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Monday, February 13, 2012

The Energeezer Parkie - Living with Parkinson's Disease

Bev's battery
Christine Miserandino wrote a wonderful story called The Spoon Theory (Spoon Theory) to explain to her friend what life was like living with Lupus. I have a slightly different way of explaining Parkinson's Disease and use my peculiar sense of humor. I say I'm like the Energizer Bunny, except my battery has Parkinson's and doesn't hold a charge like it should, so I am the Energeezer Parkie.  


100%
Everyone has had experience with rechargeable batteries, in cell phones, laptops, cameras, tooth brushes or power tools. We know that when the batteries are brand new and reading 100% charged, they work for days. However, after a while, a 100% charge only gets you half a day or just hours.  


Warning, battery dying!
This morning, I slept great, woke up feeling good and decided to do the laundry. After the second load was done and the third was in the washer, my battery suddenly died and it was only 10:30 am. It was all I could do to finish the laundry and then I told my Wonderful Husband that I needed to lie down a bit. It was 11:25 am and I asked him to wake me at noon for lunch. I could hear him in the kitchen and I woke up on my own. It was 1:30 pm, I had slept for 2 hours!  


When I asked him why he didn't wake me, he said "You needed the rest." Now you know another reason why he is the Wonderful Husband.


Which one did I get today?
The problem with having Parkinson's is you don't look sick. I wake up almost every morning with my battery reading 100%, but I don't know which battery I got. Did I get the 10 hour battery, the 6 hour battery or the 2 hour one? I never know. I will never have a brand new battery again and I have accepted it, but when you wake up feeling 100% and then crash 3 hours later, it makes it difficult to plan your day.


The good news, for me anyways, is that sleep recharges my battery, so a nap can get me through the day.
Thank you for reading this story, I hope you enjoyed it. This is just one of a hundred stories in my book, Parkinson's Humor - Funny Stories about My Life with Parkinson's Disease. Please consider purchasing a copy from Amazon.com or your favorite online book seller. Thank you and have a Happy Parkie Day!
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16 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    A very good analogy,explains it well.

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  2. Grandpa ChuckFebruary 15, 2012 at 6:47 AM

    Naps are great!

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  3. AnonymousMarch 25, 2012 at 6:26 PM

    Great article, Bev. Humorous glimpse of what living with Parkinson's is like for those of us who have no idea...keep up the good work! Gail

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  4. AnonymousMarch 25, 2012 at 6:26 PM

    I've used this story a number of times to explain my sudden running out of energy in the middle of the way to those around me. Chuck

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  5. AnonymousMay 30, 2012 at 4:41 AM

    I love the article Living with Parkinson's: Recharging your Battery. It is the perfect analogy as to what we go through every day. I'm in the best physical shape of my life yet each day is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get regarding hours of sleep and hours of productivity. On the days I feel great, I put it all out there and on the days I feel off, I have to learn to not feel guilty. Karen S

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  6. AnonymousMay 30, 2012 at 4:41 AM

    I love your analogy! You are such role model I'm so many ways, keep it up!Shelby D

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  7. AnonymousMay 30, 2012 at 4:42 AM

    Thank you for your positive outlook on your challenges with Parkinson's. I too have to recharge my battery and I have found meditation helps. I aattended the Chopra Center and have learned so much about the mind body connection. Toni L

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  8. AnonymousMay 30, 2012 at 4:43 AM

    Thank you Bev. I have the same experience, Jim K

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  9. AnonymousMay 30, 2012 at 4:43 AM

    I use that phrase myself. I'm still working full time and find it necessary to take a nap at lunch and then after dinner to be able to function. Dx'd 14 years ago at age 34, also have RA and Type II diabetes. Tammy K

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  10. AnonymousMay 30, 2012 at 4:44 AM

    I had the datscan today at Tampa General in Fl. I get the results next week from Dr. Robert Hauser. Patricia V

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousMay 22, 2015 at 8:22 AM

      Please tell us your results.

      Delete
  11. mchurchFebruary 14, 2013 at 9:01 AM

    Once again Bev, you've managed to conceptualize the Parkinsonian experience utilizing your endless wit. Fatigue is a common symptom and one of the least understood and zzzzzz. Sorry, I dozed off while writing this. Keep em coming!

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  12. UnknownAugust 5, 2015 at 4:33 PM

    This describes my days accurately except a nap doesn't always help and I wake up with my mind in a fog.

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  13. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2017 at 2:00 PM

    What a perfect analogy!! Explains my life completely! Thanks for the great perspective!
    Veronica

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  14. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2017 at 2:02 PM

    Boy, does she hit it on the nail. I find if you don't listen to your body with pd, it's not a good outcome. Thanks for story.
    Shirley K

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  15. UnknownFebruary 8, 2018 at 3:08 PM

    Thank you so much, love your humor as it helps me get through the day as i am also a Parky and can't seem to get my family to understand.

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