Horses have always been a big part of my life. In fact, my husband, Jerry, and I have had horses our entire 42-year marriage. So when I started seeing the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in 2005 and was diagnosed in September 2008, I wanted to be sure I’d still be able to do the things I loved: being outside, gardening, and riding my three horses.
I knew something was wrong before I was diagnosed, so I took a proactive approach to managing my attitude and the symptoms, including using alternative medicine practices.
In October 2013, I participated in the LSVT BIG program at On With Life. I attribute my continued mobility and flexibility to the LSVT program.
I hate the mobility problems that accompany Parkinson’s, but I still do the LSVT exercise program daily and continue to attend the support group. Because of the exercises, I am moving better, and I am as active as I want to be. It’s a really wonderful program.
The program helped me gain increased activity levels, mobility, flexibility and a new lease on life. I feel really, really, lucky. I feel like I have a sense of control over this disease. My doctors have noticed a difference, and my neurologist said I’m head and shoulders above the rest.
I am enjoying retirement: spending time outdoors gardening and caring for our many animals, our four beautiful grandchildren, and my husband’s parents – ages 91 and 95 – who recently moved in with us.
Jerry and I still ride horses, and while Jerry may need to help prepare my horse for riding a little more than in the past, we are outdoors living an active life, and that’s what matters most.
-- Cheryl W.