Kathleen Russell 's Story

by Kathleen Russell
Ann Arbor, Mich.

Trembling Clock

My clock has tremors.
I was 39-years-old when I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's Disease. Nine years the clock has been ticking. Nine years since 1st stage of a 5-stage disease. Nine years since the words "young onset Parkinson's Disease" pounded my core. Hoehn and Yahr call it simply Stage One. I call it "let the tremors begin."

My clock has tremors.
STAGE ONE
1. Signs and symptoms on one side only
2. Symptoms mild
3. Symptoms inconvenient, not disabling
4. Tremor of one limb
5. Friends have noticed changes in posture, locomotion and facial expression

Nine years since the 1st stage of a 5-stage disease. I have just entered the 3rd stage of this disease. I call it the "Velcro is my friend" stage.

My clock has tremors.
STAGE THREE
1. Significant slowing of movement
2. Early impairment of equilibrium
3. Generalized dysfunction - moderately severe

I who lettered in field hockey, basketball, softball. I who pedaled the Colorado Hardscrabble 100 mile bicycle ride. I who climbed back to back 14,000 foot mountains in a weekend. I who can barely button a shirt or tie a shoe. I who now say "Velcro is my friend."

My clock has tremors.
I find no comfort in the words, "Don't worry there will be a new President in two years."

For you see,

My clock has tremors.
Hear me, Mr. President, the new frontier is right here. "I beg of you to grasp it" for you see:

My clock has tremors.
STAGE FIVE
1. Cachectic stage
2. Invalidism complete
3. Cannot stand or walk
4. Requires constant nursing care

I call Stage 5 "A mind imprisoned in a body." I who love to swim, to kayak, to hike, to talk.

My clock has tremors

Kathleen Russell is a resident of Ann Arbor, Mich.