Notes from Movers & Shakers with Parkinson (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780615421049)

Chris Ludwig was Vice President of technology for a major financial institution in the Northeast. Her job entailed international travel, including an unforgettable year spent in Ireland. While travelling, she noticed a tremor in her right hand and was told it probably was an "Essential Tremor", a condition considered by some to be a "health nuisance". Since it can also be an early symptom of Parkinson, her doctor told her to check it out with a specialist. She chose to believe the essential tremor diagnosis, until her personal physician insisted that she see a Neurologist for confirmation. She was greatly disappointed when the doctor diagnosed her with Parkinson's as well as Essential Tremor. Chris is an avid exercise practitioner, and believes strongly that "Exercise is medicine!" She chose to have Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, but had to discontinue the treatment because of some healing issues. She and her doctor are presently deciding "What's next?" Chris now lives and shakes in Florida and Cape Cod with her husband Dale, where she continues to appreciate every day with joy and enthusiasm. Dave Anderson was born and raised a small town boy, and ultimately worked in a challenging environment in international advertising with a Fortune 500 company. After taking early retirement he noticed a slight tremor in his left hand, which was diagnosed as PD. His personal journey through the disbelief, anger and denial affected his outlook and that of his support group. Working together with a personal trainer, Wayne McKenna, a rigorous training program was put in place, which Dave credits with not only slowing the progress of PD, but actually reducing some of his symptoms. Dave's passionate commitment was "ahead of his time"; studies done since then indicate that there are many benefits to patients who are faithful to physical fitness. The program and Dave's developing friendship with Wayne had a profoundly positive effect on Dave's attitude and consequently his symptoms. The results, both physical and psychological led Dave to write "How to Tame Parkinson's by Keeping Fit," released in 2005, which chronicles Dave's criteria for selecting a personal trainer and developing exercise routines for the various stages of Parkinson Disease. His ability to capture his feelings has provided us with an appreciation for the difficulties of having an unpredictable disease; he also was able to lift our spirits at the wonder and inner strength he exhibits.