Training and learning from David exceeded my expectations and hopes in every way. Every minute I spent with him confirmed to me that God had guided me there and that I was in the right place, doing the right thing. He was inspiring, knowledgeable, encouraging, energetic, funny and very upbeat. His faith and confidence in what exercise can do to help fight Parkinson's disease was contagious. I believe with all my heart that with a good exercise program, not only can I slow the progress of this disease down but I can even reverse some of the symptoms that I already have. David has seen it happen with others, and I fully intend for it to happen with me too. I have made a goal that in a year from now my UPDRS score (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating scale) will be lower than it was when I was first diagnosed. In my 3 day crash course, David taught me what I need to do to build an exercise program that will help fight this disease. My husband is just as excited about this and is even on board with trying to get fit himself. (more on that humorous story later).
Now I have to put all that I was taught into practice! I am psyched, ready to jump in and do this, yet so very nervous and scared. In many ways I feel like I did years ago when we brought our first newborn home from the hospital for the first time. After we gently laid him in his bassinet, I stood there looking at him feeling so excited and happy, yet so extremely scared and unsure of myself. I remember thinking "What in the world am I going to do now???? I am totally responsible for this little guy!". Then I broke into tears and sobbed while my husband stood there looking totally helpless, uncomfortable, and frightened himself.
When we left David's gym on Wednesday, I felt like he was the nurse handing me my newborn baby and wishing me luck! Even though he has taught me what I need to know and given me the tools to do what I need to do, I still wonder...(panic)...Can I really do this???
YES!
I CAN do this!
I WILL do this!
Watch me!!! Better yet - join me!!!
One year from now, Thanksgiving 2012, my UPDRS scores WILL be lower than they are now!
(UM... I guess I should find out what they are now, shouldn't I?)
I love your excitement and committment to fighting your PD. I wish my wife would have had 1/2 that fight 13 yrs ago, and maybe she wouldn't be in the poor condition she is now. Do not ever give up, and fight it for all it's worth. And yes, to have a target for 12 months from now, it would probably be a good idea to see what you are aiming at.
ReplyDeleteI won't wish you good luck...because it's not luck that you need. It is the perseverence and fight you have that will get you to your goal. Yes you can, Yes you can, Yes you can!!!!! I know you can. (Caring1) Dan