Parkinson’s and Me - Navigating Early Parkinson's: Essential Insights

In this episode of "Parkinson's and Me," Daniel shares a raw and personal account of his daily life with Parkinson's disease. He takes listeners through a typical day, starting from the moment he wakes up to his morning routine of medication, prayers, and exercises. Throughout the day, Daniel confronts the challenges posed by Parkinson's, such as muscle stiffness, nausea, and anxiety about his future ability to work and provide for his family. Despite these difficulties, he maintains a positive outlook and strives to make a difference in the lives of others. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

The episode offers valuable insights into coping strategies and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite the challenges of Parkinson's disease. Daniel's concept of "speaking life" highlights the power of positive thinking and intentionality in shaping one's perspective. For those with Parkinson's or their loved ones, this emphasis on focusing on the blessings and creating meaningful experiences becomes a source of inspiration and hope. Daniel's determination to provide a strong foundation for his son while dealing with Parkinson's serves as a beacon of strength, encouraging others to find ways to be present and involved in their families' lives despite the limitations imposed by the disease. Overall, the episode offers valuable support and encouragement for individuals and families affected by Parkinson's, making it a compelling listen for those seeking understanding and strategies to navigate life with the condition. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

Altering our perspective is a very difficult task. We have a lifetime of learned experience that dictates how we perceive life. For most of us, this includes some coping mechanisms that would not be described as healthy. This episode examines a few simple ways to reverse the cycle. As Yoda from Star Wars says, “You must unlearn what you have learned. The last half of the episode is a creative experiment. Daniel shares how the movie “Legend of Baggar Vance” serves as an important reminder of how he wants to live. One of the themes of the movie is that life isn’t a game you either win or lose. It's a game that can only be played. Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease is similar to being buried by consistent avalanches of bad news and worsening symptoms. It’s easy to forget what made living so important. This why reminders such as this are so important. Slip on some headphones and find a quiet place. You are invited to this creative process. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

Continual transitions are a part of life. These combinations of our experiences combine to makes us who we are. One of the challenges living with Parkinson's Disease is the feeling of hopelessness. It's as if the walls are closing in on you, and there isn't a route for you to escape. However, what if you were able to change your perspective? How could that alter the way that you look at life? This episode addresses this challenge.  Daniel is realizing the importance of looking at events in his life using a different mindset. If we choose to see events as going always turning out poorly for us, then that is exactly what will occur. It's a self-fulling prophecy. Another option is to look for the best things that are we experiencing. The self-fulling prophecy works both ways. Can we change our mindsets to look for experiences that will encourage us? Daniel shares ways that have been successful for him. These include some mental tricks that have helped him to manage and short-circuit dangerous thoughts that can get out of control. It's no surprise that if we choose "life", then we can better control our thoughts. As a result, we can capitalize on positivity which provides us a biological advantage compared to brains that are neutral or negative. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

Receiving the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease is difficult for everyone. We experience crushing disappointment that may lead us to isolate ourselves from those we care the most about. As a result, we jeopardize our present and future quality of life. Daniel and Bryan discuss the decision to speak words of compassion and encouragement that has benefited the progression of Parkinson's Disease. Daniel labels this decision as "Speak Life." It's based on a song of the same name. Proverbs 11:17 “Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.” Proverbs 16:24 “Kind words are like honey. They are sweet to the spirit and bring healing to the body.” Choosing to speak encouraging words may be a change of mindset. It focuses attention on the importance of how the words we use to speak can be used to build up. Speaking life not only helps those we surround ourselves with. Also, Daniel shares how he has started to reassess his perception of life. The attempt is difficult but starts with small steps. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

