The truest thing I have learned about PD is the statement that if you’ve seen one person with Parkinson’s, you’ve seen one person with Parkinson’s. This brain disorder presents so uniquely in each individual and can even present differently in my husband based on the day, time of day or the situation he is in. Hunger, lack of sleep or too much sleep, stressful environments, changes in temperature, all of these variables impact how my husband is facing his day and become challenges for me as I try to respond appropriately as his CarePartner.

We live our lives tied to a schedule of meals, meds, exercise and rest, but even then I never know for sure how my husband is going to feel on any particular day. I try to plan all outings or appointments for his “on” times, which are usually mid-morning or afternoon about an hour after taking his medication yet there are still times when PD chooses to interfere and we have to postpone or cancel plans. Yesterday was a low energy day, what is today going to be?

I like to know what is coming next, Parkinson’s keeps me guessing. I suppose that is good for me because it keeps me on my toes. I won’t ever understand the workings of his brain, why this disease is so unpredictable from day to day. Instead, I will focus on where we are in each and every moment and respond to those needs, and we’ll be okay.