Coping with life with Parkinson's

Lately I have been having problems with dystonia in one foot after walking only a little while. Limping because of dystonia has made going shopping especially difficult, and it is really cramping my style!

I found what I hoped would be the solution – a kick scooter. Happily I was able to buy a used one, but when it arrived, I realized my plans would not work. It was too big and awkward for the mall, and how would I manage purchases? But still I figured it would be good for a new aerobic exercise in addition to riding my trike.

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I watched as my husband took it out for a spin, pushing and gliding effortlessly up and down the street. At my turn I was more tentative – riding and balancing on my “good” side, pushing with the lame foot, and gripping the handles too tightly.

For now I can only manage to kick and scoot for a little while and then hop off and shake out my arm as I mutter "relax – relax – relax." I can tell it will be some time before my technique improves.

Living with changing Parkinson’s symptoms is a search for what works. It’s always something.