Como ser una Mujer que no se Rinde Frente a la Enfermedad del Parkinson: Por Maria De Leon

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“He peleado la buena batalla, he llegado a la meta- he mantenido la fe.” 2 Timoteo 4:7

 

Siento como que he estado alejados de ustedes mis estimadas amigas por largo tiempo. Aún más por los estándares de hoy en día impuesta por la sociedad y las redes sociales que nos lleva a querer todo de inmediato sin tardanza ni retraso. Así es que les admito que tal vez estado fuera y lejos de ustedes más tiempo de lo que creía.

Pero a veces para continuar sirviendo y siendo de beneficio para otros necesitamos tiempo para restablecer nuestras almas agotadas.

Precisamente esto es lo que he estado haciendo las últimas semanas del mes. Para poder ser mejor persona, escritora, mentor, y orador. Además tenía que tomar tiempo para celebrar un año más de vida que Dios me concedió, pues hace una década me dijeron que solo me quedaban 6 meses. Aunque ya no es tanto celebrar el número exacto de anos sino que estamos vivos y podemos seguir luchando y disfrutando de las riquezas del Todopoderoso.

Este año ha sido increíble permitiéndome viajar a varias comunidades donde habitan personas con párkinson para alentarlos y motivarlos a seguir luchando. Durante las cuales he tenido el placer y orgullo de conocer mujeres valientes y fuertes de espíritu que viven y luchan del diario con esta enfermedad.

Todas ustedes son mi inspiración – lo que me motiva a seguir a delante- so lo tengo que recordar a mujeres como mi amiga Nan Little que a pesar de tener párkinson pudo escalar la montaña del Kilimanjaro hasta la cima.

Lo que he aprendido a través de mi jornada en esta vida especialmente en los últimos años desde que me diagnosticaron a mí la enfermedad, es que las mujeres fuertes nunca se rinden frente al fracaso o la tormenta, ni se olvidan de sí mismas y mucho menos de los demás.

Mi espíritu guerrero viene por medio de mi fe la cual esta contantemente siendo probada y les juro que no es perfecta y muchas veces fracaso y hay días que es necesario empezar de vuelta varias veces para poder seguir costa arriba.

He aprendido 5 lecciones importantes que toda mujer que no se da por vencida jamás tiene que aprender. Esto lo aprendí de un estudio bíblico sobre el libro de Ruth.

Ruth era una mujer que había perdido todo su marido, su familia, su hogar, hasta su fe (por un breve tiempo), pero nunca perdió la esperanza. ¿Cuantas de nosotras nos hemos encontrado en la misma situación? Estoy segura que alguna de ustedes como yo se sintieron solas, abandonadas y quebrantadas.

¿Qué es lo que entonces debemos de hacer para continuar la batalla y perseverar?

Especialmente cuando las fuerzas se nos agotan y quisiéramos quedarnos para siempre metidos bajo las sabanas y no enfrentar al mundo nunca más o simplemente no SENTIMOS las ganas de luchar un minuto más.

