My PD Story

When I first mentioned my symptoms during a routine annual physical in December 2020, I expected the usual advice — get more sleep, stretch more, maybe adjust my medication. I had just had knee replacement surgery the year prior on top of having ongoing arthritis and spine issues. It didn’t seem odd to me or my wife Shari that my movements were slower, I had difficulty turning in bed, and I had fewer facial expressions. 

However, when I brought up these changes with Audrey Tatar, MD, at Northwestern Medicine, she grew somber and quiet. Then she said, “These are typical signs of Parkinson’s.”  

Parkinson’s? I knew that people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience tremors, but I wasn’t shaking.  

Dr. Tatar referred me to Danny Bega, MD, at the Northwestern Medicine Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. Six weeks later, Dr. Bega confirmed my diagnosis. 

At first, I felt fear of the unknown, but also relief that it wasn’t something worse and that all my symptoms were occurring for a reason. Shari and I knew little about PD, but we were willing to do anything to slow its progression. I started medication, committed to staying active and got involved with the early intervention program at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab.  

Shari and I explored the Parkinson.org, the Parkinson’s Foundation website, and found a wealth of resources, education and support. Together, we found events such as their Moving Day walk, as well as Tai Chi, ping pong, improv and dance classes through Northwestern Medicine. I’ve also found boxing three times a week at Rock Steady Boxing to be very beneficial. 

All these activities have reinforced the importance of both exercise and community. I’ve met many inspiring people I would not have met otherwise, and that camaraderie has been invaluable. 

Rather than holding me back, PD has pushed me to new experiences and unexpected places. I became an advocate for the Parkinson’s Voice Project, joined conversation groups where people with PD share their experiences, and enrolled in a Shirley Ryan AbilityLab program counting steps and heart rate. I’ve even hiked in Patagonia, Mont Blanc and the Dolomites, all of which were challenging but equally rewarding. 

For anyone newly diagnosed with PD, here is my advice: Don’t go through it alone. Engage with the community, exercise regularly and use the resources available to you. Shari has been my biggest supporter throughout this journey, encouraging me when I’ve needed it most.  

For care partners of individuals newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Shari offers her advice: “Be a part of your partner’s journey. Remember that Parkinson's affects you as well and becomes a significant part of your life as a care partner. Encourage your partner to take charge of their health, stay informed about the disease, and seek support from others.” 

As the saying goes, “When you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s, you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s.” I wasn’t a textbook case, but each person’s experience with PD is unique; the right support and resources can make all the difference. 

Learn more about the Northwestern Medicine Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center.  

Find the Parkinson’s exercise class that works for you! For virtual options, explore our Fitness Friday videos. For in-person classes, visit your local chapter’s webpage or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).