What is going on…?

The run-up to the diagnosis

At first I thought my “problems” were because of my adoption.

It wasn’t.

Maybe it was the “Jewish trauma” that haunted my ancestors (and me perhaps)..?

Do not think so.

Then I thought about my uncertain youth, with divorce, moving and death.

It wasn’t that (thanks for all the therapy…)

Next it was obvious to see a trauma after my experience of 7/7 in London.

But that wasn’t it either…

Maybe the concussions, 3 of them, had something to do with it…?

Possible, but probably not…

What kind of problems are these actually…?

That became clear after the diagnosis: Parkinson’s.

Lack of motivation, difficulty sleeping, mood problems, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, slowness of movement, lack of sense of smell…

The diagnosis has put these problems in a different light, and they can now be treated as Parkinson’s-related problems, with medication, exercise/sport and “mindfulness” – or whatever passes for that.

The problems continue, but the way I deal with them is different.

Better.

Image:
Underwater sculpture “The Anchors” by British artist Jason deCairesTaylor.
This artwork resembles the experience of Parkinson’s the way I experience it.