  1. Tenemos que aceptar nuestra presente circunstancias. Nadie disfruta una vida difícil, lección dura o tener párkinson. Pero a veces es preciso tener estas lecciones o dificultades para reforzar nuestro carácter y sacar lo malo. Yo por mi parte aunque no le deseo a nadie esta enfermedad ha sido una bendición pues me ayudado a ser mejor, tener más gratitud y vivir con mayor dicha que anteriormente.
  2. Necesitamos aprender disciplina y continuar aunque no tengamos o sintamos ganas de hacerlo. Hoy en día damos demasiada importancia a los sentimientos- como nos sentimos, que sentimos… pero a veces los sentimientos pueden ser engañosos y nos pueden paralizar. Tenemos que ser disciplinadas en nuestras vidas. Por ejemplo cuando estudiaba medicina aunque no me gustara el horario, el clima, las clases tenía que estar allí. A veces tenía que atravesar todo el centro de filadelfia a las 3 de la mañana para poder llegar a tiempo y pasar por las montañas altas de hielo congeladas en las esquinas bloqueando la pasada.
  3. Debemos tener generosidad emocional hacia los demás. Es fácil dar lo que nos sobra o tenemos de más, al igual que hacer donaciones y escribir un cheque. Pero es mucho más difícil dar algo que no tenemos y aún más cuando lo que nos piden es algo que nosotros también necesitamos. Me recuerdo un día como los que a veces tenemos en lo cual todo es trabajo y dificultad, donde no podemos ni vestirnos ni toleramos las medicinas y todo se nos cae de las manos dándonos más trabajo. Pues así había empezado y no podía salir de casa por lo mal que me sentía pero estaba en un grupo de estudio bíblico de mujeres y volví a llegar tarde. Ya iba molesta y frustrada conmigo misma y con la enfermedad pero al entrar al fin me relaje un poco pero no necesitaba un sermón amonestándome acerca de mi tardanza. Pero una dama ya de edad de repente me dio la sorpresa al reprender me con agresividad por llegar tarde y me recordó que si ella con su edad podía llagar yo también debiese de hacer lo mismo. Claro, esto no me callo nada bien y en ese instante quería descargarle toda mis frustraciones. Pero calle. Le pregunte en seguida si se sentía bien pues era fura de carácter que estuviera tan molesta. Al instante soltó el llanto pues había sido diagnosticada con cáncer. En ese momento todo mi enojo se derritió y me dedique a consolarla a pesar de que solo quería ir me a la casa y seguir vomitando. Lo interesante es que al transcurrir la mañana entre más le dedicaba tiempo a ella mis malestares y achaques se volvieron insignificantes. Al fin de todo yo me sentí mucho mejor el resto del día. La mejor manera de suplir nuestras necesidades emocionales es dando a otros lo que nos hace falta. Si amor. ¡Da amor!
  4. Estar siempre con las manos abiertas. Cuando uno está accesible hacia otros, las personas se acercan con más facilidad y frecuencia para ayudar y apoyar. No podemos aconsejar a otros si no se nos pueden arrimar o si siempre estamos molestos y amargados. Recuerda que la vida siempre se va a empeorar/complicar antes de mejorar
  5. Finalmente, sigamos adelante en Fe aun cuando es imposible ver la luz al final del túnel. Muchas personas se han dado por vencidas ya para cruzar la meta. No sé por qué pero nosotras las mujeres tenemos esa tendencia a darnos por vencidas más fáciles y antes de tiempo tal vez porque como yo son impacientes cuando lo que esperamos no se nos da de inmediato. Yo tengo casi treinta años esperando un sueño y seguiré esperando hasta que sea realidad. La vida es como escalar esas montañas peligrosas y resbalosas pero para poder vencer y llegar a la cima se necesita escalar con cuidado un pie adelante del otro sin mirar atrás. No quiero que nos volvamos como la mujer que intento cruzar el canal Ingles y duro días y atravesó por muchas dificultades y a la hora de lograr el propósito fallo por que la neblina oscureció su visión estando la meta a solo unos cuantos pies más.

 

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all rights reserved – Maria De Leon MD

How to Become A Parkinson’s Woman Who Does NOT Quit!: By Maria De Leon

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I have  fought the good fight, I have finished the race- I have kept the FAITH!”

~2 Timothy 4:7

I feel like I have been gone from you a long time and perhaps by the standards of today where everything is done in a hurry and we want things yesterday…I have.

But, sometimes in order to continue serving and working we must take time to replenish our soul. So, this is precisely what I have being doing the last month and 1/2 to be a better motivational speaker and writer but above all a much better person. Of course, I took time to celebrate another wonderful year of life. I am particularly grateful to say I am getting to that age where age is just a state of mind and not an actual number since 10 years ago I was told I might not be around longer than 6 months!

All the traveling I have done over the last 7 months doing women & PD  work along with motivational speaking to various Parkinson’s groups has been a wonderful experience allowing me to meet all sorts of incredible women  and people across the country who are living with and caring for loved ones with PD.

You women are my source of inspiration- women like my friend Nan Little who despite having PD was able to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.

What I have learned in my own journey of life and with PD in the last decade is that strong women NEVER quit on themselves or others no matter how challenging the task is or how though the going gets.

My own personal strength comes from my faith in God and believe you me when I tell you this is by no means perfect. I falter a lot and have to start over sometimes multiple times a day ….

I have learned 5 secrets which strong women who never quit employ- this from a Bible study on Ruth. Ruth was a woman who lost everything…her family, her husband, her friends and her own faith for a while but never let go of HOPE. I am sure many of you like me have found themselves in this situation.

What then must we do to Persevere?

When all we want to do is QUIT and hide under the covers or we simply just don’t FEEL like we can go on a second longer? 

#1 We must ACCEPT our present circumstances even if we do not like them. No one enjoys a hard lesson, having a hard life, or having PD. But, having Parkinson’s may be the way to a more refined life (happier, better you). I know that although I don’t wish I had PD I have become a kinder, nicer, more caring, more patient person than I was before.

#2 We must FOLLOW THROUGH despite our feelings. These days we give to much emphasis to how we feel and what we feel; but sometimes feelings can be misleading and can paralyze us. We must have enough discipline and conviction to keep moving forward whether we like it or not. This is what got me through all those years of struggling as a student with little money and little to eat because I had a goal to become a doctor! Even if I did not like the hours, walking across a deserted Parkway lined with homeless people at 3 am, in the middle of winter storm and had to walk across miles of plowed snow blocking side walks freezing my knee caps and face off –  I HAD to go! The same with PD. Sometimes we use it as an excuse to forgo commitments and become undisciplined in our life. Yet if we learn from a strong woman like Ruth despite her anger, despair, brokenness, and sadness she still went out to pick up the left overs in the field to eat.

