Parkinsons

There'll probably be many more posts about this since it is now our reality.  Doug was diagnosed in April with Early Onset Parkinson's Disease.  We are glad he's now working with neurologists that are specialized in movement disorders.  He takes a ton of pills throughout the day now to give his brain the lacking dopamine, plus others for a variety of symptoms. It's quite a task to keep it organized.

I keep all the info sheets for side effect problems.  We've only had two.  Apparently grapefruit reacts weird with many medications. 

Doug told his employers when we found out and they sent us a very kind card.  I'm glad we were honest because now Doug can be accommodated as needed for work.  Telling employers is one of the biggest challenges for Early Onsets PDs because you are still in your working years.

I carry this with me on his doctor visits because they are hard to watch him struggle with easy tasks. I usually get very emotional afterward.

A lot of pictures I have of Doug are him sleeping.  PD causes bone-deep fatigue.  He has some high symptom days and some good days too.  This pic shows what his facial muscles sometimes do.  His left side droops well over his eye sometimes.  

People drop off treats to us all the time out of kindness or pity, I'm not sure which.  The kids love it, and my waistline hates it.

NYC

For my 40th bday, I joined Doug in NYC on a business trip.  Best trip EVER!

Boarding the plane

Our hotel on Madison Avenue

The kids sent along these stuffed animals

We walked around the city 

Grand Central Station.  It was really busy.  Now I understand that saying!

Doug's bedside table

NY bagel and HW

My trip to the UN.  Here's the press room which was disappointing because it was an important day there.

A small side road I found that I liked

They light the Empire State Building for Tony Bennett's bday

A popcorn van

Rockefeller Center

We took a doubledecker bus tour which was awesome!

The world clock

Broadway

Cheesecake

Time Square

Deli for dinner

Showing Haleigh the American Girl Doll store displays

Trying all the treats we collected back at our hotel.

Trying not to freak out in the taxi cabs

Central Park

We brought back this poster for the kids of the city.