Shaila Bhagwat, 67 has Parkinson's which affects her right-side. She makes every effort to remain independent and self-reliant with an assorted and strict regimen of exercises, yoga, meditation, laughter and music therapy, gait training, handwriting practice, knowledge building, among other resolutions.
Four years ago, I had a tendon tear in the right shoulder and had a suture anchor inserted. It took me 2 months to recover from my surgery with the help of physiotherapy. But unfortunately, as my shoulder healed, other problems set in.
Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis
My right hand began behaving abnormally. It developed a very noticeable tremble and was now awkwardly positioned at near 90 degrees, even though all plaster and bandage had been removed. Initially, I dismissed it as fallout of the surgery. But when the uneasiness increased and spread beyond the hand.. to the right side of my body getting stiff and rigid, I felt I should consult a doctor.
In June 2014, I went for a check-up to the neurologist. With an MRI and clinical observation, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Obviously, the diagnosis does hit you bad. I recall my grandmother had Parkinson’s, so somewhere the genetic factor must have played a role, even though the disease is not always hereditary.
In the next few months, my pace of walking slowed down. I am used to walking 4 to 5 km daily. But now I was taking much more time to complete my walks and I would also be unusually tired at the end.
Curiously, my left side was totally fine. There was no trembling, weakness or stiffness on my left leg or hand. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can travel from one side to the other, but in my case, it is restricted only to the right side.
Exercises to Delay the Progression of Parkinson's Disease
The degeneration of Parkinson’s continues to trouble me. I developed Claw Toes on my right foot. Typically the toes curl up in a claw like position. It was extremely uncomfortable and painful. Worse, it started affecting my gait and I would lose my balance. Since the onset of Parkinson’s, my claw toes and stiffening of my body gave me maximum trouble. I even visited a podiatrist. I tried looking for special shoes, but couldn’t find anything. Finally, I got diabetic walking shoes that were comfortable and strong.
I was also advised a gait test to assess the way I walk. My walking had changed. I had started walking with a stoop, my walking pace had reduced and there was a lot more shuffling. I was walking more like a penguin. I introduced exercises to ensure my walking does not degenerate further. I do simple exercises to strengthen my legs, I exercise with a chair to increase flexibility and improve my range of movement, I walk sideways which is beneficial for balance.
Since my right side is affected, my handwriting has gone for total toss. There was a time, when my handwriting was neat and controlled, but now it has become peculiarly tiny. It almost looks as if ants are crawling on the paper. My signature has also begun to vary and be rejected. So I practice my signature regularly. I don’t want to lose the ability to sign my name.
I have lost the dexterity and strength in my right hand. My left has become dominant. I can do many chores with it now, including cooking and roasting.
With progressive loss of muscle control, and my stiffness increasing on the right side, it is becoming more and more difficult for me to carry out even my simple daily activities. My bathing and grooming time has also begun to stretch. I take much longer to bathe and wear clothes. I have made changes in the way I dress. I no longer wear a sari, but I have switched to more comfortable clothing.
I also do facial exercises regularly to prevent the Parkinson Mask from happening in which the facial muscles become stiff and immobile. There are set of 12 exercises for the face which are combination of face exercises, face massage and face aerobics like raise your eyebrows, rotate your eyes, balloon your face. I have also joined the Laughter Club which enables movement of face muscles. These stimulate blood circulation and strengthen face muscles.
I have been doing Yoga for the last 25 years. I think that has helped me cope better with my Parkinson’s both mentally and physically. I have also started meditation and listen to soft music to help me relax and ease my mind. I solve Sudoku puzzles for mental health.
I have joined 3 Parkinson’s support groups. It has been immensely helpful because we exchange notes about symptoms, treatment, medicines and different types of exercises.
Use It Or Lose It
I have to fight hard to ensure Parkinson’s does not take over my life. I am 67 and have two grown up daughters. I am pushing myself to the maximum because I don’t want to be immobilized or bedridden or dependent on anyone. Increasingly, I have started believing in the use-it-or-lose-it wisdom. Each part of your body has to be used, including small muscles, to prevent them getting stiff and rigid. The symptoms get progressively worse.
All these lifestyle modifications, changes and dedicated exercises have helped me remain independent and self-sufficient.
