Elbows and Backs
I roll off my elbows and knees awkwardly onto my back. I sort of plop. I assume the “pencil” position and stretch as far as I can. It seems I can add an inch each time I stretch.
My routine is consistent. I go through a series of exercises taken from boxing, yoga, and physical therapy. I am by myself, it is quiet on the floor, and I am in no hurry.
Air conditioning and the ceiling fan make the time soothing. Enjoying the moment, I close my eyes.
I am exercising without the risk of falling.
A win!
Bended Knees
The double thick yoga pads on top of a rug feel like a trail sleeping bag cushion and my back feels better with my knees bent. This is my planning and review time.
I whisper as I count out the number of reps. The timing is of my choosing but morning times are better for planning. I have no meeting to get to, no rounds to make, it is my time.
I think about what I am planning for today as I extend my arms and go through various arm motions and then “bridges” for my back and core: “Up for five seconds ten times.”
My mind is free to plan, consider different ideas, read a new book or search for a deep-dive subject matter or what movie I plan to see on television. Maybe it’ll be the movie, Oppenheimer.
Straight Legs
Once I am up and on my feet, my mental energy is spent as I remain on alert for dangers with Parkinson’s Disease. I didn’t use to have those dangers, or at least they weren’t as prevalent or their stakes so high.
In the safety of being on my back on the cool mats, I focus my attention on just this new day that I’ve been given.
Yesterday is history with no promise of tomorrow. As my friend, Allan, says, “Today is all we have.” The options are somewhat limited, but they exist if I think hard enough and remain open. I know I feel better when I make a mental list in the morning and check off task completion as the day rolls. It gives me a sense of purpose and meaning. My time on the floor is important to my mind as well as my body.
Old Wounds
I roll onto my side doing “open the door and close the door” with my arms, cherishing each time my shoulders allow my hand to touch the floor behind the direction I face. My eyes are closed again. Safe. What new thing can go on today’s list of tasks?
There is my shower and wound dressing yet to come. The wound is on my toe and to do it right I will need Annie’s (my wife’s) help. The wound is healing without infection, thankfully.
Thoughts from my history threaten to pollute my time on the mat, now ancient history in my medical record. I stay focused on the present and future. I can rehash all my history in my mind another time.
Closed Fists
Finishing my routine, I try to think of any additional areas that would benefit from another set. Prior orthopedic surgeries helped me construct the list. I finish by opening and closing my fists as the neurologist asks me to do when testing my DBS settings.
Now, I have a list of items to accomplish for the day. Goals set, I roll over to my knees, pull up on one knee, and then push my way to my feet.
Folded Hands
I complete the activity with my PT-prescribed “balance exercises” and go to my next activity.
One activity of the day is complete.
One done and more to go.
I don’t know what the future holds, but I am in control of today.
__________
Photo by olga safronova on Unsplash
Dan Stultz, M.D., is a retired physician who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 16 years ago at the age of 57. He practiced internal medicine in San Angelo, Texas, for 28 years and became the President/CEO of Shannon Health System. He served as President /CEO of the Texas Hospital Association from 2007 to 2014 working on medical and health policy. He served as guest faculty at the Texas A&M Medical School in Round Rock and retired in 2016. He and Alice live in Georgetown, Texas.