In Episode 3.3, Daniel unpacks three of his greatest challenges to living well after being diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's disease. This episode is inspired by news regarding the medical community. The community is attempting to understand more about P.D. Specifically, what it's like being diagnosed while still needing to raise kids, taking care of a family, and preparing for the future. Since Parkinson's disease has not been eradicated, the greater the number of those diagnosed each year. The number is continuing to swell at an uncontrollable rate. Hopefully, one day, this episode will help the medical community to get into the mind of someone diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Listen as Daniel continues to move forward. As usual, you will hear insights that you may have thought about. This podcast is about Daniel continuing to rearrange his future so he can stay focused on living the best life that he can before it may be too late.  Daniel's Greatest Challenges 1. Movement 2. Career  3. Anxiety Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

We have a tendency to grow confident in our expectations as we grow older. Despite how hard we have prepared for the future, Parkinson's is similar to a bomb being dropped. It causes a titanic shift. When the smoke clears, we are left with a life that doesn't line up with our previous goals. Parkinson's doesn't discriminate based on gender or ethnicity. Parkinson's is patient and takes its time slowly picking away our lives. Left with shattered expectations, it is imperative to begin reassigning new goals. If we don't, then we are in jeopardy of being stuck in the past. Joined by his brother, Daniel and Bryan discuss how important it is to add new experiences. Daniel outlines the methods that he is attempting to redefine expectations. Also, Daniel shares his succeesses and failures in an attempt to repurpose life. Finally, Daniel talks with his son. They talk about what Parkinson's Disease looks like from a 13-year-old's point of view. Being a parent is difficult enough. However, with the additon of Parkinson's Disease, it adds to the complexity. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

For this season opener, Daniel has a conversation with his best friend. His wife. As a Care Partner, she sits on the front row of his life. She witnesses the effects that the progression of Parkinson's has on her husband. The couple has been married for nearly 20 years. In this episode, they discuss the important steps that need to be made to keep the marriage fresh and vibrant.  A key first step involves providing each other the understanding that they are trying their best. If communication breaks down or wasn't there, to begin with then unreasonable expectations are placed on each other. Finally, listen as the team provides valuable steps regarding the practical management of the progression. May you be encouraged. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast.  If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

This is the final episode for Season 2. We remove the script as Bryan, and Daniel has a casual conversation about the current season in Daniel's life. Looking back on 2021, Daniel shares his greatest encouragements and hardest difficulties having Parkinson's disease at such a young age. Daniel covers family, future, parenting, and the importance of changing the narrative compared to allowing the disease. Get ready for an encouraging and real look at Parkinson's and me. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

Daniel speaks with the leader of his Young Onset Support Group, Barbara Mooney. Barbara is the American Parkinson's Disease Association's Georgia Chapter Coordinator. She brings her experience to highlight the importance of joining a support group. Topics that are covered include: 1. Determining some of the greatest struggles for those with Parkinson's. 2. Differences between a YOPD focused group and those that are older. 3. Support for those diagnosed whose family may not support the person or a spouse that may have left. 4. Support for care partners whose spouse may have shut down. 5. Ways to get involved in a local support group. 6. Resources for those wanting to learn more about Parkinson's disease and how to live the best life possible. Tap or click to learn more about the American Parkinson's Disease Association. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation for this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

Daniel returns to the podcast and shares the insight he gleamed with Bryan from taking his son on a trip to the western states of the U.S. The brothers discuss the negative effects that stress and rushing have on the effects of Parkinson's. For the episode, Daniel and Bryan cover how a mental disciple is at times the only defense to defend your emotional and mental state. It's so easy to grow anxious to where you can no longer function due to being so overwhelmed. A mental superpower is the ability to consistently practice mindfulness. Improving how we choose to perceive the world is a skill. Like any skill, the more you practice the better you get at it. The more consistent you practice the better chance mindfulness becomes habit-forming. The practice of mindfulness and the calmness it provides leads to a decrease in tremor, muscle stiffness, movement slowness, problems with gait, and sleeping problems. Daniel shares his strategy to assign designated times to focus on the problems that need to be addressed. By assigning the thoughts that lead to anxiety to a specific time allows one to be free during non "office hours". Finally, Daniel and Bryan cover the news about the Food and Drug Administration's approval of Medtronic’s technologically advanced deep brain stimulation (DBS) system which is designed to more precisely target motor symptoms. Also, learn about the Silver Sneakers program designed to offer incentives for those with disabilities by providing free gym memberships. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

