My life changed in 2018 when my new neurologist confirmed that I had Parkinson’s Disease (PD). My kids had noticed something months earlier. They thought I had suffered a stroke They insisted that I see a doctor. My General Practitioner knew right away. Parkinson’s.
A few months later, an even newer neurologist confirmed that I also had myasthenia gravis (MG) and I needed plasmapheresis. Combining these two diseases meant that I needed Physical Therapy to combat my symptoms:
- Dragging the right leg;
- Getting my right arm stuck in a Napoleonic pose;
- Falling down stairs;
- Experiencing ptosis in both eyes;
- And, having difficulty talking.
I started taking 18 pills per day (3 every 4 hours + 6 others). Mainly dopamine. I joined rock steady boxing. I improved. I even lived in my basement for 18 months to avoid Covid. I regressed a bit and gained weight.
In June 2021, things got worse. I learned that my job would end on 12/31/21. I lost two friends to Covid and two other friends to different diseases. I stayed in the basement and gained more weight.
Yet, one door closed and another one opened. I still had my part-time job as an adjunct online English instructor at Loyola University ,and I claimed social security. I joined Jenny Craig and lost 45 pounds. I submitted my book of poems to Atmosphere Press, who will publish Almost a Memoir on August 9, 2022.
I spent three months in Phoenix with my son, his fiancée, and her non-English speaking Serbian grandfather. (We became friends via Google Translate.) I travelled to Sedona, competed in a poetry slam, and met other poets and artists in what I would describe as a sacred part of the country. My experience verified a thesis argued by Bio News columnist Dr. C. Resilience and sacredness are helping me live with PD and MG. Now, my life style includes:
- Walking 10,000 steps per day
- Doing at-home PT.
- Making time for mindfulness and reiki.
- Practicing daily at a driving range.
- Playing 54 holes of golf per week.
- I will resume Rock Steady Boxing soon.
- Writing 24 new poems,
- I’ve also begun writing a play.
- Continuing to teach literature and creative writing online at Loyola.
- I will also teach 2 new classes (face-to-face) at the College of Lake County (CLC) in the Fall term.
Life is good right now. None of this would be possible, though, without the support of my wife, my children, their spouses, my sister and brother-in-law, my wife’s family, and all of my many friends and relatives. I would like to help other PD and MG patients by advocating for a cure to these debilitating diseases.
I know there are many talented poets, writers, artists, musicians, and actors who counteract the effects of PD and MG with their creativity. I invite you to send me a message on the Contact option on this web site. I would love to hear from you.
M.C. Rydel