I was invited to go for a walk with some co-workers during our lunch break yesterday. I thought it sounded like a good idea. I can even take my dog Penny, who comes to the office with me. Then I can take her to go poop and walk all at the same time… It’s called multitasking. When I met the ladies from work, I noticed they all had hats on and long-sleeved shirts, and sneakers. I wasn’t concerned because I can go as far as I want, and I can always turn around.
There I am, without a hat, wearing a spaghetti strap sun dress with no sunblock on, and a pair of fashionable ballet flats. One of the girls said, “Start your Fitbits, ladies, it’s time to walk”. We start walking up a busy road with a fair amount of incline on the hot asphalt. It wasn’t until we crossed the road that I knew that my meds were going off, but I’m just going for a short walk. I can make it a few blocks. I mean, what did people do back in a time when they didn’t have medications? Like in Colonial America in the 1600s, they likely attributed awkward behavior to witchcraft.
I mean, think about it… If someone in your village started walking funny, there might be a case for concern. I can just imagine sitting there on my wooden rocking chair, cooking stew for my 7 children on an open hearth, when I see crazy ol’ Agnes stumbling down the path. She is rigid, has a tremor, falls all the time, and has severe episodes of dystonia. To make matters worse, she was just complaining that she lost her sense of smell. Oh, hell no! That’s the devil’s work.
Agnes, bless her heart, is going to be burned at the stake. Fortunately for me, I was born in a time that has a variety of treatment options and a better understanding of Parkinson’s. The only drawback is I must take the medication for it to work. I forgot to take my pills… and of course, I don’t have them on me because I didn’t want to have to carry a purse with my cute summer dress. Oh, and did I mention, I just scarfed down braised beef, carrots, and mashed potatoes for lunch… which, even if I had my medication, the protein in my meal would compete with my pill’s absorption. Now, ask me if I brought water along for Penny and me? Of course not, that would be the smart thing to do.
I told the group that I was turning back, and we said our goodbyes. I start walking back when I get this panicky feeling inside. My office is feeling miles away in the heat, with a hot pup, no water, alone, and my ballet flats are melting into the concrete. I can see where I went wrong many times with this walk, but ultimately, I couldn’t sit and fester. Penny is looking at me like “You’ve bitten off more than you can chew. ” She’s found a place in the shade and won’t move unless I carry her.
I didn’t want to ask for help at first. I got myself into this mess. I can get out of it. However, I had to realize that this could become a serious problem. I sometimes forget that I have Parkinson’s. I was just going for a walk, something I do all the time. I didn’t anticipate my needs. Now I must rely on my wolfpack. Hey, that’s what they’re for. I have created my wolfpack, so if I need help, I have support. I called a friend, we will call him “Michael”, he was nearby and was able to come and pick me and my parched pooch up. What did I learn? First and foremost, I will wear appropriate attire and sunblock. I was dressed like I was attending a posh brunch, holding a mimosa in one hand and un pain au chocolat in the other. I will make sure that I have taken my medication while also having a backup pill on hand… that’s a given, duh. Also, I will have water for both Penny and me. And finally, I will remind myself that just because I have Parkinson’s doesn’t mean that I can’t go for a walk with the ladies. It simply means that I require a little planning to engage in social activities. Lesson learned.
Big hugs to you and Penny. This happened to my husband about 4 years ago, one minute he was walking fine, the next he started freezing up and his gait got stiff. Wouldn’t wait for me to run home and get the car, I was afraid he would fall if I left him. It was a long slow walk back to the house, lol.
Hi Linda,
Sounds like your husband is a really trooper! He made it home even if it’s slow. Thanks for sharing!
Well said – It is important not to isolate yourself from friends by sitting out activities. Extra planning is required. Good article!
Hello Twylla,
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Perky,
You’ve identified one of my worst nightmares: being without my meds while out on a long walk. I had the misfortune of being without my meds on only one occasion but thankfully was able to make back home ok. I’m glad you made it back to work and bet that this has been a learning experience for you as it certainly was for me. Stay perky!
Hi John,
It’s a real anxiety attack waiting to happen!
No sprinklers to lie under? I seem to remember your medication causes problems when sunshine is applied. Time to go shopping for a stylish umbrella… and one for you too 😉
Hi Dad,
Another perfect reason to go shopping!
I am so glad you and Penny are
okay. Thank you Michael!
Hello Connie! Yes thank you Michael!
I am so with you on this one. Our meds keep us functioning and at times it is easy to forget about good ‘ol Parkies coming along for the ride! Funny thing is, if I am going to forget any of my meds it will almost always be my lunchtime ones. Perhaps it is that during the day I am busy and time gets away on me and I suddenly think at about 3.00pm “Did I take my meds?” if there is the question the answer is usually no! You say you learned a lesson today about taking your meds. I am sure you have, but if you are like me, you have learned your lesson, until next time!!
Hi Sue,
Until next time, ha! You’re so right! I like your blog, the more we share our stories the stronger we become.
After all you’ve been through, I’m just glad you’re back ay work and able to go for a walk, even if you couldn’t quite make it back.
Hi Janet,
That is correct… I am back and work and I can go for a walk. Some people can’t even do that! Thank you for the reminder!
Awee so sorry you have to do all these extra steps.. I feel for you, I always have extra stuff too . just in case right
Hello Cathy,
Gone are the days when you could just walk out the door and not worry about anything.
Sometimes we learn the hard way. Alley Cat. But good for you, benefitting from your mistakes and being prepared next time, instead of just saying no.
Thank you, Jer-Bear!