I have discovered in my own life that when you are willing to follow through no matter what things just happen- you suddenly find yourself in the right place at the right time meeting the right people. That’s how I chose my undergraduate which led me to becoming a Parkinson’s specialist and found PDF who also led me to you fine women.

#3 We must Keep our hands OPEN. When you are accessible, people can come to you freely and can count on you. You can’t very well be a mentor to others or support others if you are not approachable and are mean, bitter and off-putting. Life will always be messy before it gets better.

#4 We must have emotional generosity It is easy to donate money or write a check or give of your time when everything is well and you have time to spare. But, what about giving what you don’t have? I once was going to a bible study of course I was running late as usual because my pills were not working, I was throwing up, I was having a hard time dressing and so on…you all have been there at one point or another. when I finally made it I was relieved to be there although was already feeling bad for not being able to come on time so I certainly did not need a sermon from one of the elder ladies who suddenly snapped at me for being tardy and pointed out to be that if she being an older woman could make it on time – I certainly could! of course, I’m don’t have to tell you that this did not suit especially since I was already feeling physically ill. although, at that moment I was feeling less than loving to say the least I held my tongue and asked her instead if everything was okay with her because she was not being herself? she broke in tears..  She had just being diagnosed with cancer! Needless to say, all my anger melted away instantaneously and even though I was feeling lousy I found somehow courage to stay with her and console her until she found relief. Interestingly, the more I gave of myself the more I found to give and ended up feeling better the rest of the day. The best way to have your needs met is to give others what you need!

#5 Finally, keep moving forward in faith even if you don’t see the end of the rainbow.. so many people have given up just before the crossed the finish line and this is a worst feeling to have. For some reason we women are the worst at this, we are impatient when we don’t see the desired results immediately but like climbing a steep mountain with winding treacherous paths, the best way to keep moving forward is one step at a time in the right direction and keep waiting!  I don’t want us to become like that famous woman who set out to row across the English channel and went on and on through all kinds of perils and overcome with fatigue, self-doubt and exhaustion gave up a few feet away because the fog had clouded her vision.

Cry if you must- but NEVER give up!

Sources:

5 habits of women who don’t give up by Niki Koziarkz

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all rights reserved – Maria De Leon MD

A Decade of Methamorphosis: by Maria De Leon

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It has been nearly ten years since my life changed drastically – which reminds me of the saying” be careful what you wish for.” It was about the last time that I  remember feeling pure exuberant joy- as if your heart were going to leap out of your chest and take flight.

I said that I wished I could get a new start in life and reinvent myself in my forties..well my wish came true…and I Never been happier. But the journey has not been without struggles, without tears, frustration, depression, and utter rage at other times the battle seemed all uphill. Along the way, I also suffered many personal losses that nearly toppled me over but thank goodness for the small victories and the BIG overwhelming grace of my Heavenly father who has seen fit to see me through till today.

Yesterday, for the first time again I felt a spark of joy building within me and a faint leap of my heart took place within my chest; and all is right with the world. Don’t get me wrong, there is till much to overcome and much to learn about this illness and myself. Yet, I remain hopeful that together we will find more and more therapies, treatments to allow our loved ones suffering from this cruel disease to feel hope and joy once more.

I simply love the blue morpho butterfly- maybe because its beginnings are ordinary like all other butterflies yet it grows to be one of the largest most beautiful butterflies in the world captivating millions of people worldwide with its iridescent beauty. This always fascinated me especially now as I live with a chronic illness which tends to slow me down. I often think about the  30 million insects that exist  around the world composed by 600,000 of species of  species or so yet few insects can draw as much attention and affection in others towards this animal for its uniqueness. having Parkinson’s makes me a bit slow and clumsy just like this butterfly whose flight is one marked by slowness and punctuations due to the incredible span of its wings which is too heavy for its body yet its ability in flight is one which few other predators can master making the blue butterfly difficult to catch. the top wings are not blue colored rather have scales which allow light to reflect off this mirror like surface making it seem blue while its under side which is brown makes the butterflies appear as if the disappear through space as the fly giving them a mystical quality.

