Grappling With PD

[Originally published elsewhere on 7/21/19, describing a trek to Mt Whitney via the Mountaineer's route as a fundraiser for the Michael J Fox Foundation] Some thoughts/lessons learned for next time: I finally understand the usefulness of trekking poles. They help me a lot in poor-balance situations and get in the way in poor-coordination situations, and there are times when I prefer to put my hands on rocks (or branches), but I get it. I was considering carrying my cane instead of poles, like on Mt Charleston, but that would not work on a climbers' trail. I need to be more conscientious with sun screen and insect repellent. My training in the months leading up to this trip was pretty good, with one glaring omission: walking on steep slopes and jagged rocks. I can go for a longer hike with few if any problems where it's flat or stair-stepped, but on a real trail I got blisters on the balls of my feet. Better preparation needs to include hikes on rugged terrain, or if th...

My son asked for a VR headset for his birthday. At $300, that's more than we typically spend on birthday presents. After turning down similar requests in the past, however, this time I agreed. After all, he is at an age littered with milestones--13 years old (about to turn 14), graduating eighth grade, first communion, starting high school. He has been working hard, and it shows, so yeah, you got it. Formerly the Oculus Quest 2, now the Meta Quest 2 (the parent company of Facebook bought the company that previously produced the Quest headset) . . . it meant little to me, as I have never really looked into VR headsets. I was curious to learn about the platform and what it could do. I recall the We (Wi?) from many years ago and figured that with the pace of advancement, the hardware and software of today, some 10 years later, should be pretty impressive. It is that. The only game we have at the moment is Beat Saber, and after letting him break things in for a day or two, I ga...

A common question that I have been asked about Parkinson's Disease is, "What's it like?" There are many answers to this question, even for one person with Parkinsons (PwP), let alone the vast variability among the rest of the tribe. One answer for me is that your body is at times ruled by involuntary musucle contractions. Three examples: posture, legs, and fingers. As I type this I am wrestling with all three. Part one: abs and posture. I am hunched over as if executing a combined bow and crunch. It hurts my stomach, it's uncomfortable for my back, and I'm fighting my own muscles to srtraighten up. Not only do they ignore me, they in fact do the opposite of what I'm after. Part two: legs and feet. They seem to have decided to tense up and not move. So while I can tell them to relax and march in place, it ain't happening. Not just now, anyway. Part three: I tell my arm/hand/fingers to move the mouse or type on the keyboard, and I get the...