keep talking to myself giving reminders...flat foot, flat foot, pump arms, pump arms...I find myself mentally exhausted - lol. I still feel like God will use my running to bless others, I am just unsure how.  I will continue to trust and work my butt of to accomplish my goals...

ok...so my new thought for today is...who has 2 thumbs and will be running in the Biggest Loser half marathon...THIS GIRL!

Hello old me:o)

I know I keep getting sappy about all the wonderful things God has brought back into my life through dbs...but I just can't help it! This past week, I helped out with the teen group at my church's VBS. I played kick ball, capture the flag...and at the risk of bragging, I actually CAPTURED A FLAG...after falling flat on my face and convincing the nice gentlemen who was chasing me to not add to my embarrassment and tag me as I lay on the ground. He agreed, and I jumped up and got the flag. He then tagged me and ran off. I stood there waiting for someone to escort me to jail. No one did...so off I ran with flag in hand! lol. The next day I woke up feeling like I went over Niagra Falls in a barrel!

On Monday I went to my neuro's office to get a tweaking. My reasoning was 4 1/2 miles into my 8 mile run, I became distonic and had to stop completely after 6 mi and walk the last 2. After going through several settings,, I ended up walking out of there exactly the same setting as I was when I went in...lol.

I tell these stories because my complaints have def changed. Before DBS my complaints were I fall asleep while driving (not n e more), I black out when standing up (rarely), tremor in both sides now (non exsistant), can't swallow food (not so much), shuffle when walking (never), Dystonia kicks in about 5 minutes into run (hardly the case now). These are just a few that I can remember. so it is funny to me that a year later I am capturing flags, running for miles, staying awake for whole movies. driving hours with no problem...the list goes on and on. I am finally starting to recognize the girl pre-PD. I am so incredibly thankful to God for my miracle, my second chance to enjoy life. I will not take this for granted. I wake up everyday and know how blessed I am. I hope I never forget it!

What a great day!

Well, Saturday was our 2nd annual Running for a Cure 5k run/1mi walk. It was a cold but sunny day. So many people came out to support our cause. It was very humbling. I once again was overwhelmmed with emotion. So I wanted to take this time to thank the many many volunteers that dedicated their morning to this race. All of the runners/walkers who came out to show their support - about 250 to be exact! Wattsburg School District sent 15 or so people through their health and wellness program. FBO 212 sent out quite a large group also! So many friends and family and also donated items for our very first chinese auction!

God has def blessed us putting all of you in our lives. Matt and I are so blessed and truly truly grateful! THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!

Long time no post...

Yikes! It's been so long since my last post. I think for the new year I will make it a point to post more often. I miss it when I don't! I have securred our race date for this year - April 6! Lots of planning to do but super excited to do it! I still need tweaking for my dbs...running is still kind of difficult. Could be the extra ten I'm carrying too!

Looking back on 2012 there is alot to be thankful for. Our first race was successful, raising oveer 4000$ for APDA. Having DBS surgery changed my life and gave me so much back! We were able to share our story with so many through NBC nightly news and a great article in our local paper. We were able to take a wonderful vacation with family to Myrtle Beach. Visiting wonderful family/friends along the way. We were invited to participate in a Phinney Davis Symposium...big things for such a simple girl <3 p="p">
All in all it is a great start of a New Year. I am thankful for all of the GREAT and WONDERFUL things that happened in 2012 and look forward to 2013. God is always GREAT!

At Last...

I haven't postede in awhile, haven't done much running. Stiffness got the best of me even with meds I went back on. Turns out it was the program settings. Now I am almost stiffness free and med free again...YAY!

So yesterday I went for my first run with new settings...much better! I am in serious need of muscle strengthening, but fact is I CAN RUN! The hurdle now is getting the BIGGER me motivated to get out there. It's gonna be a long road - but I'm always up for a challenge.

The Whole Story

I realize that in three minutes it is impossible to put all the details of an 8 week journey. So I feel the need to elaborate. I have been getting alot of feedback from people about my bravery and the awesomeness of the whole thing, and while I really appreciate that, I feel it necessary to tell who the real brave heroes are.

They are my husband who never failed to make me feel like my decision to go through with this was the right one. He was by my side the whole time, praying with me, giving his loving support and being the best husband and father he could be. When he was all we had, he was all we needed.

My pastor and his wife, my friend, Karen. Who dropped everything to come be by our side the morning of my surgery - 5 am - and did I mention it was Karen's birthday?!

My mommy who came down to be with me and Matt to be there for us and help us through the scary parts. And My step-father for taking time off of work to stay with our 4 children so he could be a comfort to them and also a comfort to us knowing they were in good hands.

My great friends who brought the most thoughtful gifts. I love all of you.

The women in our church who came to sit with me when I got home so I could rest and not worry about anything. They loved our children when we needed them to, came to be a fill-in when I was in rehab for 8 days and provided our family with dinner and/or lunch for 2 weeks straight.

My friend Brenda who wouldn't think of letting me sit lonely in a hospital bed in Pittsburgh for 8 days by myself, so she came and stayed with me. And her husband Greg for being gracious enough to lend me his wife for one of the most trying times of my life.

My dad and Ann for taking the time out of their day to come to Pittsburgh to visit and bring me lunch and magazines.

The great friends I met in rehab who played the part of my physical therapy who always had such great words of encouragement.