Bryan hosts this episode that highlights how those who do not have Parkinson's can make an incredible impact on the lives of those afflicted with this horrible disease. Joining Bryan is the wife of legendary country songwriter Freddy Powers and the author of the book "The Spree of '83: The Life and Times of Freddy Powers", Jake Brown. If you haven't heard of Freddy Powers, you may have heard of Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, or George Jones. Freddie Powers was the prolific songwriter responsible for more than 10 number one hits for Merle Haggard. Powers also wrote songs cut by Ray Charles, Stoney LaRue, Suzy Bogguss, and Big & Rich. Freddy was diagnosed with Parkinson's. However, he refused to let P.D. define him. Powers thrived from the support of his wife Catherine to those such as Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Tanya Tucker, John Rich / Big and Rich, Mary Sarah, and Pauline Reese. Listen as Catherine and Jake recount how Freddy continued to invest in the lives of others. Even deep into the progression of Parkinson's, Freddy kept his sense of humor while inviting others into his life. He passed away in 2016. The musician founded the Freddy Powers Parkinson Organization to raise funds for research into the disease. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

"I believe what I believe is what makes me who I am". In this episode, Daniel explains how the world of science and technical achievement is not enough to place our hope. Those with Parkinson's understand how little is known about how the brain works. There is so little that is understood about Parkinson's. Research does not always bear encouraging fruit. In the darkness, we must answer the question of whether the Lord is who He says He is. Denominations have strived to have the answers we are looking for. Catholics, Baptist, Methodist, Lutherans, Assemblies of God, etc. Nor does Science. God is not bound by these limitations. Through creative analogies, Daniel describes how we sabotage the blessings in our life because of our distrust in the supernatural. We dig empty wells in the sand to discover that we can't find water on our own. This leads to exhaustion and apathy. The Lord is offering us a cup of living water. Yet, we continue to dig new wells. How can we hand over such an important part of our life to a God that we do not see? Many of us harbor great resentment and anger toward God due to the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. It's understandable. Parkinson's is an unforgiving taskmaster. However, we are the children of a huge God and we can beat on his chest. Parkinson's disease does not have an exit strategy at this time. The Lord is never early and never late. Help is on the way. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. Call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

Parkinson's disease not only affects the person diagnosed but drastically changes the life of the care partner. Often, the care partner's responsibility is placed upon our spouse. The care partner is one who works with the person with Parkinson's. They are part of the team as you continue to play an active role in your own health. The spouse's responsibility increases when the transition occurs from being a care partner to becoming a care provider. Also known as a caregiver, the spouse intervenes in the life of the person with P.D. because they are no longer able to complete day-to-day activities. This transition is incredibly difficult for those with spouses with Parkinson's. This episode is inspired by the book “Advice from a Parkinson’s Wife” by Barbara Sheklin Davis. Bryan and Daniel cover the struggles that are common with spouses that are care partners and caregivers. Also, the brothers discuss what the person with Parkinson's can begin to do today that will ease some of the burdens that their spouse will face. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

As Parkinson's progresses, it complicates our ability to maintain relationships with others. This arrives in the form of facial masking and voice impairments. Facial masking affects the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat that causes problems with speech and swallowing. Signs of voice impairment include others commenting that you are speaking slowly or that they cannot hear or understand you clearly. This leads to people with Parkinson's withdrawing from others which can make things worse These problems tend to increase as the disease progresses but may occur at any stage. Join Daniel as he speaks about the importance of catching these symptoms early so that we can extend the quality of facial expressivity and communicating with our voice. It's important to "flip the script" by actively pushing your voice by training or therapy. Also, learn how the muscles of our face can be manipulated to delay the masking that is common in Parkinson's. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

