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by Frank Antonicelli, guest author
The initial symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease can be subtle and easily overlooked. It all began in 2003 when my wife noticed my right arm wasn’t swinging as I walked. Being an athlete, I initially brushed it off as an old sports injury and didn’t give it a second thought.
A round of golf with friends revealed another symptom, as I couldn’t get my body to sync with my mind. More symptoms followed making me self conscious and leading me to mask them behind a poker face, even as my physical struggles became more apparent.
A turning point came when I tripped over my right foot while walking down some stairs at home, nearly breaking my neck. This made me realize it was time to seek help.
MY PD DIAGNOSIS
Countless doctor visits and tests eventually led to a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis in 2007. This was a surprising revelation given my age (43) and the fact I had no family history of the condition. Acceptance was a challenge, and I struggled whether or not to keep it hidden from my loved ones, as I didn’t want to become a burden.
Stress and anxiety took its toll and affected my personality and work. Determined to take charge, I developed a plan to reclaim my life. Collaborating with my Movement Disorder Specialist, Joe Green, we developed a series of exercise, diet, and stress management techniques to counteract my symptoms. Through positive thinking and visualization, I reimagined normalcy and strength, drawing from athletes’ strategies. Medication played its role, and seeking support proved invaluable.
While I had always been self-reliant, Parkinson’s taught me that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength. As an athlete, I instinctually approached life with Parkinson’s as a series of plays shared with my teammates—my friends and family.
PD PROGRESSION & DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION
Parkinson’s certainly has a way of keeping you on your toes. Despite my best efforts, the symptoms continued to progress, which meant I needed to find a new way to adapt and fight. In February 2020, things took a turn for the worse when my body started to shut down and my meds stopped working, rendering me unable to care for myself.
After an emergency trip to the ER, I started around-the-clock care, as I couldn’t even stand up on my own. During the next few months, I experimented with increasing the levels of Carbidopa/Levodopa I was taking. Unfortunately, the side effects outweighed the benefits, so I kept searching. This is when Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) entered the picture.
Following research and consultations, I embraced DBS, marking a new chapter in my journey. After my DBS procedure, I started to feel improvements with my mental, physical and spiritual health. There was suddenly a “floor” to my symptoms, which restored my confidence and stripped away the fear and anxiety I was previously having.
The issues that affected my right side, primarily the gait in my step, began to subside. I was able to exercise and move freely again. My mood and personality got better each day. I was finally “me” again.
A NEW CREATIVE CHAPTER
Armed with DBS, a positive mindset, and a strong support system, I’ve regained my quality of life. This journey led me to explore creative outlets and focus on what I want to do. Stemming from my love for writing, I founded Be Still Publishing, a platform to share my poetry, lyrics, and music.
In 2023, I released an audiobook: “Embracing Parkinson’s: A Journey of Acceptance and Healing.” It’s essentially a series of candid conversations I had with my MDS partner, Joe Green. We talk openly about living with PD and share the strategies we’ve been using to handle it day in and day out.
What’s unique about this audiobook is that it’s a bit like a two-sided coin – my personal PD experience and Joe’s expert insights on the flip side.
This is my chance to tell my story and provide a glimpse into what life with PD looks like. I’m sharing all the details, the good and the challenging parts, and how I’ve been working to overcome them. Joe provides his input as a healthcare professional, showing how teamwork between a patient and an MDS can make a real difference.
If you’re curious about what navigating PD looks like or you’re looking for some ideas to deal with it better, I invite you to check out my audiobook. It’s all about finding ways to make PD a bit more manageable. Although Parkinson’s may try to limit one’s world and enjoyment, I strongly believe that with awareness and determination, it is possible to overcome it.
PD may be a formidable opponent, but with the right mindset and support, it is possible to move, fight, and endure. Through my journey, I hope to raise awareness about Parkinson’s and encourage others to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity. Whether we have PD or not, we all can find more meaning if we explore our creativity and embrace positivity.
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DBS Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
