I wasn’t sure if I wanted to share this part of my life at first, but I’ve learned that sometimes our stories can help others feel less alone. Living with Parkinson’s isn’t something I ever imagined I’d experience, especially at my age. But this is my journey raw, honest, and still being written one day at a time.
It’s taken me a while to find the words to share this, but I think it’s time. Maybe it will help someone else who’s going through something similar or remind others that no one is ever too young, too strong, or too busy to face something like this.
Looking back, I realize my Parkinson’s journey really started over a year before I ever went to the doctor. It began with a small tremor on my left side, something I thought would just go away on its own. But it didn’t. I remember feeling frustrated and even a little scared because deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.
When I finally went to the doctor in 2024, she wasn’t sure what was happening. She told me I was too young for Parkinson’s. That stuck with me for a while. But I’ve learned that disease doesn’t have an age. It can touch anyone, anytime.
My grandfather had Parkinson’s, so in the back of my mind, I already knew I could be at risk. I decided to trust my instincts and asked to see another doctor. He ran different tests bloodwork, an MRI and said he could see signs of it right away but wanted to be sure. Eventually, he referred me to a neurologist, and that’s when everything became real.
In November 2024, I met my neurologist. After he examined me, he said he could see it immediately. Hearing those words out loud was hard even though I’d been expecting them. It felt like my world slowed down for a minute. There was a strange mix of relief and sadness relief that I finally had answers, and sadness for what I knew this would mean moving forward.
The first medication he prescribed didn’t work for me. I actually had an allergic reaction, which was scary. But he quickly switched me to a new one. The one I take now helps my tremors a lot, though it comes with its own challenges. It makes me tired and gives me brain fog like my thoughts are stuck in slow motion some days. But I take it three times a day because I can see the difference it makes, and that gives me hope.
One unexpected thing that’s helped me is crochet. It calms my hands, focuses my mind, and gives me something peaceful to pour my energy into. On days when my body feels unsteady or my thoughts are cloudy, crocheting helps me feel grounded again. It reminds me that even though Parkinson’s is part of my life now, it doesn’t define who I am.
This journey hasn’t been easy some days are full of strength and gratitude, and others are filled with frustration and fatigue. But I’m learning to take it one day at a time. I’m learning to listen to my body, to rest when I need to, and to celebrate even the smallest victories.
Most of all, I’ve learned the importance of advocating for yourself. If something feels off, don’t stop until you get answers. You know your body better than anyone.
I don’t know what the road ahead will look like, but I’m facing it with hope, faith, and yarn in my hands. 💚
Living with Parkinson’s has taught me so much about patience, strength, and grace. Some days are harder than others, but I remind myself that progress isn’t always about big steps sometimes it’s just about showing up and trying again tomorrow.
To anyone walking a similar path: you’re not alone. Be gentle with yourself, celebrate your small victories, and keep holding on to the things that bring you peace.
🧶 Thank you for following my journey one stitch, one step, and one day at a time
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