They excel gracefully above their limitations just as many Parkinson’s individuals do fooling people in thinking we are slow and dull meanwhile when our inner beauty is expose it is unlike any other. We, too, defy the laws of nature doing and performing above and beyond what our natural capabilities would have us do. Their life is short lived as some of our is due to our illness but that does not diminish in any way the joy others feel to be around us and us with them. Nor is our joy diminished as we capture a glimpse of the natural beauty of this fabulous creature. The world is much more colorful due to their existence just as the world is much better for our transformations after living with PD. This is  because many  like myself have been metamorphed into something much more beautiful than we were before our disease when we were self-righteous, inpatient, living for the moment, without faith, much joy, peace nor self- control, focused on the wrong priorities and truly miserable and unhappy within.

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all rights reserved – Maria De Leon MD

In Search of the Right Pair of Shoes: By Maria De Leon

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Those of you who have been following my blogs for a while and have read my “Parkinson’s Diva,” book will know how much I love a good pair of shoes. Shoes are an extension of ourselves; they speak of our style and who we are without having to utter a single word. plus just as a well tailored outfit makes a woman so do a beautiful well fitted pair of shoes can make a woman feel special, elegant, and capable of conquering the world even if she does not much wealth.  thus, I am always in search of the right pair of shoes that will empower me for whatever situation I am facing at the moment that will complement my attitude style and of course my ever present red lipstick.

Shoes have always been a passion of mine with so many styles and colors to choose from I could go crazy. However, when I began experiencing lower limb dystonia and the pain became more intractable, the first thing I did was rid my closet of all my favorite shoes which I believed were contributing to my pain. I was forced to wear orthopedic shoes which made me feel so self conscious and worst these did not help alleviate my pain.  I missed wearing my stylish shoes and especially my heels which I was accustomed to wearing since I was a teenager. Then came the disequilibrium followed by frequent falling which led to even more trouble after I herniated a lumbar disc. there was no way I could wear my 3 inch stiletto heels any longer. But I was determine that Parkinson’s was not going to dictate how I dressed or what I wore on my feet which made me feel uniquely feminine just the same. So I started my long search for ‘cute,’  comfortable yet ‘stylish’ shoes. Although, over the years I have acquired a new collection of  attractive shoes which have also provided me with the support I needed, I always felt that the range of styles had been dramatically decreased just because I had certain limitations. this meant sacrificing some of the color I love as well as variety of style.

Now, as I have begun to expand my horizons once more I felt I needed something more akin to my style. so for weeks I have been in search of the perfect pair of shoes which could accompany me in all my travels as I lecture around the country. It is always hard to find something elegant yet with a simplistic attractiveness that would give me the confidence required to do my job while maintaining my equilibrium and not causing pain.

After much probing through various sites, I hit the jack pot! I was simply ecstatic. I had finally found beautiful, colorful comfortable shoes that were not too high less than 2 inches most in wedges, kitten keels, sling backs, peep toe, and flats. I was in heaven. only problem is that they are pricy and no longer having a doctor’s salary these are beyond my budget. http://www.beautiFeel.com Even the name of the company was perfect and seemed to suit me. However, I quickly formulated a plan, with the assistance of my fashionista friend in crime who is equally gaga for beautiful shoes. I would invest in THE ONE Perfect pair that would accompany in all my travails. Meanwhile,  I am dreaming of a wedge, sling back peep toe shoe with black and white stripes similar to Kate Spade designer shoes with a small red flower on top ..

A Parkinson’s diva can dream as it is the shoes that allow a woman to conquer the world.. and some day I will again despite this Parkinson’s disease!

Meantime I have redecorated my guest bathroom with paintings of stiletto heels and powerful messages that inspire me to keep going in this race.

copyright-2016

all rights reserved – Maria De Leon MD

Unraveling Complexity of Being a Chronically ill patient: by Maria De Leon

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A decade ago, I would have sworn I was the healthiest person; sure I had minor inconveniences like thyroid cancer at young age and migraines since childhood. But my life on the whole was great! Not that is not great now just different…I took one medication for my thyroid and every so often I needed a migraine abortive medication. I rarely set foot on the premises of a pharmacy. I would take my thyroid mediation like clock work without much fuzz. I NEVER heard from insurance, pharmacist, or other doctors regarding myself. of course, I spent countless hours dealing with all of these regarding my patients. each year, the number of hours I spent on phone and written letters on behalf of my patients steadily increased by now most doctors with a busy practice like mine spend a great deal more time trying to get around the bureaucracy and paper work involved just to get patients what they need to get better. the most frustrating thing besides arguing with insurances about approval of much needed medications was arguing with them about approving benefits to cover their care especially in terminal cases. Too often the help came too late.

Now, I am a walking, breathing, veritable pharmacy – my purse has grown over the years just to accommodate the ever growing number of medications I require to function; which invariably keeps expanding. Each time I think I have stabilized, there pops something new to throw a wrench in the system. Just the other day, I spent the morning at yet another unforeseen doctor’s visit due to acute labyrinthitis from an ear infection and guess what? More meds were thrown in the mix. Now, I have been assigned both a nurse and a pharmacy specialist to my case.

