Living with Parkinson's - Overcoming Embarrassment

Written 2023

 It’s all very well to emphasize attitude and acceptance and all that – but behind all that positivity lies hidden feelings of  embarrassment – especially with each new symptom that practically shouts “I have Parkinson’s”.  Since the manifestations of the condition are going to appear regardless of our efforts to pretend otherwise.

What we can do is pretend it doesn’t bother us … act as if we take it in our stride (excuse the pun) … until we actually do! 

What is embarrassing for me?

·      My gait – slow,  legs apart,  one leg dragging

·      The tremor on my chin

·      My voice – which always gets the same response: “I can’t hear you” – followed by my husband

speaking  for me

·      My clumsy efforts trying to take something out of my wallet – and putting it back

·      My difficulty  standing up from a sitting position

·      My difficulty recalling words that I know well

·      My poor eyesight – even with my new prescription I have to lean up close

·      Doing everything in slow motion

With all of this – and more – it’s a challenge not to feel ‘less than’ – but I have learned to conquer my embarrassment by focussing on the benefits:

·      We almost always get a handicapped parking spot  (I say ‘we’ because I no longer drive)

·      When we park on the street we don’t have to pay

·      People are solicitous – they either open the door for me or make way for  me to go

ahead of them

·      Seeing me with my deficits often causes them to appreciate their good health

·      Since I am no longer gainfully employed I have time on my hands – I lead a calm life

·      People feel good when they give to others or do things for others – “ Tis better to give

than to receive

Wouldn't you know it ? It comes full circle, right back to attitude:

focus on the positive!