My Life And Welcome To It
There are so many Parkinson's stories in the naked city. These are mine!!
1.) A few months ago my primary doctor recommended I see a particular specialist. He said the only problem is there was a three month waiting list . He also told me to try with another group. I got on the waiting list for both. Group one called me yesterday and set up an appointment for this morning. Interesting how there becomes a sense of urgency after they make you wait for 90 days. I went to the appointment this morning and when I got home the second group called and said they now had an opening. When it rains it pours. I think their patients must die and that's how you move up on their lists.
2.) Talking about dying off, when you see a doctor at the same time and place regularly, you see a lot of the same people. I kept seeing this one guy and we had a few chats. Last week I found out that he had an appointment, left the office, walked towards his car, had a heart attack and died on the street. What's the deal with people dying in or just after being in a doctor's office? It happens quite a bit. I admit to this one shaking me up enough that I had to break into my stash of Valium.
3.) At a Parkinson's support group, there was a discussion about how difficult it is to get approved for disability insurance. It's rare to get it without going through an appeal process. Someone mentioned they know an ALS patient who was disapproved. I said I just heard of a guy who said he had "emotional issues", and he was approved, first time and without a lawyer. So let's see, in a wheelchair but can sit at a desk with a headset-DENIED!! But if you can cry on demand like an actor-WINNER WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!!
4.) The Michael J. Fox Foundation had an event in Chicago last Wednesday night. They had doctors and other experts talking about advancements in Parkinson's treatments. It was open to the public and free. It ran from 6 to 8 pm. It also coincided with Game One of the Stanley Cup Final. I had a decision to make. Mike will be back in town, plus I can find the conference online (although I haven't yet). Who knows when the World Series of Hockey will be in Chicago again?? I chose Hockey. Of course, no one told me the game was going to last until midnight and I easily could have done both. Bad decision? Don't tell anyone, but I'd do it again.
5.) Finally....I try to take elevators/escalators whenever possible, especially going up. This morning I jumped on one at my train stop. A woman was already inside. Neither one of us really looked like we needed the elevator. As the door was closing, a man with a walker tried to get inside. We looked at the buttons to see which one would open the door but there were only symbols, no writing. The man looked rather sad as we left him behind. To make it worse, when we get to the platform, a train was waiting, which we caught and he missed. Oh well....as a friend used to tell me...f*&* him if he can't take a joke.
Those are my stories and this is my town....enjoy the weekend & have a Happy Father's Day!!