On being Up the Wahzoo,

Here are some facts which we all know, since the only good source of knowledge is experience, and we all have that up the wahzoo.

  This is just a refresher course, to get you all anxious again,

1.     What is Parkinson's disease?  Formerly called the shaking palsy, Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease. Movement is normally controlled by dopamine, a chemical that carries signals between the nerves in the brain. When cells that normally produce dopamine die, the symptoms of Parkinson's appear and you know that symptoms don't appear until 80% of those cells have already died. 

2.       Isn't it a disease of old people?  Certainly.  Well, that depends on your definition of "old". I am acquainted with PWP in their 40's through to their 80's but I believe the early 60's for onset is not out of line.  Michael J. Fox was 29 when diagnosed.  I was 64.

3.       Why me? researchers don't have a clue.  they have lots of circumstantial evidence but I think they probably view PD as a random occurrence.  The more of this circumstantial evidence they find, the closer they will be to a cure.

4.        Thanks to all people trying to find a cure.  When they do, the entire world will know through reliable sources so don't believe scoundrels who say they were cured just by taking a certain herb, etc.  At the moment there is no cure and none in the offing; although, significant advances in understanding the disease are being made and so we fight on.

5.           Did you know a 12-year-old girl is the youngest recorded victim  I have read that a 3-year-old also suffered from PD.

6.            I have never doubted the benefit of exercise.  Try this.  Allow your tremor to appear and you start walking at a reasonable pace.   Fifteen minutes into an hour walk  I would notice my tremor fading and then disappear over the next ten to twenty minutes.  That was 8 years ago and scientists are now recommending it, especially for PWP.  Get off the couch.   

7.             We all will live a normal life-span but it might not be a welcome life-span.   Dopamine-producing cells will just keep on  leaving us, but don't worry, be happy and live for today.
  
8.              You are not alone.  About 550 Canadians a month are diagnosed each year.  Join Rock Steady Boxing or a support group. It helps.        



Alternative wording - definition


(i)    "wazoo" - Used almost exclusively with "up the-" as in "up the wahzoo" - meaning being overwhelmed and bursting.  Sometimes used pejoratively as a substitute for asshole