First, where were these people when I needed them to help out with my patients care? Secondly, in theory having a past medical illness or chronic disease  is not supposed to matter in the coverage of an individual by any insurance. Yet, in reality all of us who live with a chronic disease is being analyzed by some committee somewhere as to how much “resources” we are using. These resources which include medical, laboratory, ancillary, and pharmaceutical services are precious commodities which yearly are contracted to the lowest bidder. While, the premiums and out of pocket expenses continue to go higher as the coverage for those commodities continue to go lower for those of us who happen to have the misfortune of having a serious medical problem. Everyone who lives with PD and other chronic illness can testify to this fact.

After laughing out loud in disbelief for having NOT one BUT two specialized people dedicated to help with my care, I began to shake my head regarding the absurdity of our medical system. After speaking with these well meaning individuals who did not realized, I was a doctor, neither one had any answers to my REAL problems or concerns. No! I DON’T NEED SPECIAL EQUIPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, OR HOME SERVICES- ALL I NEED IS APPROVAL OF MY EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE MEDICATIONS AND TESTS so I don’t require ANY of the above and won’t end-up in the hospital as many of my patients have in the past due to poor coverage of medications and frequent changes dictated NOT by real medicine rather by pure economics!

So, after an hour each, they both politely stated they could NOT help with my problems. They could not convince the people they work for that these medicines are keeping me functioning and that perhaps might even help me return to gainful employment and at minimum are keeping me out of the hospital and getting worse medical problems if they were only able to approve the PET scan my physician ordered to make sure my cancer has not returned. But, to no avail. The answer was ALWAYS NO! But, will call you again next month at the same time. No wonder I like that new song of Meghan Trainor ” No.” “My number is no!, my name is no!, my {everything} is NO!” when I talk to the insurance companies…so do we need to let it go?

I hope we DON’T let it go otherwise we as a society will continue to hurt and suffer the consequences and end-up in a state not very dissimilar to the one in Mexico and other countries where socialized medicine has taken root.

I still cringe at the terrible experience my family underwent while my grandfather was hospitalized for a GI bleed in my hometown in Mexico. First, after having to transfer him to a “private” hospital because there were no medicines or even much staff at the government owned facility-the specialist he needed, not unlike what is already happening here in many smaller communities, was 5 hours away in another state and could not come for several days. So, he continued to bleed for which he required 14 pints of blood which by the way the family had to procure on their own because the government has no money to maintain a blood bank. He ended with 2 mayor strokes subsequently- which of course I witnessed personally and was helpless to do anything about since there was no treatment available for what he needed.

I am afraid that as the population continues to age and incidence of dementia, Parkinson’s, strokes and other chronic debilitating diseases begin to rise the quality of life for each individual will steadily decline in this country despite all the major medical and technological advances this country has unless we step up and demand change. please contact PAN/MJfox  @ http://www.parkinsonsaction.org  and after June 1st @ http://www.michaeljfox.org/policy

-let them know its not ok to have a monthly struggle just to get the medicines your doctor prescribed or have to choose between basic necessities and affording expensive medications which now include many popular generic brands which in some cases cost the same or more than the brand! and remember to just say No!

copyright-2016

all rights reserved – Maria De Leon MD

 

 

My Experince with the Evolution of Retail Prescriptions:By Maria De Leon

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Every time I go to the pharmacy as of late, the joy seems to be knocked right out of my soul for at least an hour. Used to be that I could just call and have my prescriptions delivered to my office no questions asked. Then as the number of medications began proliferating due to my Parkinson’s diagnosis I had to start doing drive through. First, no problem would request pick up and a handful of bottles would be given to me at a reasonable price. Then came the next stage…”please move to next window,” wherein I would sit there patiently each time longer and longer as the pharmacist would have to argue with insurance about coverage with an ever increasing escalation of price and a decrease number of pills given. This eventually led me to having to park and go into the pharmacy to discuss alternative options. Then came the inevitable forced changed by new Obamacare to get Medicare. Although, I had perfectly good insurance which although expensive it allowed me to get my medications without much hassle other than increasing yearly out of pocket cost. But suddenly because of my diagnosis, I was told to be “fortunate” to qualify for Medicare so my other insurance simply refused to cover expenses because under new law I WAS eligible for this so called wonderful privilege of having Medicare! After two months of trying to get the RIGHT Medicare coverage, I obtained the one government assigned to me NOT one I chose because I had too many illnesses. Was this new law not supposed to give insurance to all people independent of health status?

Well, I got insurance. I guess they forgot to qualify as to what sort of coverage people like me with chronic illnesses in reality will obtain!

