What is this Parkinson's Disease?

So, I have Parkinson's Disease. I know what that means, but perhaps you don't. At this point you could google Parkinson's Disease, or you can get the condensed version from me.

Parkinson's Disease (henceforth PD) is a neurological condition in which the section of the brain that produces dopamine "dies' and stops doing that. Unfortunately, your body needs dopamine for balance and repetitive movement and for movement in general. Speech is also affected as is coordination and small motor tasks. PD progresses relentlessly, but at a different pace with each person. There is no cure, but it is not fatal--although it causes complications that can be. Many of the symptoms are controllable with medication--to an extent. It's complicated and involves esoteric things like titration and agonists and L-dopa. People do live with PD, not comfortably, but fully--and depending upon health--for decades after initial diagnosis.

So how is PD effecting me right now? Stiffness, especially in the neck, tremor in my right hand along with lack of fine motor function there, a bit of balance trouble, my typing has gone from "hunt and peck" to Hunt and peck, backspace, correct, backspace correct for real, hunt and peck. My guitar playing is off. There is a lack of expression in my face, which combined with the natural tendency to hide ones' infirmities, makes me seem aloof or unapproachable (I am neither). My voice has become softer and more monotone--I have to concentrate on being expressive in the pulpit. My ability to chitchat and converse extemporaneously has been compromised.

I have been able to cope and adapt so far. Medicines are helping curb the symptoms. Research is promising. I have good health insurance. I am blessed (can you believe it?).

Your encouragement in the form of loving feedback and suggestions is encouraged. I may ask some or all of you to help me by doing some ministry differently. I will constantly monitor how PD is effecting our relationship as Pastor and People, and I think we may even grow stronger because of the uniqueness of that relationship, and the lessons we learn that will also apply to other areas of life. Plus God's spirit is always aloft, and waiting to blow the fresh air of grace into the stagnant smog of affliction--we should keep an eye out.

That's it in a very small nutshell. Until next time...

"If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall cover me...' ...even the darkness is not dark for you, the night is as bright as the day..." --Psalm 130:11-12