Often, the best source of information for those who have been newly or yet to be diagnosed comes from those who have lived it. In this episode, Bryan journeys back with Daniel a few years before he was diagnosed. Daniel had just turned forty. He was ready for the second part of his life. Listen as Bryan and Daniel discuss how life was like as a relatively young man before this disease interrupted a life Don't worry! This is not another story that is full of depressive tones. This isn't an episode of longing for the past but presented in a more informative format. Hopefully, this episode will help others to better understand ways to navigate the early years. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

When a person is anxious or under stress, all the symptoms of PD, including slowness, stiffness, and balance problems, can worsen. Symptoms can become less responsive to medication. There are strategies to decrease the causation of stress in life. What do those types of decisions look like? How can someone diagnosed with Parkinson's earlier in life maximize the consequences in a manner that adds meaning to your life story?. Daniel covers the above topics and displays his vulnerability. What can you do when Parkinson's appears to have ripped away from the ability to choose a future? Also, if you have Parkinson's, do you feel that in some way you are being punished for a sin you have committed? As a consequence, do you feel you have had "Parkinson's" stamped on your head? Because of your condition that you have been forced to the back of the line. If so, this episode is for you. Daniel invites you to "sit a spell". Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

Bryan returns in this episode after recovering from Covid-19. In this episode, the brothers cover tips about how to rebound after an appointment with a Movement Disorder Specialist that did not live up to what we had hoped for. Also, the guys use the analogy of a boxer being thrown into a ring against an opponent that is not undefeatable. Why do we continue to take a beating while standing toe-to-toe against Parkinson's? We can't beat Parkinson's for now! If we perceive that we will only be victorious when Parkinson's is defeated then we will lose the match. What if we are able to devise a strategy that allows us to still win without our opponent being beaten? Finally, Daniel updates us on how his misperceptions nearly cost his relationships with his best friends. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

Parkinson's is known as a movement disorder. If we look deeper into how Parkinson's manifests itself, there are two different types of movement disorders. There are Bradykinesia and Dyskinesia. Bradykinesia appears as a reduction in automatic movements. Examples include slowness of blinking, swinging of the arms while walking, or just slowness of actions. Bradykinesia is a cardinal symptom in the diagnosis of PD. A person must have bradykinesia along with a tremor or rigidity. Dyskinesia involves people having uncontrolled, erratic, and writing movements. These can be slow and fluid or rapid and jerking. Dyskinesia is a complication of some Parkinson's medication and not a symptom of the disease itself. It occurs with long-term levodopa use to treat Parkinson's. Treatment for Parkinson's requires taking enough Levedopa to control your symptoms. By taking the medication it eventually will result in the onset of dyskinesia. Each time a PWP takes their medication, we must make a choice. Do we continue to poison our body to treat one movement disorder for another? Season 2 Episode 1 is packed full of honest conversation that strives to make the best of this situation. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message

As we close out Season 1, it is important to look back at where we have been so we can look and keep moving forward. In previous episodes, many questions have been asked and Daniel has revealed new perspectives he has gained. In this episode, Daniel and Bryan update listeners on recent medication changes, ways to reinvent yourself, and goals to move toward.  Parkinson's can be an enemy that makes unreasonable demands on our lives. It's understandable to be crushed under this unrelenting force that demands continual change. How can we not be victims of this? We must acknowledge that we are not alone. Parkinson's is currently the fastest growing neurological disease in the world. As a result, millions of people are living with Parkinson's but also, and encouragingly, fighting to end it. Though there is not a cure for P.D., it remains important to unite our voices. The newly formed PD Avengers is working toward the goal of ending Parkinson's. Please join us! Become a PD Avenger at pdavengers.com.  Finally, Season 2 of Parkinson's and Me will focus on how to manage depression and anxiety. We will look deeper into how Parkinson's affects a person's mental health and how we can navigate through this complicated disease.  Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. If you have the Anchor app please leave a message at https://anchor.fm/parkinsonsandme. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/parkinsonsandme/message