The wonderful people who sent cards and gifts through the mail and the literally hundreds of people who prayed for me and my family

Our wonderful awesome cousin Cheryl and her family who graciously opened her home to us and allowed us to drag our NBC crew into her home for our interviews. Never once making us feel like we were imposing on them. And her daughter and son in law, Jerica and Kevin, for coming and running in the race with us.

My sister in law who helped me get my house in order so I would not have to worry about cleaning after my surgery. And Matt for keeping up with  it!

And anyone else I may have missed, your thoughtfulness was not unnoticed. Thank you all for your kindness.

I always say that I get my strength through Christ. My motto has always been I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And in this particular case the strength  he gave me was through the dozens of angels I mentioned above that he brought into my life. I am so thankful for all of you. I say it now and forever more GOD IS GREAT!

NBC Finally!

Well, tonight was the big night. Our story aired on NBC Nightly News. They did a great job getting our story out. I am truly blessed and I know that with God in controll all things are possible!

Here is a link:

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

update

Well, it's been awhile. Thought I would give an update. Matt and I did run the race in North Carolina with our cousins/friends Jerica and Kevin. We had lots of fun doing it and yes I even finished. Time was NOT what I would call good, but, i finished and that really is all that matters.

We then had our vacation in Myrtle Beach where I officially turned 40. I woke up at 5:30 am. strapped on my running shoes and ran on the ocean just like I had dreamed of doing. It was a miraculous experience!

Everything has been great. I did however go back on meds for stiffness. I realized that if I wanted to live normally, hang around the house and chill with the kids, no meds works just fine. But with my stubborness to not give up running races and training, and being on the go chasing 4 kids, I was unable to accomplish what I need to so we are on Amantadine. It seems to be helping with stiffness and balance issues. I was alittle bummed that I needed to go back on something, but I am not looking at this as a failed mission. I am sooo much better off than I was, this is just helping me be even better!

Working hard

Saturday will be here bfore we know it. I've been working really hard to get myself in shape for the race. Running 3 mi, doing ewgobs of stairs, and today hill workout. I m sure this isn't gonna the easiest race I've ever ran. But it will be probably the most worked for in turn the best race ever ran by me. It will be a milestone that I will never forget. And I am so happy I get to share this experience with my awesome family <3.

10 more days...

OK...so there are 10 more days until the big day. The day I run a 5k in North Carolina. The day NBC comes and watches me run this 5k for their finish to my story. The day I prove....i don't know what I will prove - lol. All I know is since last wednesdsay I have only been able to accomplish 2 mi in a single run, with lots of walking involved. In fact, yesterday I RAN 1 mi then walked. Not really getting closer to my goal with this.

But today - today is the turning point in my training. The moment where the light switched on in my dopamine producing head and it occurred to me that I needed to step it up. So this is the day I RAN - no walking- 3mi! I felt great. My legs didn't fall off. I didn't collapse in a ditch. I didn't wander off into the weeds never to find my way back home because the birds ate my bread crumbs...none of these things happened. I proved to myself I can do it. It is definitely a mind over matter issue and today I realized I DO MIND, and IT DOES MATTER!

I even waved at a group of motorcyclist on my run. They of course must have thought I was insane because they didn't ackowledge my wave. I understand though. They didn't realize that like them, I was enjoying my freedom. My chains are gone. The Lord has set me free. PD no longer restrains me!

2 mi run...July 2, 2012

Ok, so...I have 12 more days till the race and today was my first no walk 2 mi run...YAY!! It is definitely alot of mental challenge as much as physical! I had to keep cheeriing myself on...come on angie, you can do it - lol

Funny thing....I had a dream the other day that I ran a 3mi run in 22:52 - wishful thinking right?! Well today, I ran my 2 mi run in .... u guessed it - 22:52! pretty creepy, huh. But I will tell u this, as slow as that time is, I found myself feeling just as triumphant as I did in my dream running 3 mi in that time.

Small accomplishment, but huge mile stone! So grateful God has given me the opportunity to find myself and enjoy these small things in my life all over again! It's not too often we get a second chance!!

Let the running begin!!

Today I finished my first week of running...well, first half week! It was not an easy task. This getting back into shape is not as easy as you'd think! I'm a little surprised, because b4 surgery i could run 3 mi no problem - of course that was with xtra meds to prevent foot cramping not to mention i was incapable of running any faster than 11 min per mile. But now I cant even finish a 2 mi run with out walking...breathing is not fun. BUT...no meds and no cramping. And I am able to move both arms and am capable of going much faster than 11 min miles (which is prob why i need to walk around mi 1...lol)

I have 14 days to get used to this new body, lose 10 lbs and finish a 3 mi run. Wonbo Woo may be coming to witness us run a 5k on our vacation and I want to be able to finish. Soooo, the challenge is ON! Wish me luck!!

Off all parky meds!!

Well, it has been 4 days since I took my last parky med. And I am doing great! I went to the neuro yesterday and got an adjustment, and it took care of the stiffness and tremor...Funny thing. 2 weeks ago the dr in rehab told me that I probably wouldn't be off all of my meds, but she could certainly get me off of the one causing me so much grief. I looked right at her and said 'you don't know me very well...I will be off all meds very soon'...hehe - never underestimate a parky on a mission!! God is Awesome!

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                                                                      ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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!

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!!

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!