Now, no longer can I get the medications I want, when I need but is a monthly battle of wits between me, the pharmacist and the insurance company taking a couple of hours at times just to get my meds and sometimes even after this length of time even with letters from the insurance company stating I have approval of medications in hand the insurance company refuses to honor this contract leaving me with two choices due without medicine or pay upwards of $300 per prescription.  All the while, as I sit there I see person after person of all ages and walks of life get the same comment…” Sorry, your insurance did not approve this prescription” or “you must get authorization from your physician first,” as if physicians sole job was to spend all day filling out the hundreds of Forms requested on a daily basis by their patient clientele. No wonder doctors are currently experiencing more burn out and frustration and disappointment in their career choices than ever before. They have no time to treat patients or to practice their calling because filling out mundane useless paperwork. web_banner_2_300x250

Each time invariably they will say how desperately they need their medication for management of current illness requesting retail price without insurance and the great majority have a sinking saddened look as they walk away without their much needed prescriptions. This is because in the last several years’ retail prescription prices have increased six times faster than 1.5 % inflation. This is according to the new AARP Public Policy Institute (PPI) report. Even the prices of so called generic drugs has escalated to the point of in some cases being more expensive than brand name drugs. The average annual prescription cost has reached new heights of over $11,000 which according to the experts is nearly 75% of the average annual Social Security benefits.

If these trends continue people are simply going to stop medications which are no longer affordable increasing the taxpayers burden of having to not only pay for the extra cost of medications; but also for an increase number of institutionalized people with chronic disabilities like Parkinson’s disease and other neurologically progressive illnesses such as stokes, and Alzheimer’s which will invariably result as their disease progresses due to absence of adequate treatment. As it is now, my opinion and that of many of my colleagues is that many Parkinson’s patients are not well controlled and suffer unnecessary side effects and disabilities due to the contra into in treatment options dictated by each individual insurance plus the increased limited availability of samples or assisted drug programs for patients to qualify under.  For instance although there are no generic alternatives to Azilect many insurances insist of altering doctors recommendations of use of this medication for an older drug Edepryl which has a generic form known as Selegeline HCl. Although both are in same class, they are altogether different in composition. Azilect is much better tolerated and effective MAO-B inhibitor while the former acts as an inhibitor to both A & B.  Another  example for which I believe so many patients suffer from dyskinesias is the persistent use of older traditional levodopa/carbidopa compounds in lieu of newer intermediate release formulations which are shorter acting and have more side effects than newer compounds in my experience. pdftulip

These newer formulations like Rytary are upwards of $ 500 a month no one can take this at these rates especially if they have to take another 10 medications half of which are almost s expensive so they opt for cheaper drugs with higher side effects decreasing their quality of life in the long run. And since we can’t even rely on cheaper generic drugs to offset  the cost of brand name medications and specialty drugs we are threading very dangerous waters leading to serious implications not just for us with chronic diseases like PD but for the entire health care system which will inevitably implode on itself at this rate unless we do something.  As I said many times, we must lobby for our rights to have access to the medications that our physicians feel are necessary for us to have a true quality of life  and not what our insurances or government think is best for us! Lest we become a nation over run with vexation and cost in attempting to care for an increasingly growing elderly population with increased  neurological diseases like PD. Take action and start demanding change today by writing to your state and national congressmen and letting PAN  (Parkinson’s a ion Network) / MJFOX  what the real concern is for it makes no difference if we have a hundred new PD compounds no one can afford except the extremely wealthy.

So, I take my daily Rytary samples with a great deal of gratitude and introspection since it is affording me to feel like myself again after 10 years of battling with this disease. but as I do I am wondering how long I will have to continue feeling like ‘me’ because when samples dry up no longer will I be able to afford to take this expensive drug. I will continue to pray for change in the system for all who have the right to access to medications that allow them to be themselves once more. In the meantime, I will also continue to make use of my time, efforts and  productivity to advance Parkinson’s awareness, fight for better treatments along with a cure with equal affordable access of these treatments for all who currently live with PD.

Together we can #EndParkinsons

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all rights reserved – Maria De Leon MD

 

 

Honor your body: by Maria De Leon

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Coming to terms with the feelings and emotions brought on by the new changes in your body is a huge part of living with a chronic illness like Parkinson’s. Especially for us women who may already have issues about our bodies before the diagnosis occurred. Therefore, in keeping with the fact that we are all Divas and we recently celebrated International Women’s Day –  I want all of us to be kind to ourselves. We are beautiful!

When I was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, my body image was the furthest concern from my mind. All I wanted to know was which medication I was going to take first and how fast would I be able to return to normalcy never expecting that my body image would change in more ways than one ….most of which were unexpected.

Of course neither did I count on getting recurrent thyroid cancer soon after my Parkinson’s diagnosis which brought on a new set of concerns and life changes along with a whole slew of side effects related to both the radiation and the new PD medications.

