The Stages Of Life

Thank you Sister Sarah R for your love......

All parts of our life seems to come in stages. There are the four seasons winter, spring summer, and fall. There are our growing years baby, toddler, teen, adult and elderly. Single life, dating life and married life. Then there are the stages of education Kindergarten, 1-8, 9-12 and college.

I remember how slow it seemed getting to start kindergarten and then all of a sudden it was over and first grade happened. In a blink there was 8th grade graduation and then high school graduation. The next step for me was graduation from Columbia College and then CSU Stanislaus. Finally, some years later there was the graduation with my Masters Degree.

The important part of each stage are the people you have along for the ride. I was fortunate that my parents have been with me through each stage of my education. They were there to take me to the first day of kindergarten and then they were there for my final diploma, a Masters Degree in Education. Krishna has been with me through the college years and finally the kids for the last two diplomas.

I remember that Katie Nay sat next to me at my Kindergarten graduation. Kim Wright walked in with me at 8th grade graduation. High school graduation was a single file line by name so Jeff Hansen was right there with me and finally, college graduation was my counselors walking me to the stage.

The amazing thing that happened to me was that one person graduated from several of these with me. First she was there with me at 8th grade graduation from Jamestown school in 1980. In 1984 we graduated together from Sonora High. GO CATS! We graduated from Columbia College together and finally in 1996 we both got our Bachelors degrees together.

Angie Thompson was there each step of the way. It was not easy for her as she made her way to those diploma,s but all along the way we cheered each other on and in the end we made it. Together! This is how we survive these stages in our lives, with the support and love of those who are cheering us on.

Angie Thompson Underwood and I 1996

Parkinson’s disease impacts people in many different ways. Not everyone will experience all of the symptoms of Parkinson’s, and if they do, they won’t necessarily experience them in quite the same order, or at the same level of intensity. Even so, there are typical patterns of progression in Parkinson’s disease that are defined in stages.

You might hear your doctor refer to your Hoehn and Yahr stage. This scale, first introduced in 1967, is a simple rating tool used by clinicians as a means to generally describe how motor symptoms progress in Parkinson’s. Another more comprehensive tool is the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). It takes into account factors other than motor symptoms, including mental functioning, mood and social interaction.

While symptoms are unique to each person, and the progression of symptoms varies from person to person, knowing the typical stages of Parkinson’s can help you cope with changes as they occur. In some people, it could take 20 years to go through these stages. In others, the disease progresses more quickly.

Stages of Parkinson's Disease

Stage One

During this initial stage, the person has mild symptoms that generally do not interfere with daily activities. Tremor and other movement symptoms occur on one side of the body only. Friends and family may notice changes in posture, walking and facial expressions.

Stage Two

In stage two of Parkinson’s, the symptoms start getting worse. Tremor, rigidity and other movement symptoms affect both sides of the body. Walking problems and poor posture may become apparent. In this stage, the person is still able to live alone, but completing day-to-day tasks becomes more difficult and may take longer. 

Stage Three

Stage three is considered mid-stage in the progression of the disease. Loss of balance and slowness of movements are hallmarks of this phase. Falls are more common. Though the person is still fully independent, symptoms significantly impair activities of daily living such as dressing and eating. 

Stage Four

During this stage of Parkinson’s, symptoms are severe and very limiting. It’s possible to stand without assistance, but movement may require a walker. The person needs help with activities of daily living and is unable to live alone. 

Stage Five

This is the most advanced and debilitating stage of Parkinson’s disease. Stiffness in the legs may make it impossible to stand or walk. The person requires a wheelchair or is bedridden. Around-the-clock nursing care is required for all activities. The person may experience hallucinations and delusions. While stage five focuses on motor symptoms, the Parkinson’s community acknowledges that there are many important non - motor symptoms as well.

Parkinson’s disease is generally thought of as a disease that only involves movement. But in addition to so-called motor symptoms such as slowness of movement, tremor and stiffness, most people develop other health problems related to Parkinson's. These symptoms are diverse but are collectively known as non-motor symptoms.

It’s important to realize that non-motor symptoms are common and can be more troublesome and disabling than motor symptoms. That’s why you should watch for these symptoms and discuss early changes with your doctor. Research shows that people develop some non-motor symptoms, like depression, sleep problems and loss of smell, years before they get a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Non-motor symptoms can include:

• Mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and irritability

• Cognitive changes such as problems with focused attention and planning, slowing of thought, language and memory difficulties, personality changes, dementia

• Hallucinations and delusions

• Orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing, light-headedness)

• Sleep disorders such as insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), rapid eye movement behavior disorder (RBD), vivid dreams, talking and moving during sleep, restless legs syndrome (RLS)/periodic leg movements disorder (PLMD)

• Constipation and early satiety (a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts)

• Pain

• Fatigue

• Vision problems

• Excessive sweating, especially of hands and feet, with no or little exercise

• Increase in dandruff (seborrhea dermatitis) or oily skin

• Urinary urgency, frequency and incontinence

• Loss of sense of smell

• Sexual problems

• Weight loss or weight gain

• Impulsive control disorders such as binge eating, excessive shopping or gambling, usually a side effect of medications

Mixed motor and non-motor symptoms

The same PD symptoms that occur in muscles of the body – tremor, stiffness and slow movement – can occur in the muscles used in speaking and swallowing, resulting in the following changes:

• Soft voice

• Drooling or excessive saliva due to slow swallowing

• Speech and swallowing problems

What Can You Do?

Just be there for each stage of the journey. For me the daily support has been great and the prayers and comments are uplifting. I have not dealt with any depression and I know it is from the love and support I have from my friends and family. Today, Al O"Brien gave me a hug in the post office. Saturday, Jennifer gave me one at Sears. It feels good to know that people are on your side. 

A wave, a smile, a thumbs up, a text and a note saying "hey I am praying the ZERO prayer for you" are all things that help a FAMILY get through the tough moments of the day. Remember, just because a person looks good, I always look good, does not mean they feel good. I know many cancer fighters who look marvelous on the outside but inside they are telling themselves not to get sick.

The greatest way to help someone fight and survive is by being there for them with positive loving support. Prayer is great, a phone call is great. Combination pizza is greater. JK! I ask you please don't feel sorry for me, instead celebrate all the blessings that God is giving me each day. The bible says:

Nehemiah 8:10

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

That joy and that strength from you is what I all need everyday, rain or shin. As I take each step I will need your love and support and I will love and support you right back. This is more then just my story its your story too. This is our life together and it is the life I will treasure as I make "My Journey." 

Blessings

hamiltonron22@gmail.com