Allison

I had just had my baby at 32 years of age. I was filling the coffee pot with water, holding it in my left hand when the first tremor hit. I couldn’t control it. The tremors progressively worsened. In August of 2014, I separated from my husband and the tremors became uncontrollable and constant. Because of the stress of the divorce, I dropped 20 pounds, looking sickly. The stress continued to degrade my condition. On the second visit with my neurologist he said, “I think you have Parkinson’s.” At that moment a gun went off and all I heard was ringing. December 30th I had a DaTscan and the tech told me what she was looking for. “Commas. I’m looking for commas.” I asked what it meant if I didn’t see commas and very flatly she said, “Parkinson’s.” December 31, 2014 I was diagnosed. January 1, 2015 my life began again. I had a diagnosis and a plan. I am now seeing Dr. Joseph Jankovic, a world renowned doctor for Parkinson’s. I’m blogging about my experiences at www.litwithin.net and have developed a social media website with apps dedicated to light and feel lit within, no matter your storm in life. Next month I will begin participating in a study and have just downloaded the mPower app to help researchers study a young onset patient. People have said I inspire them and ask how I can move forward. I am the mom of a gorgeous, vivacious 5 year old. Because of Levodopa I’m able to type for the first time in 3 years. Giving up isn’t an option. I have so much to live for!