I was never considered thin but I was shapely in a good way, so I was told, but suddenly my weight ballooned to over 200lbs due to lack of thyroid hormone coupled with inactivity brought on a severe and total body wash out. For nearly a year, I slept almost 24 hours a day, I could hardly dress myself much less drive or care for anyone else …even sitting up to watch a movie drained me completely. Of course at that time, I was just trying my best to survive and live my life as best I could…far from my mind were the thoughts of diet, calorie intake, or weight concerns.

I was more concerned about my hair loss…although, realistically no one other than me was worried about eventually becoming bald since I have been blessed with an enormous amount of hair. Yet, it was very distressing to see hand fulls of hair on my pillow each time I awoke and see hand fills more fall as I tried to wash my hair – poorly I might add due to both Parkinson’s and thyroid disease. I was so weak I could not even hold my head up ..the little I did walk was always with my head down..which was interesting to notice everyone’s shoes. On a rare occasion, I ventured out to the store with my friend, as I was pushing the cart rather holding on to dear life I noticed a beautiful pair of Royal blue high heels pass on by and I so wanted to know who was the woman wearing such exquisite pair of shoes to a grocery store. I concentrated all of my efforts to get a glimpse of the woman by cocking my head forward and looking up…when I realized it was an older woman ..probably 70 years old, a tear trickled down my cheek – because here I was in the prime of my life and I could not even do basic self grooming much less wear a beautiful pair of shoes (my favorite thing to do).

Ambulating slowly, changes in vision, stiffness, tremors, balance problems are all readily acknowledge ways in which Parkinson’s affects a person living with PD but the aesthetics aspects are not high on the list like changes in skin, hair, and of course weight issues.

Although, initially all my weight problems or at least the majority were related to my thyroid over the years my weight has gone up and down due to Parkinson’s medications which has been rather frustrating. Then of course are all the tons of steroids that have been pumped into me for asthma and recurrent back pain.

Even though some people can experience weight loss, most of us women have just the opposite effect. this is because the medications tend to cause bloating, water retention and increase our  cravings for sweets (this is all Parkinson’s patients), compounded by the fact that our bellies protrude more due to age, possible hysterectomies and slow gi motility and we are fighting an uphill battle especially when our activity decreases due to physical manifestations of the disease. plus, although it has not been well studied but i have seen it time and time again an increase in weight in women who have had DBS surgery. so all these things together may cause us undue stress when we no longer can fit into our favorite dress. Yet, our doctors simply state, “you must lose weight!” without really understanding all that is entailed.

But, when your kids start noticing that you where a lot of ‘stretchy pants’ – the message is clear. What to do next?

So you start with  accepting your body and learn to appreciate it and enjoy it. Never give into self pity or despair. Someone once said that ‘body acceptance is a journey not a destination.

Begin by loving yourself and start by making small changes- change the things you can like eating healthier, exercising more, seeking a nutritionist advice,  joining a support group. However, we must also remember that one of the biggest contributors to weight increase is poor sleep. As a PD patient we all know how hard it is to sleep sometimes. all last year i took advantage of this to stay up all night writing but although I seemingly accomplished a lot I only manage to add insult to injury when it came down to my health and weight issues.make sure that if you are having sleep issues you speak to your doctor and start by having a routine – no t.v. in bedroom, keep room dark and cool and no electronics before bed time; of course daily exercise in the am helps with this as well.

Acknowledge how you feel – its not vanity to want to look good but is more important to be HEALTHY – a heavier person can be healthier than a less heavy one so don’t get hung up on the actual number on the scale. don’t hold yourself up to an unrealistic standard which can only be harmful- talk to a caring and knowledgeable physician or medical professional. Always focus on the POSITIVES!!!

I am enjoying my life and doing what I can to minimize any further weight increase while working once again on losing unwanted pounds -. getting plenty of rest…when my body calls for it and sleeping at least 8 hours a night. Proud to say, I can now parade around in my own beautiful pair of blue high heels even if it’s just for a short period of time.

@copy right 2017

all rights reserved by Maria De Leon MD

 

 

 

Women & PD: by Maria De Leon

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My thoughts regarding my life with Parkinson’s as an MDS  mirrors those of a great warrior when she quipped  “it feels as if this life is not my life. It is a second life. People have prayed to God to spare my life and I was spared for a reason. To help others”…(with the same struggles)- MalalaIMG_1996

 

It has been a couple of weeks since I wrote down my reflections and introspection; but for a change rather than musing out loud I have been amusing myself meeting so many wonderful, valiant women with PD around the country. These women from Hawaii to Arizona have inspired me to continue advocating for women all around the world. They are evidence that the well rooted common public opinion regarding women as the “weak” sex should be reconsidered. Especially, when it comes to the notion of how women living with Parkinson’s should act within the realm of this progressive degenerative illness. Yes, it is true that still we have a great deal of work to do when at least a third of the world still treats women as property and as second class citizens; yet among each culture and ethnic background we find examples of women who are courageous beyond measure who are willing to stand up not only for themselves but for others. Women like Malala who despite her young age, she was willing to put herself in harms ways in order to defy conventional wisdom and the abhorrent treatment of women in her country earning her the Nobel Peace even at such a young age. Her story reminds us that a strong voice in the midst of adversity and imperceptible roar cannot be silenced.IMG_2001

Although, we are not in this country by any means putting ourselves necessarily in the path of death, as some women in other parts of the world are, trying to alter common place treatment of women within the medical confines – still takes a certain amount of bravery. To go against the firmly held beliefs of the masses requires discipline, fortitude, and incredible conviction …

As we are on the heels of Parkinson’s awareness month- I want to  encourage all women who live with PD on a daily basis to remember that their story is also my own. Thus, I am not unique in any fashion or form all I do is encourage other women to become empowered with knowledge and become self advocates of their own destiny and health care. There is great power in togetherness and standing unified in a cause for the betterment of all women and their health issues with PD. No longer do you as a woman with PD should face challenges alone unique to your gender since half of the population is of female gender.

Things to remember about PD in women –IMG_1982

  • Women tend to be diagnosed at least two years later
  • Hormones play a role – since early hysterectomy increases the risk of PD but also women who are menstruating have worse symptoms of PD during their menses and their period alternatively worsens due to having Parkinson’s
  • Women experience more dyskenisias than men; this could be due to increase sensitivity to side effects as most women are more sensitive to similar doses given to men but also because of the weight difference (more body fat in women- causing medications to linger longer in body)  and metabolism difference.
  • Women have more depression and men have more behavioral problems
  • Women although have less dementia then men they have worst quality of life overall. Perhaps, because they also have increased risk of strokes.

However, there is an increase in hope since women are beginning to bond and find ways to support one another, lift each other up and  advocate together for changes in the diagnosis and treatment of women with PD. For this reason we are working on getting a women support round table at this year’s WPC in Portland. Let me know if you are planning on going!!

Soon we will have flyers that you can share with others regarding  the issues women with PD face. Two sources already  exists – one is with http://www.pdf.org  and “life in balance” a newsletter for people & families living with PD provided by Parkinson’s support solutions (Azilect program) issue 1-2016 – http://www.parkinsonssupportsolutions.com ; 1-866-880-8582

 Join the team. Together we can #endParkinsons.
 

 

 

Gathering of the PD Goddesses: By Maria De Leon

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Calling all the Parkinson’s goddesses and divas out there..

I am glad to say that we are finally making waves in this world of PD. As more institutions are beginning to address the issues relevant to us women living with Parkinson’s disease. So many of us have felt marginalized by this illness which can sometimes rob us of our independence as well as our dignity. We have lived in the shadows for too long feeling ordinary. But, I am here to say that as I live and breath and battle with this neurological disease as so many of you do I have found the strength, thanks to my “Parkinson’s Diva” fellows and supporters, to transform myself. My physical appearance nor has my diseased changed but one day I just woke up and voila!…I had become a full fledged Parkinson’s Diva.

After spending many years worrying about my curves, my hair, my thighs, and so many other physical imperfections as well as fretting over my career… I have found that having PD has had a liberating effect on me. Looking at the mirror, I am fully at peace with everything about myself even those pesky grey hairs and even though I walk slower, not as graceful and my smile is sometimes a bit crooked I feel blessed and irrationally radiant!

Yes!, this may be the dopamine making me a bit manic since  most people would agree that I am only “a legend in my own mind.” However, the friendships I have forged along this journey are real. Perhaps, it is true that “birds of a feather DO flock together!” if that’s the case I am glad that there are a lot of other divas out there – legends in their own mind as well. But, the truth is that I have been gathering divas for a long time-  we have cried together, laughed together, been broken up and put back together, giving, sharing, caring and loving one another has made us all sisters of the same plight and because each and everyone of you are strong and courageous and infinitely capable of making a 101 dishes with the lemons life has thrown your way – you my friends are goddesses in deed!

So no matter where you go, just listen for the buzzing of camaraderie among women with PD  who have shared tears of joy mixed with sorrow fighting for another opportunity to reinvent themselves; there you will see greatness!

In the end we must remember the word’s of one of my favorite poet’s  and a grand- goddess herself, Maya Angelou who quipped: “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it!”

 

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P.s. I am extra happy since I found out that my book which bears this blogs name ” Parkinson’s diva: a woman’s  guide to Parkinson’s Disease.” will be available at WPC2016